Wednesday, 10 September 2014

The Empties #2

I've been continuing my one woman mission to use up the half empty products which have been cluttering my bedroom and bathroom. I have another big batch so at least I'm making progress! 



Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil - I first bought this oil when I was working on counter so I was wearing a lot more makeup than I normally would on a day-to-day basis. I was looking for something that would take Estee Lauder Double Wear off quickly and without taking half of my skin off (if you’ve worn Double Wear you’ll know what I mean). I picked this up after hearing about how it was hydrating and would help protect the skins natural moisture barriers while being lightweight and non-comedogenic and I has certainly not disappointed. It takes everything off quickly, leaves my skin feeling clean but hydrated and smells amazing. And this bottle has lasted for absolutely ages. I had a backup waiting. 

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask - If you’re a blog reader I’m sure I don’t need to explain this one. It uses natural fruit acids to get rid of dead skin leaving skin looking brighter and clearer it’s perfect for skin that’s a little congested. It’s one of the few products that I think you can instantly notice a difference in your skin. I really enjoyed using it but I fancied trying something different so I bought Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (full review coming up). I would buy this again though.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye - a great little eye cream with all the same features as the serum (fights all key signs of ageing, sweeps away free radicals, hydrates and helps repair the skin from previous damage). It feels amazing on the skin and I always notice the difference when I use something else. At £40, I don’t feel it’s quite a necessity for a 22 year old but certainly I would repurchase if there was an offer or Gift with Purchase. 

Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator - this is great for eyes that are prone to dark circles and puffiness. The dark circle correcting complex works on the underlying causes so although the formula helps instantly brighten the eyes, it is helping on the long terms basis. I really liked using this and it was always an eye cream I used to recommend on counter but I can’t say I really need the help with dark circles and puffiness yet and I do think £40 is a bit much for it so I’m not sure I would buy this again. 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II - magic in a bottle. It repairs your skin at a cellular level and helps leave skin looking more radiant, clearer and hydrated. Definitely my favourite skincare product. I have an extra one from my Lauder days, but I would definitely buy this myself in the future. I love the little brown bottle.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - this has been my go-to hydrating toner for the while. I think this is my third bottle actually. It gives the skin a little extra hydration helps soothe and brighten the skin. I have a spray bottle which I just top up with the normal bottle. I have already repurchased. 


Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp - my favourite shampoo. Nothing keeps the psoriasis on my scalp under control like this bad boy. It leaves my hair feeling clean, my scalp feeling comfortable and doesn’t dry out my hair. I already repurchased this.

Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo - I bought this after Vivianna Does Makeup said she uses it when she gets a psoriasis flare up on her scalp. I can’t say I actually noticed very much of a difference with this, it certainly left my hair feeling very clean but I don’t think it actually did much for my scalp. I found it pretty drying, so I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing any time soon.


L’Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Riche Mask - I’ve had this sitting in my bathroom for well over a year. Although it did hydrate, I found it left my hair feeling heavy. I won’t be repurchasing.

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Mineral Hair Rescue Masque - another one I’ve had sitting in my bathroom. I loved the smell of this and I enjoyed using it, it didn’t leave my hair feeling heavy but still hydrated my hair - it’s nice but it’s just not amazing. I think if this was on offer I would pick this up again though.

Ojon Rare Blends Deep Conditioner - I’ve spoken about my love for this mask here. Without a doubt my favourite mask and I still haven’t found anything that comes close. I stocked up on this before I left Lauder, so I have another 2 in my cupboard.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime for Damaged Hair - I mentioned this in a previous post about hair oils. I really liked this oil, it was light enough that I could use it to give my hair a little moisture moist between washes as well as pre and post shampoo. I would buy this again.


The Body Shop Papaya Body Butter - Another one bites the dust. This was featured in my last empties and I mentioned in a previous post that I’m well stocked up on this stuff. 

Mac Brush Cleanser - I use this every couple of days to give my makeup brushes a clean between washes. It cleans brushes and leaves them feeling clean and soft. I already repurchased. 

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control - I bought this last year before going on holiday last year in an attempt to firm up my legs and calm down the cellulite. I used it religiously for a good 8 weeks and I actually did notice a bit of a difference (this was at the height of running phase though). I started using this again before going to Portugal and I can’t say I noticed quite the same results. I think I’d have to do more research into similar products before buying again.


What have you finished recently?

Thursday, 4 September 2014

Salon Smooth Hair - Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balm

I’m forever trying to find something that’ll keep my unruly hair from frightening small children without spending a small fortune. I’ve went through a couple of the Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balms over the years and it’s one that I find myself going back to whenever it’s on offer in Boots (it’s on offer for a third off quite often). After going blonder before going on holiday then a week in the sun and in the pool, my hair has been needing all the help it can get.

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balm

This treatment is said to “deeply conditions and rescues thirsty, damaged and over-styled hair” and it certainly does just that. Although I love the traditional post-shampoo conditioning treatments, I’ve always found pre-shampoo treatments to be an easy, fuss-free option for giving your hair a treat. It’s perfect for popping it on when you get in from work before getting on with sorting dinner etc. 

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balm

The texture of this treatment is a little odd, in the tub it’s a solid wax - almost like solid coconut oil but it’s very easy to scoop up and once you start rubbing it into your hands to heat it up it melts into an oil. I section my hair and take a small scoop each in order to evenly distribute the product. It recommends leaving this on for up to 20 minutes but I normally leave it on for an hour or so and I’ve been known to pop it on before bed, scraping my hair into a pineapple. The results are always fantastic and it leaves my hair smelling incredible. It doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy and my hair is a lot more manageable. Definitely a thumbs up from me. 


Have you tried Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balm?

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Autumn Wishlist #1 - Coats

Autumn Coats
1 - 2 - 3
4 - 5 - 6

I love September. It marks the return of jumpers, boots and all things cosy (and my birthday!). I seem to have inherited my mother's obsession with coats and get far too excited when the new season starts to come in. Miss Selfridge in particular seems to be excelling with their selection of gorgeous coats, although it is still early days.

Have you started looking for an Autumn coat?