Empties - Jan 2015

As part of my new years resolutions, i have decided that i really need to finish and use products up (Which as a blogger, skincare and make up lover is not an easy task) after discovering my extensive collection. So here are all of my empties for the month of January.

Aussie Take The Heat Shampoo - I decided to go back to this after my hair got used to a few shampoo's and i can't say i am as impressed as i was the first time i used it. I mean is may protect my hair but my hair still feels really dry after using it, even with conditioner. I might try it again but use a different alternative shampoo to use alongside it and also a different conditioner. 

Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask - I picked this up after trying the Una Brennan Green Tea face mask which has since been discontinued, which now after using this i wasn't as impressed with, maybe that's why it is no longer avaliable. This really helps to clear my skin and draw out the nasties. I will definitely be repurchasing this mask, however i really want to try one of the new Superfacialist Anti Blemish Mask and is next on my list. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - I am always sad to see when this comes to an end, this one of the best facial water sprays there is. I love the smell and the way it makes my skin look and feel. I already have a back up of this and i will also be trying out the La Roche' Posay Serozinc which is next on my list. 

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm - Oh this made me cry, this is one of my all time favourite products and it is gone. I do have a back up which i luckily got got christmas, but i will be using the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm to see what i think and see if this can be my cost cutting alternative. This really gets all the make up of my face and makes my skin smell and feel like a dream.

Sanex Dermo Sensitive shower cream - I have never been a lover of shower gels and this shower cream really ticks all the boxes, it was really soft on my skin and did not irritate it one bit. The only thing is i got so tired of the smell. I have already purchased two different types of the Sanex shower cream,  to see what the differences and if i prefer those to this one. I am sure they will be featuring in an empties so i will let you know how i get on with those.

Soap and Glory Scrubatomic - I know, you really can barely even tell what this is and the pink has completely faded from the packaging. This scrub was for me a great scrub in summer, but i can't say this has thrilled me into the winter. I am looking for a new scrub, any recommendations i would really love to hear any suggestions i the comments below :). 

Yes to Cucumber Daily Gel Cleanser - I think from my disappointing products of 2014  post you will know how much i loathe this cleanser. I will never repurchase this and i am glad this is finished and out of my life. I am currently enjoying the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser at the moment which is miles and miles better than this.  

And those are my empties for the month of January. If you have any recommendations please let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear your suggestions.

Recreate the look. Concert.

AHHHHHHH It's me...

I don't always like to post pictures of myself but i am trying to be more confident at it. So i thought i would do a post on the items i used to create this look. I was going out for a concert when i wore this look.

Top - Primark - No Longer Avaliable

Necklace - Forever21 - No Longer Avaliable

Foundation - Rimmel Match Perfection in True Ivory - Best match foundation, love it, quick and easy to apply and is extremely affordable. Needed touch up of powder but was fine.

Blush - Sleek Blush in Coral - My favourite blush, the colour pay off as you can see is utterly amazing. Was still popping at the end of the night.

Under Eye Concealer - Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch - Makes my under eyes pop and is a beautiful concealer. Lasted all evening

Power - Body Shop All in One Face Base in 93704 - Kept my foundation topped up through the night. 

Concealer - Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Great for hiding spots and red blotches.  Began to fade after dancing but expected.

Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Nova - Best bargin lip laquer and the colours really pop, brilliant. Stayed on all night.

Eyebrows - Soap and Glory archery Tint and Pencil - Really easy product to shape and tint, best product for my brows. Never budged

Mascara - Benefit They're Real Mascara - Hard to see with my glasses but honestly, lengthens and did not run during the show. 

Hope you liked the look and hope you can recreate it. 

New Discovery - Rituals - Fortune Scrub

For the longest time I have been looking for the perfect body scrub. Normally scrubs are far way harsh for my skin, especially at this time of year when my eczema begins to creep back up on me. 

All i can say is that Ritual's you have literally saved my skin's winter blues life!!! This scrub is absolutely fantastic!! It is incredibly light with perfectly sized small scrubbing beads which clean and make sure my skin is not irritated. 

