June/July 2013: Used, Abused & Reviewed.

I have 2 months worth of empties to get through so I'm going to try to keep this post as short and to the point as I can or we'll be here all day but if you have any questions, ask away.

Girlz Only Dry Shampoo 'Party Nights': I really like this dry shampoo, it come's in 3 or 4 different scents and works just as well as Batiste. The scent lingers on the hair all day but if you have a sensitive scalp then it can cause you to itch like a Nitty Norah. I'm fine as long as I wash my hair the day after using this. If you have dark brown/black hair you need to make sure you brush it through really well as it's very powdery. It's cheap and cheerful but the name kills me, am I alone on this?

Repurchase? I already have another one in the cupboard.

Liz Earle Eye Bright*: I love most Liz Earle products but this isn't one of them. I know for some people it works wonders at refreshing tired, sore eye's and getting rid of puffiness but I really don't think it does anything for me.

Repurchase? No

Green & Spring Restoring Face Serum*: I haven't fully used this up, there's a tiny bit left but it's out of date now. If you love oils, you'll love this. It's called Restoring Face Serum but it's actually an oil that works really well at softening any rough patches of skin. I get a random patch under my eye and chin and noticed a difference from the first use. You can read my full review here.

Repurchase? I'm sure I will at some point.

OSMO Deep Moisturising Shampoo: I've had this for such a long time. I didn't use it often as it contains ingredients I try to avoid but if my hair was feeling really dry and looking a bit ratty it made a big difference. It smells nice, lathers up well and made my hair look/feel smooth.

Repurchase? No, I prefer other shampoo's.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir: Probably one of the most hyped up products ever. I reviewed it last year (link) and I've gone through 2 or 3 bottles since then but I don't think it's the wonder product it's made out to be. I don't see any improvement in my skin when I use it, if anything it dries my skin out if used too often but I do enjoy using when the sun's shining or when I've got a migraine and feel a bit sick.

Repurchase? I'm using up my last bottle now but doubt I'll buy it again.

JASON Apricot Scrubble*: I started out really lovin' this face scrub but over time it became too harsh for my skin so I used the rest as a body scrub. I love JASON products but Apricot Scrubble isn't a product I would recommend to anyone with overly sensitive skin. If you like a good manual exfoliator though and know it won't upset your skin then this is a good one to go for. It's reasonably priced and free from harmful ingredients.

Repurchase? No

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash: I bought this in a set of 3 last year and did enjoy using it, it's very gentle on sensitive skin and can even be used on babies but it's too expensive for what it is. If you're someone who likes to splash out when it comes to bath and shower products it might be one worth trying.

Repurchase? No.

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara: This was my mascara of choice for yeeeaaaaarssss. It's one of the blackest mascara's I've ever tried and made my lashes look full, long and curled but for some reason it doesn't work as well for me as it used to. I'm not sure if the formula has been changed or maybe my lashes have.

Repurchase? Not sure.

REN Neroli & Grapefruit Body Wash: REN body washes - I love them, my purse hates them. They're gorgeous. I love the packaging, the scents, the ingredients, the texture, I love everything about them except the price. The Neroli & Grapefruit version was my morning shower buddy, it helped wake me up with its fresh, citrusy scent.

Repurchase? Not at full price.

Toni & Guy Platinum Blonde Conditioner: This has been lurking in my bathroom for what seems like a million years. I bought it as a shampoo/conditioner duo but found the conditioner pointless. It has a purple tint but not enough to counteract any brassy tones. The shampoo was a lot better.

Repurchase? No

Garnier Ambre Solaire Medium Bronze Natural Dry Body Mist: Another forgotten product. I do like this but prefer other brands like Hi-Shi. I ended up with a few random streaks everytime I used this even though it claims to be a no streaks tan.

Repurchase? No

Leonor Greyl: I have no idea what this is called, it just says 'Palme' but its a solid oil which melts when in contact with heat and can be used as a pre shampoo treatment. I usually leave treatments on overnight and I did feel a bit of a difference after using this but not enough to make me want to buy it.

Repurchase? No

Lightening Whitening Teeth Whitening Pen: I'm all over anything that claims to whiten teeth and after seeing a few people rave about this I was daft enough to place an order using their discount code. It. Doesn't. Work.

Repurchase? Never

Figs & Rouge Sweet Geranium 100% Organic Balm: I REALLY liked this. It can be used on the face, body and lips to help sort out any dry patches. The tin is really small and cute too.

Repurchase? Yes but in a different scent.

Apivita Moisturising & Nourishing Mask With Honey: I really had high hopes for this brand but so far I've only liked one product (I think) I didn't really notice much difference in how my skin looked or felt after using this mask and it did sting when first applied so it isn't something I would recommend to anyone with sensitive skin.

