Catching up with a few empties!

Bonjour and long time no blog!

It just happens doesn't it - life takes over and then you lose your mojo (again) and you wonder when (and if!) you'll feel like blogging again - time permitting, whilst still buying copious amounts of beauty products, all of which would be ripe for a blog post but then you start to feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start ... and then you get the itch/urge, whatever you want to call it plus there is a large bagful of empties which are doing your head in and need to be chucked ... but in true blogger fashion you can't until you've blogged about them ... ahhh ... so here we are! Not all recent empties you understand but the majority from the last couple of months ... thought it would be a 'good place' to re-kindle the blogging habit and take it from here ...

Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - if  you follow me on Instagram you'll know I've just recently repurchased this. I'd used up my previous bottle and not got round to replacing it ... and this dragged on for a few weeks and then my hair started to split and break all over the place - could it just be co-incidence? If you read my full review of the Pro-Heat Milk here you'll wonder how I've ever lived without it! Be interesting to see if it works it's magic again - will keep you posted!

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Sky High Plumping Powder - I had a couple of these little bottles to use up and this is the last of them - this particular plumping powder works well to thicken up and texturise the look of my hair and the bottle has a little hole at the top which means it generally ends up where it's meant to be ie in my hair and not my shoulders! Sadly it appears to have been discontinued - typical - so I've had to buy another brand for now.

L'Oreal Elnett Heat Protect Volume Spray - I finished this a while ago and can't make my mind up about it! Sometimes it works and leaves my hair with volume and smoothness (and I like the fact that it contains heat protection) but sometimes not so much? The spray is really tricky to use and I can never get the direction and pump action right so end up spraying into my hands to apply ... which may be the problem ... for now I'll not repurchase as I have too many other volumising products to use up! 

Bioderma Hydrabio Micelle Solution - I've repurchased this one a few times - it's my current favourite micellar. Specifically for sensitive, dehydrated skin (that's me then) it cleanses and removes make-up effortlessly without drying out the skin and also works really well to remove my eye make-up gently without stinging the eyes. I always stock up on Bioderma when Escentual have their third off French Pharmacy so I'm ok for a while!

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara - when I reviewed this mascara a while ago - here - I wasn't sure I'd repurchase because only one half of it works well! The 'bottom lash' part of the the brush does nothing for me!  However, I think it was on 'silly offer' so I relented and all I can say is the same again. The standard brush is brilliant for lengthening, volumising and curling the lashes but the mini brush - nothing.  I can't say I'll not repurchase again - I may do - just for the half of it but then again I may not!

Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Lotion - this is another that I've used for ages as my day cream.  With an SPF 30 it worked really well to keep skin hydrated without being overly greasy.  The reason for the past tense is because (sods law!) it's been discontinued so I've not been able to repurchase!

Pure Skincare Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I've used a couple of bottles of this so far as a hydrating toner and I love it but again it doesn't seem to be available from M&S at the moment so I've had to go for another brand ... not having much luck am I?

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I don't need to say anything about this one do I? I've harped on about it for so long and repurchased countless times. Needless to say I have another waiting in the wings ... although I have to admit I've recently got hold of another French Pharmacy hydrating serum to try, just to compare of course!

Alpha H Liquid Gold -  never got round to writing a full review on my Liquid Gold but I don't think I need to do I?  Everyone seems to be into 'Glycolic' and re-surfacing at the moment don't they - well this is my 'go-to' which I use twice a week in the evening, apply after cleansing and leave on 'neat' all night - it tingles but I've heard a bit of tingle is good! Helps with fine lines, wrinkles, open pores, dullness etc and gives skin a revitalised, smoothed,  more radiant appearance - I have a few 'spares' of Liquid Gold stocked up as I'd prefer not to run out! 

Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Body Lotion - this is one of my new favourite body lotions which I've used over the last couple of months. Feels really comforting on the skin (must be all those 'micro droplets of Vaseline jelly'!), keeps dryness and itchy/irritated skin at bay and goes on in a flash with no greasiness or excess rubbing.  It doesn't have a particular type of 'scent' but just smells a bit 'clean and creamy' to me (does that make sense?) so doesn't clash with whichever perfume I use afterwards? I'm on my second bottle and I can't seen it being my last!

Original Source Coconut and Shea Butter Shower Cream - last but not least - what's not to love about Original Source shower products, especially when they're on offer for £1!  This one is a firm favourite, love the smell all year round - I'll definitely repurchase!

So ... as I said not every single empty from the last couple of months (I'd have been here all day!) but a decent selection I think!  Have you used any of this lot? What beauty products have you 'emptied out' recently?