I have tried several scrubs from Body shop, sanctuary and Soap and Glory and nothing really compares. The issue I have found on the market is that they ignore that some scrubs need to not be sugar based or have really harsh huge scrubbing beads in them. Those products really tore at my skin and even made my eczema bleed, which is not pleasant. I really feel that brands need to look to how facial scrubs are made because for some of us, we cannot cope with a lump of sharp sugar or a really uncomfortable gritty bead dragging across our skin and not just clearing the dead skin cell's but feel as if they are damaging my current growing skin cells. I honestly feel Ritual's have filled a HUGE gap in the market.

My skin feels so much softer and not at bit irritated at all, not just that it does the job hands down and all my dead skin cell's are gone, POOF. I usually use a brush in the shower with this and the two together are a marriage made in heaven. My skin has never felt so clean and clear. 

Not to mention the smell, the Madarin and Yuzu really fill my shower with a wonderful citrus scent which is my favourite scent all year around, and with it being winter, the nice smell of oranges really makes it feel a little like christmas.

You can buy it now for 50% off in the Ritual's sale. Needless to say, I have already gone on bought several off these already...oops...

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. 

My 2014 Beauty and Skincare Favourites

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!

I hope you are having a good one or have had a fantastic new years eve. To end the year I thought it was time to talk about my 2014 favourites. I apologies for this picture, for some reason, adding lighting makes your bedding look really strange when taking pictures. However let us press on to the favourites.

BEAUTY

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush  - This brush is not the easiest to clean, however for the price it is an excellent Brush for liquid foundation. It blends the foundation perfectly in the skin and doesn't leave streaky marks like some cheaper brushes do. I have tried a number of brushes for foundation and this seems to be the best one out their, the foundation brush in this range should be scrapped over this one as it does nothing for blend ability.

Sleek Make Up Blush in the Shade Coral - I am sorry for how grubby the outer packaging looks on my picture but it is my most loved blush and my favourite of 2014. I feel this blush is a good all rounder for the year and very good value for money. Not just that the sleek blush line is amazing and expansive, If this colour isn't for you, you will find one in their range that hits the mark for you. To me this is a dark Coral tone which gives you enough pigmentation to work with. It easily allows you  brush it on very lightly to give a natural looking flush look in the summer and in the winter you can make it a little darker for that cold winter flush. I have been using this blush all year round and I have loved it. It's really been the perfect shade for me this year.

Benefit Gimmie Brow in Light / Medium - Oh wow, this is one amazing brow product. I was a bit late to this game and after rave reviews I caved and purchased it and by gosh do i not regret it. Whenever my brows are looking really worst for wear, this baby comes out leaps and bounds to sort them out. The little brush allows you to get in between those fine hairs and makes your brows look so natural, filling in those really hard to get to gaps. I use this mostly after my eyebrows have just been done to maintain the shape.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium -  I won't go on too much because ever blogger in the world has commented how good this is, i will say though i have tried a lot of concealers this year from Rimmel, Boujois, Maybelline and Revlon and not one of these has matched up to it. I may have to dip into the make up savings account for the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer at some point to see what the hype is about as that is one that gets raved about more than this one. However this is a cracking buy for concealer.

Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Champagne Toast - These lip glosses are so far one of the best products from any youtuber this year. This one smells and looks fantastic on the lips, it is a nude shade with sparkle and looks fantastic for any event. The gloss glides on perfectly and is not really sticky like some lip glosses i have had in the past and i rarely get my hair stuck on it. I do love this shade a lot as well as Aurora from this range. I have yet to try any of the new shades but i am sure to get my mit's on some of those.

Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil in Brownie Points - For a cheaper alternative to the Gimmie Brow, this one really saves the day. I love this because it tints the eyebrow with the pen side and with the waxy side, you can easily shape the brow and fill in any gaps the pen misses. I tend to use this when my eyebrows just need a little touch up.