Repurchase? No

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Capsules*: I can't really comment too much on this as there was only 2 capsules in the pack but it's a facial oil designed to soften the look of fine lines. It felt nice on the skin and is really good to apply before doing a facial massage but 2 uses isn't enough to notice much difference.

Repurchase? No

Pure Thoughts Apricot & Orange and Mango & Peach Face Masks: Love this brand. The masks come in powder form which you then mix with water to create a paste. They're free from nasty ingredients and have never irritated my skin. You can buy samples to try before committing to full sizes and the soaps are gorgeous too!

Repurchase? Yes

ESPA Super Active Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum: This is only a small sample but it lasted a long time. I've wanted to try something from ESPA for ages so was really excited to see this in my Latest In Beauty advent calendar but the excitement was short lived - I didn't like the texture, it's like a sticky gel that felt tacky even once it had dried and it didn't make any difference to my eye area.

Repurchase? No

Talika Skin Retouch: I can't remember much about this sample apart but it did improve the look of whatever area of skin I applied it to. It can be applied to the face, hands and neck, and from what I can remember, it was silicone based so it's not really something I would want to use daily.

Repurchase? No

100% Chemical Free 100% Natural No-Germs Deo: This is one of the deodorants I bought when trying to find a more natural deodorant to use but sadly it didn't do much. It's still more than half full but more than likely out of date by now. It's fragrance free and didn't sting even after shaving but it was just like spraying water under my arms.

Repurchase? No

The Boring Bits:

Sure Cotton Dry Deodorant

Cotton Pads x2

I've mentioned the Montagne Jeunesse Nose Pore Strips loads of times, you can read my review here but in short, I do recommend them.

Phew! Thought I was never gonna get to the end of this post.

Have you tried any of these products?

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*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #10

I'm still on my mission to use up all the perfumes I'm not so fond off. I got halfway through Britney Radiance last fortnight and this fortnights fragrance of choice is...

Beyonce Heat: I really, really like Beyonce Pulse but sadly the same can't be said for Heat. I think I've maybe used this only once or twice but maybe it'll grow on me. It was a blind buy last year, the fact that it was on sale was enough for me to drop it into my basket.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream: I've came to the end of my beloved Sarah Chapman Eye Recovery and will definitely order the full sized tube but first I need to cut my skincare collection in half, plus I'm on a spending ban. Booo!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir: This is my 2nd bottle of what was probably the most hyped product of 2012. I have another big bottle in my back-up cupboard but unlike the majority, I don't find it make's much difference to my skin. I really like the fresh, tingly feeling it leaves behind though which is why I loved it during summer.

Benefit Posie Tint: The main reason I bought Posie Tint was to use on my lips but my lips are so pigmented that one coat does nada but 2 or 3 coats just feels gross! I don't know why but I just can't seem to get on with liquid blush. Applying it always seems to remove it at the same time along with my foundation. If you're a liquid blush lover let me know in the comments how you apply it.

 Diego Dalla Palma Special Tanning Cake*: I'm one of those annoying people who very rarely use a foundation in their pefect shade. I usually go a shade or 2 darker so to avoid having a face and neck in 2 different colours I bronze my neck up slightly.

EOS Sweet Mint Lipbalm:  I don't think I've ever finished a lip balm! I usually get bored and move on to the next one like some kind of lip balm floozie but my collection is beyond ridiculous now. I love the shape and scents of the EOS balms but don't find they're the best at getting your lips back in to good condition.

Have you shopped your stash this week?

*PR sample

June: Used, Abused And Reviewed.

The reason my empties are never pictured all together in one photo is because I try to take a pic as I use them up instead of letting them build up in a corner of my room. Maybe I need to get myself an 'empties box' and hide it away somewhere so my family dont have me sectioned? Anyway, heres what I made my way through this month.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye cream: This is only a sample that I was unlucky enough to receive when I was stupid enough to purchase two full sized products from the B.Right range when it first launched. Do I really need to say any more?

Would I repurchase? Nuh-uh!

Bourjois Baume De Nuit: Baume De Nuit is one of the nicest balms I've ever used. It's more than likely been discontinued now but a few years ago after I realized how much I loved it I made an online order of about 10. 10 might sound a bit OTT but I could never find it in store and wasnt taking any chances! It leaves the most gorgeous pale, milky, rosey pink flush on the lips and does a brilliant job at keeping lips flake free.

Would I Repurchase? Yes, if its still available.

BioNova Eye Wrinkle Treatment: Another sample sized eye cream. You can read my full review here (link)

Would I Repurchase? No

Vaseline Aloe Fresh 24h Protection: I dont usually include deodorant but I really love this one as it dries quickly (I hate how some leave me sticky or just dont dry properly) and smells so fresh. Ages ago Boots or Tesco reduced most deodorants to £1 so I filled my basket but I'm down to my last one now, sad times.