Jen x

Skincare Routine - AM

Bonjour!

It's been a while since I 'did' my skincare routine so without further ado here's the morning bunch I've been using over the last few months  ...

The products go from right to left ... because I didn't think and just photographed them that way ...!

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - reviewed here. An old favourite that I've been using on and off for a few years now. Described as being suitable for normal/combination skin - I tend to turn to it in Summer as it's so refreshing and is ideal for a morning wash but doesn't dry my skin out.  I took a travel size on holiday this year and it was perfect for both myself and my daughter!

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser - another one I've used before and I've alternated it with the Balance Me Face Wash over the last few months.  This supersize came with a TSV from QVC so was excellent value for money - it gives a good cleanse and can be used am or pm but I've mainly been using it in the morning.   This particular tube is coming to an end now but it's one I'd definitely go for again as it's not thick or heavy but is more like a lotion in texture, it just slips over the skin as you massage in - I love the fact that it contains aloe vera and we all know how good for skin that is!

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - I reviewed this a good couple of years ago and always try to get hold of it in a kit or when it's on offer. I don't use it every morning but alternate with the Idealia Eyes below - it's great for pepping up extra-tired eyes as it feels so cooling and revitalising.  It contains ingredients to temporarily lift and tighten, detoxify and gently resurface and you can apply all over the eye area, top and bottom lid right up to the lash line.

Vichy Idealia Eyes - this was reviewed fairly recently here. Great product for helping with dark circles and dullness and certainly brightens up the eye area on a morning. I especially reach for it when I have my contacts in and my eyes are exposed in all their 'non-glory' to the whole world! We don't want to scare anyone do we!

Liz Earle Instant Boots Skin Tonic- needs no introduction or explanation even! One of my all time favourite toners for refreshing and moisturising that's actually nearly finished.  I do dip into other brands but I'm sure this will be a constant repurchase on and off for years to come!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - I received this sample in a beauty box ages ago. I only use it every few days (as I use other types of exfoliants at different stages in the week) but I love it as it's so gentle and just gives a little bit of a polish without scratching or irritating the skin.

Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid - this was included in a Nuxe travel kit a while ago and I didn't really know what to expect - after all I'm slightly addicted to my Vichy Aqualia Thermal below!  It can be used am and/or pm but I stick to the morning as I'm addicted to facial oils of a night-time! It has a light but velvety texture, glides on and sinks in easily and does seem to deliver as my skin seems smoothed and brightened - I'm impressed. I tend to save it for when my skin is feeling a bit lacklustre and dull and then use for a few days on the go. It's a bit expensive at £47/50ml so I'll wait until there is a decent offer on to repurchase the full size. I'd be interested to see how it compares to the Vichy Idealia Life Serum which I've yet to try - so that could be a little experiment in the making!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I really don't feel the need to harp on about this one - I've done so many times before and reviewed it what seems like a lifetime ago - it's such a great product for a hit of cooling hydration over the summer months!  I've repurchased many times and already have another put away for a rainy day or should I say rainy summertime!

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF30 Day Lotion - this was an impulse buy a few months ago - I don't always use a separate SPF (as I can't stand too many 'layers of stuff' on my face at times) so  this seemed like a good all rounder.  Have to say I'm really surprised - it's a good consistency, goes on and absorbs easily and keeps my skin feeling comfortable all day and doesn't break me out - of course I am using a couple of good serum based products up above and that obviously makes a difference!   I'm really not into spending a fortune on face cream and this does the job perfectly and was a complete bargain as it was something like under a fiver on offer. I have a feeling it may no longer be available now as I can't find it online but I have another stashed away for now!

So that's been my morning skincare routine over the Summer months. Have you used any of these products ...which is your favourite? 

Jen x

Things That Make Me Go Mmmm! #1

Bonjour!

In other words ... just a few bits that have been 'floating my boat' or 'rocking my world' - some are quite recent buys and some have been on my horizon for a while now! We all have 'those things' that give us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside and we want to hug, stroke, sniff or kiss them ... or is that just me?! 

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid - had to go out and get one of these recently as I've heard it's a great  lip product  for moisture  and  exfoliation.   Suffice to say I'm loving it  -  a full review to follow shortly!

Nuxe  Prodigieux le Parfum - still can't believe this came as a freebie (here). It's one of those scents that wafts around as you move - reminds me of that heady, happy Mediterranean evening fragrance that lingers in the air after a hot summers day when the flowers have had a good long hot bake in the sun - gorgeous!