Benefit They're Real Mascara  - I do love this Mascara as much as last year and i have only found the models co mascara that at all. This mascara makes your lashes look curly and volumised. The mascara is very easy to apply, it does however take a little bit of getting off, however for the curl and volume is gives, totally work that extra work to get it off.

Soap and Glory The Lid Stuff Eyeshadow - I've honestly reached for this little palette more than i have my naked palette this year, which will come as a shock. this little palette is perfect for a quick on the go look. I mainly use this for when i go to work because of how basic it is, i can happily wear this and still feel great with my look because it contains all you need for a professional eyeshadow look. The palette has excellent pigmentation and has a white shade for the base, brow and inner conners, a light peach tone for the lid and two brown shades which you can blend together, one has more of a glitter effect for over the top of the solid brown shade. All you need in four shades.

Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation - I have become a recent fan of bare minerals and honestly it's become the only thing i like using. The coverage is flawless, the finish is perfect and it looks like you aren't wearing any foundation. I did think a powder foundation would be difficult to apply but i do find it easier to apply than a lot of liquid foundations. I would recommend everyone who is a sceptic to try this and you would be surprised.

SKINCARE 

Botanics Shine Away Clay Mask -  A great affordable mask that i have been loving this year. This mask has really kicked my spots and blemishes to the curb whenever my face starts to break out. The mask is easy to apply and easy to wash off the face. This is a top mask and really good value for money. This one has really been a great staple to my summer mask routine.

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Self Heating Deep Poor Detox Mask - I love this mask more for the winter months as it really does warm up your face and really keeps deep into the pours and claws the dirt out. I love the self heating beads the most and when you have had a rough day and all you want to do is feel cosy and warm and need to clean your face, this product is perfect.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Night Cream - I love this natural moisturiser and I haven't found anything else that I like, like it. This makes my skin feel positively flourished after use and it helps keep my blemishes at bay as I sleep. The smell of this does smell a little old fashioned, a bit like pot popery.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly - Oh this is marvellous, i alternate this with my moisturiser and my skin feels so hydrated. I suffer from dry skin from time to time and this is the only thing that rectify's it.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisturising Facial Serum  -  It was my favourite last year and has been my favourite this year. In pair with the moisture jelly, this makes my skin so hydrated and soft and gives it new life. I have noticed when i don't use a serum my face does break out for a little while so i will keep using this as well as another serum to alternate out. This is one amazing product, believe the hype.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil - This is one of the best facial oils around and the handy roller ball which you can buy from the balance me site, makes it easier to apply on the face. I really don't like putting the oil on your hands and the hands getting all sticky and more on your hands than the face. This oil helps to repair my skin and also makes my face glow. Oil's are not to be missed out these are amazing products.

 Caudalie Beauty Elixir - Beauty Elixir is a hyped product and deserves it, this water spray is fantastic at giving your face radiance and life when it is looking a little dried out. This is fantastic over and under make up and will wake your face right up.

Le Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + - Spots be gone! This stuff is the stuff of the gods. Paired with a mask and a moisturiser you will have no problem at all with spots as effaclar targets and kills those red evil pimples. This is something you should always have in your collection.

 Super Facialist Vitamin C + Skins Brighter Cleansing Oil.  - If you want make up of your face and you don't want to pay for bioderma, this stuff is the business and in my opinion a heck of a lot better than these Micelular waters which really are full of so many nasty toxins. This is all natural and the oils blend together with your make up to get it off your face. It doesn't smell too bad either.

HYGEINE / OTHER - 

Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau De Toilette - Not a lot of people talk about body shop for their fragrances but i think they are wrong to think that way. The scents are just at good as anything from any other popular perfume range and better than anything from avon. This scent is such a fresh grown up scent and very floral. I really love wearing this scent and get a lot of compliments.

Sanex Sensitive Roll on Deodorant - I used to be a sure spray girl up until a few years ago, but after noticing this really wasn't doing me any favours, i tried a good few rolls on and this one is honestly the best i have ever tried. I am shocked how an earth such a cheap roll on keeps me fresh all day and beyond but it honestly is the best i have tried yet. I highly recommend this one.