Would I Repurchase? Yes 

Boots Nail Polish Remover: Cheap as chips and does the trick. I'm not that bothered about nail polish remover brands, I dont have one that I think is better than the other and theres not a hope in hell I'd spend more than £3 on a bottle. I usually just pick up a Boots own brand remover.

Would I Repurchase? Yes

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream: Theres only one thing I like about the Benefit skincare range and thats the packaging.

Would I Repurchase? No

Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser: Didnt remove my mascara at all (I dont wear waterproof mascara) but I loved everything else about this. I received this in a giftset which worked out far cheaper than buying it separately.If it wasnt for the price and the fact that it doesnt cope well with mascara then I think I would prefer it to Cleanse & Polish.

Would I Repurchase? Yes, but I wouldnt pay full price.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir: I. Love. This.
Would I repurchase? Already have, twice.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: An oldie but a goodie. I think this was maybe the first mascara I ever used, I'll always have a soft spot for it.
Would I Repurchase? Its not the best mascara ever but I probably would.

 My empties post is far earlier than usual this month but I've had so many things happen/going on this week and just havent had time for my blog. I didnt want to neglect it completely hence the early empties post. I promise I'll catch up with all your blogs soon. :)

Whats On My Bedside Table?

Last week I was moving around everything in my bedroom to try and make some extra space. It didnt work though so in the end everything went back to its original place. Anyway, I thought I would show whats on my bedside table/drawers. Theres nothing exciting but I plan on doing a 'whats in my bag' post so thought I'd chuck this in too.

I got my drawers nearly 3 years ago now from an online store called The Orchard. They're embossed silver and each drawer is deep enough to hold a decent amount. I use mine for undercrackers and the like which is why there wont be any pics. The top drawer just holds my passport, diary/notebook, kirby grips and other uninteresting things.

On to whats on top..

Purple Lamp From Next - I dont even like this but when I went 'lamp shopping' I wasted the whole day looking for lamps and in the end just grabbed this so I could go home.

Yankee Candle Spoonful Of Sugar - I'm sure the Spoonful Of Sugar candles were limited edition so I'm not sure if they're still available. I just love that this candle is in an old skool sugar jar. I've had it for around 2 years now and doubt I'll ever burn it, I love it too much. :)

Heathcoate & Ivory Vanilla & Brown Sugar Handcream - Not the best handcream in the world but not the worst either. I'm trying to use it up as theres plenty of other handcreams I like better so keeping it here reminds me to slather it on before bed.

100ml Caudalie Beauty Elixir - With the crazy heat we've been having this has been a godsend. I've started keeping my back up beside my bed for mornings when I cant wake up, nights when I'm too warm and times when I just dont feel too great.

Hello Kitty - Because apparently I'm still a child.

Glass Perfume Bottle - From BHS in the sale after Christmas.

Michael Kors watch - I dont wear a watch everyday but when I do I dont take it off untill I'm getting into bed so this is where it lives also because I have a habit of not being able to go to sleep untill I've read some blogs on my phone which usually means the battery ends up drained by morning and I never know what time it is.

Liz Earle Super Balm - I'm so lazy when it comes to my cuticles. I was told years ago that I dont really have any so thats why I dont do too much to them. I never push them back or anything like that but if they start looking a bit dry I'll slather them in Super Balm before bed.

Brushes - The only one from the pic that I really use is the Real Tecniques Contour Brush.

So thats everything, nothing too exciting and nothing glam like one of those silky eye masks. I'm scared of the dark so to me it would be torture rather than aiding a good nights sleep. Whats on your bedside table? Leave me your link if you do this post. :)

Lately I've Been Lovin' #3

Quite a lot of the products I've been loving and using to death lately are all in the same type of 'family'. I cant get enough of spritzers/toners and the two I've been using are the complete opposite of eachother.

The Love List

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - I started off with the 30ml bottle but after just a few days I knew it was a keeper! I went online and ordered the 100ml bottle which should be around £32 but I found it on GorgeousShop for £25. I havent even used 1/4 of the 100ml bottle yet but when Zuneta were having a flash sale I managed to get my hands on a Caudalie gift set containing 100ml Beauty Elixir, mask and moisturiser for under £26! Bargain. For me it isnt some miracle product, to be honest I havent noticed any difference in my skin, it hasnt tightened my pores and I cant say it adds a burst of radiance either but I love the tingling feeling it leaves on the skin, especially when my cheeks flare up. I dont find it adds any moisture to the skin so if thats something you're looking for then I wouldnt recommend this. I personally love the smell, its really fresh and calming but I know a lot of people cant stomach it. I've done a full review, you can read it here.(link)

Elizabeths Daughter The Skin Spritz* - If you're looking for a toner/spritz that adds a lot of moisture then this is one to have a look at. It can be used on the face and body but I mainly use it on my face. Elizabeths Daugther is an organic brand and none of the products contain harmful ingredients. The scent is gorgeous but I'm not sure exactly what it is, its just lovely. The spritz contains Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Strawberry Cells, Rose Water and glycoproteins from Mountain Balm. Used after cleansing, my skin feels as if it doesnt even need moisturiser. It soothes any irritated skin and has a brightening effect. I know its how well the product works that counts but like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, The Skin Spritz feels special because of the glass packaging and the fine mist ensure you dont end up with product dripping off your face. The Skin Spritz £15 from ElizabethsDaughter.

Lavera All Round Cream - As the name suggests, its a brilliant all round cream! Sinks into the skin quickly, isnt heavy or greasy and has a fresh lemon sherbet type scent.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - I really dont know why I turned my nose up at this for so long! Read my full review here (link). I havent been wearing it in this weather, I havent been wearing any makeup at all but if any redness flares up I'll just buff on a tiny bit to cover it. £26.50 from Estee Lauder counters.

Lanolips* - By far the best lip treatment I've ever tried! My local Boots doesnt seem to stock Lanolips but I'll definitely pick up a few more at some point. The colour ointment contains SPF so its great for this weather. You can read more here (link). £7.99/£9.18

Nails Inc Peach Sorbet - Gorgeous colour - awful gloopy consistency, which makes it an absolute nightmare to apply but the colours just so summery and pretty :)

Benefit Brow Zings - I've mentioned this brow kit a few times before. I love it but was only ever using the wax as the powder was a bit too full on for me, I always ended up looking like someone had stuck two strips of felt above my eyes but lately I've been mixing the powder and wax together on the angled brush and it works great.

Green And Spring Reviving Face Mask* - I'm such a mask hoe! I'm flipping between about 6 different masks at the minute depending on what my skin needs but every 'mask night' I keep reaching for this, the rest arent even getting a look in. Full review will be up soon.

I'm still loving everything from my last Love List but I'm going off L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic a bit. It doesnt seem to have much hold so within a few hours my lashes drop and are almost straight, not a good look. If you've found any mascaras that are great at holding a curl let me know. :)

Caudalie Instant Radiance Set

Caudalie Instant Radiance Set

Last week while Zuneta were having a flash sale (they still are) I managed to bag myself this gift set for under £26 which is a bargain considering the 100ml Beauty Elixir costs £32. I'm in love with the beauty elixir so needed a back up for my back up, as you do. The set includes..

 100ml Beauty Elixir

 10ml Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15

15ml Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask

Whats your thoughts on Caudalie? I've only tried a few things from the range so I'm still making my mind up. I also purchased the Instant Foaming Cleanser so expect a review on that soon. This was my first order with Zuneta and I'm pleased to say everything arrived quickly and well packaged. They also offer a choice of 3 free samples with every order.

I went for Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, Rouge Bunny Rouge Aqua Primer Prelude In The Clouds and BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz. The last two came in cute little Zuneta pots that will be added to my travel pots once I've used them up. :)

My Thoughts: Caudalie Beauty Elixir

After reading so many rave reviews about Caudalie Beauty Elixir I thought it was about time I took a closer look and of course that resulted in me ordering a bottle. I went for the 30ml bottle and found that Naturisimo had the best price at the time. You could also pick five free samples and delivery was free (it arrived the next day!).

The Claims: Smoothes Features | Tightens pores | Gives complexion a burst of radiance.

My pores have been really noticeable latley, probably as a result of the inflamation in my cheeks. I'm willing to try anything that promises to tighten them and I was also looking for a setting spray, plus who doesnt want a 'burst of radiance'?

I love the packaging, glass always feels so much nicer than plastic and its just the right size to carry around in your bag. The scent is very minty, which I love! I use Beauty Elixir  after cleansing and before applying my Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water. It leaves a slight tingle on the skin which automatically makes you feel wide awake but I'm not so sure about the burst of radiance, I'm yet to witness that. If I'm wearing make up I'll use it as a setting spray and if my skin flares up during the day then a few spritzes reduces some of the heat but doesnt calm it down completely.

The Good: Each spray is a super fine mist, you never feel like you've been shot in the face with a super soaker | Good for freshening up during the day | Cools you down during a 'hot flush' | The scent and tingle it leaves on the skin makes you feel wide awake | The price.

The Bad: No difference in pore size | 30mls doesnt last too long.

Even though it doesnt make a huge difference to the look or feel of my skin I really enjoy using it and would say I'll definitely repurchase. I'm halfway through my bottle already so will probably go for the 100ml bottle next time.

Price varies from site to site but you can pick up Caudalie Beauty Elixir from around £8