Oral B 3D White Brillance - This is my favourite toothpaste of the moment, it really keeps my teeth pearly and white and protects my teeth. I used to use sensodyne but i was noticing that it was actually making my teeth and gums more sensitive, esentially defeating it's purpose so i decided to change to this one. I have no regrets.

And that is my 2014 favourites...FEW. A lot of products there that have rocked my world. I really hope that you have a great new year and maybe have found some new products to try out.

Disappointing Products of 2014

We've all been there, purchasing a product and it not being quite up to what we expected. Here are products that have disappointed me this past year:

The Visible Difference set from Elizabeth Arden - I was drawn to this set as I know everyone raves about Elizabeth Arden and but all i can say is this duo really let me down. After like the first couple of use's i really did not enjoy using it. The exfoliator stuck to my skin and did not exfoliate my skin at all. The beads would not come off and it took more than 5/6 washes as well as using a face cloth. Normally exfoliators for me take one good rinse and i finish it off with a cloth to make sure and i am done. The toner just made my skin feel dry and i did not notice any results at all to my skin. I would advise you avoid this set and range because it really is just not worth it. The set seems like a good deal at £15 (might be a little more because i bought it at £12 from £15 at the start of this year) but honestly it's really not.  

Yes to Cucumber Daily Gel Cleanser - So like everyone i have used to face wipes and LOVED them so i thought i would give this Cleanser the same range a try. I soon regretted my decision. The gel was so difficult to use in all aspects. The product was extremely runny, in a way like water which makes it really difficult to work with. Getting this product to foam up to clean your face is really difficult and when it does the foam is very little and it did not really clean my face at all. Removing this product is more of a nightmare than getting make up off, it really turns into glue!  I could not see any results from using the product on my skin. All i can say is, the wipes are good but this is really not. It has put me off trying any of the other items in their range but if there is anything please let me know. 

The Glamour Beauty Box sample version of the HD Brows Eye and Brow Pallette (Link to the full sized product only available now) - Did anyone work out how to use this product? as i'm sure not just I received this in one of the first glamour beauty boxes from latest in beauty. I have no idea why this kit is now on sale as a full sized kit AT ALL. The brow colour is far too dark for anyone who has brown eyebrows, even though it seems more advertised at someone that would have. Not just that the three other colours which i assume are for eyeshadows were some of the worst i have ever had to work with. The colours in the set would not blend at all. This is a Really disappointing product, i hope they have change the formula of these for the full size set i honestly cannot think of anything worse to put on my brows or around my eyes. I think i'd stick to the Archery from Soap and glory or a new favourite from Eyelur for brows because this kit makes HD look Analogue. 

Maybeline New York Fit Me Concealer - I am not sure about where the hype about this product came from in all honesty because this is a dry skin clinger. I picked up two shades, fair and sand and neither of these two concealer's looked even close to my fair skin tone, the shade range does need drastic improvement.  The concealer was easy to blend and all but i noticed after a few hours the effects were gone and if i had dry skin, this would cling to it and make my skin look herrendous. Stick to the Collection concealer or NARS concealer, these two have an amazing shade range and do not cling to dry skin patches.  

Jessica Damaged Nails Kit - After bad hiccup with some shellac nail removal, I bough this kit with high hope that It would help my nails restore back to full health. I used this kit for good three months, as well as buffing my nails and this really did kit really did nothing to help the process. It seems this kit is one of those, let's attempt to mask the problem and not fit it. My nails still looked damaged and were not healing as the kit claims. If you want any help at all get the Dr Lewinn's kit, it's miles better than this tragic trio and was one that helped my nails to recover. 

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara - I got this free when i bought a foundation and concealer from the Rimmel and i wish i had never opened it. This is the definition of clump central, a mere few weeks after i opened it. Now I have had mascara's that have lasted a good few months before drying up and going clumpy, so i was extremely disappointed with this product. On the plus side the brush design it's just a shame that the product did not match to the standard of the brush.  I'd advise looking further for mascara.

Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker Lip Lacquers - Now i love the sexy mother pucker gloss sticks, so when i saw these i thought i would give them a go. This product a bit like the yes to cucumber gel and was was basically like glue, but instead of sticking to my lips, it stuck to the container. The gloss was sticky and horrible and you could not apply it at all to the lips. It's a real disappointment for me because the majority of soap and glory products have really hit leaps and bounds above some of the more high end products for me but this one did not make the cut. Try the Rimmel Lip Laqure's for a great budget find. 

So there you have it, another year closes and these are the products I wish I had never met in 2014. Keep away from these when out shopping because they will give you nothing but none refundable trouble.

Happy New year.

Christmas Gift Guide - Beauty and Skincare - Women

Stuck for idea's to get the women in your life this christmas? Well look no further, this is my beauty and skincare gift guide for the ladies of tomorrow. 

Real Techniques - Sam's Pick's Set -  Make up brush sets are brilliant to give at Christmas and this one is perfect as it includes all their best selling brushes which covers all area's of make up the face, the eyes and the cheeks. This is great for someone who loves makeup or just getting into make up. Real Techniques Brushes are great quality and very affordable so you won't have to worry about that special someone wanting more brushes and the kit can easily be expanded upon. This kit even includes and exclusive brush only available in this set, so why not give this as a gift this christmas? 

La Roche Posay Efflicar 3 Step Anti- Blemish System - I love La Roche-Posay and this three step kit to cleanse, tone and correct. This three step system is great for getting rid of acne and keeping the skin clear using a routine which cleans and tackles the acne. This is a great gift for the loyal band fan or even for someone getting into skincare. Affordable and high quality, skincare that works. I'd be hoping Santa would leave this under my tree. 

This Works Dream Believers - There's alway's one who cannot sleep until Christmas and this kit really is here to help. With this kit you get the much talked about pillow spray to spray onto your pillow to help you sleep and a cream to help you get into the winding down mood as you prepare for bed. This gift is perfect for those suffering with insomnia and a great way to introduce a new alternative for those who have never tried the range perfect. Merry Chri....zzzzzz.

Sanctuary A Spritz of Joys Gift Set - Oh this really is a joy, Santuary Spa is one of the most affordable and loveliest smelling ranges on the market. The body wash and lotion will get you ready to start the day feeling fresh and then you can sprits the perfume will keep you smelling great with your favourite scent. Definitely a great one for mum / Grandma. 

Philip Kingsley Body and Volume Try me Kit - Oh wow, a haircare set, from Philip Kingsley, thats wait, what...AFFORDABLE. Holy moley, you are in for a treat. This set will get your hair to new highs with the try me volume kit. They also do a few other kits for body and shine, the soft and shiny range, and silver range for blonde hair. These kits are great for if you are wanting a taste of luxury or wanting to try before you buy. Damn you're hair will be looking fineeeee. 

Soap for the Best by Soap and Glory.  - We can't deny we all love a bit of soap and glory and at Christmas they pack out the punch. This kit includes all of their best sellers and a handy shower poof, from shower lotion, hand food, feet scrub and body butter, your body will feel like a glorious dream. A fantastic gift for all, even affordable for the £10 secret santa budget at work! Snap this up quick!

Benefit Fun Sized Flirts - Ok breathe, benefit have made a pack of their best sellers, readily available for you. Oh wow, this pack really is great for the loyal benebabe or for someone who really wants to get into make up. This kit really is a stunner and includes all the basics to get going including cleanser, printer, mascara, blusher and many more. I'd run to the shops for this one, their selling like hot cakes.

Tanya Burr Nail Trio's - Fellow blogger Tanya Burr really has given us a treat this xmas bringing out these sets for the nail varnish lover. This set is perfect for christmas, but there are other colour sets for you to choose from. For those who love their nails looking the business i'd get these before they sell out.

Well i hope this has made Santa's job a bit easier.

My next gift guide for men coming soon...

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