Alpha H Liquid Gold - the first time I tried this I think my skin was going through an extra sensitive patch, I was rather heavy handed and it burned - so I gave up.  Fast forward a couple of years and I had to have another try when it was on a 'too good to miss' offer on QVC.  I broke myself in gently this time by diluting with water on my cotton pad and gradually increasing the amount of Liquid Gold so that I'm now just feeling the  'tingle'!  I use twice a week and leave it on neat overnight, it's amazing how smooth and bright it leaves my old hide the following morning. Like many before me, I'm now hooked!

No7 Superlight Foundation - this is still a firm favourite - it just glides on whatever the weather! It's one that's perfect for those 'in-between' days when you don't want a full on face but need a bit more than a BB or CC. You can see my full review here.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - yep I had 'a feeling' about this one from the first moment I spotted it! I bit the bullet a few weeks ago and haven't regretted it! Working on a full review very soon!

And a couple of non beauty 'mmmms' ....

My H&M parka was such a bargain at the beginning of the year when it was half price in their sale and it's hardly been off my back since -  I know it looks a bit lived in but that's because it has been!  I don't know what I did without it! It's kept me so warm (and I am so very nesh!) over the last few months.  It's got a removable furry collar and padded lining so it can be adapted for warmer weather, it that ever arrives! One of my best buys ever!

And last but by no means least, my Next furry slouch top aka my fluffy thing! I also bought this at the start of the year when it was freezing - it's so soft and cuddly and keeps me warm and contented!   There's nothing better than slipping into one's fluffy thing at the end of a long day - I'd recommend fluffy therapy to everyone! (You think I'm weird don't you!).

What are your 'Mmmms' of the moment?

Jen x

A Pathetic Sales Haul and a Treat ...!

Bonjour!

I love a bargain (who doesn't?) and usually manage to bag a few in (what used to be) the January sales!  Didn't really happen this year -  my intention was to go the day after Boxing Day but the large dump of snow put paid to that. We set off but had to turn back.  I was disgruntled to say the least!  Not to be beaten I decided to have a look online and ordered a couple of bits from New Look ...

Brave Soul Chunky Knit - £10 - a change from my usual grey/black and is so warm on ... my resistance to the cold is going from bad to worse so this is a keeper!  My mum likes it apart from the huge 'B' logo - ah well you can't win 'em all!

Lace collar dress - £10 ... couldn't make my mind up - I mean I don't really 'do' dresses that often so would this turn out to be one of those items that ends up living out it's life in the wardrobe and no place else? Anyway - right or wrong I decided to keep it at the last minute ... suppose if push comes to shove I could always wear for work with opaques and boots ...

Leopard fur coat - £25 ... I really liked the idea of this baby but unfortunately it didn't fit properly on the shoulders and the collar stuck up in a funny fashion so it had to go back - gutted  I was!

The only thing I managed to pick up in-store was this V-neck knit from H&M at £10 - it's slightly over sized, warm and not black . Need to find something to layer underneath though as that V is a tad deep on!

How pathetic is this? The single beauty item I managed to bag in the half price sales at Boots this year was a Soap & Glory Righteous Butter ... I don't know whether to feel ashamed or proud ...!





And now for the treat ... I couldn't resist this recent TSV (Today's Special Value of course!) from QVC.  Supersizes of the Liquid Gold and Absolute Eye Complex and full size Balancing Cleanser.   This kit is now priced at £70 on their website but the crazy TSV price was £30ish - it was a no brainer!  The Balancing Cleanser and Absolute Eye Complex I've used before and although I have tried Liquid Gold a couple of years ago, I didn't really get on with it ... but the beauty blogger in me wants/needs to give it another go to help with dull winter skin - I have to say the signs are promising this time round!  I shall report back once I've given it a good going over!

So what do you think? Was I pathetic, sensible or just in the wrong place at the wrong time?!  Did you manage to bag many bargains in the sales?

Jen  x

August Empties...

Bonjour!

A mixture of recent empties here - some from July and some from August ...

Emma Hardie Moringa Balm - this huge 200ml baby lasted ages and it's an all time favourite!  I am patiently waiting for a special offer to re-purchase.  You can read my full review here.

Johnson's 24 Hour Moisture Hand Cream - lovely hand cream and one I've repurchased over and over. Hydrating and soothing - it's not overly perfumed so I can use it even when my hands are dry and sore.

Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture - I've had this for ages - from one of my first beauty boxed last year and thought it was about time I used it. This has been such a lovely product during the recent hot weather - took it on holiday too and it worked a treat at keeping my skin hydrated - gorgeous delicate scent too. I'd like to re-purchase but for now I have the recent Neal's Yard 'Power Berry' magazine freebie tucked away!

Sanex Sensitive Shower Cream - I tend to always have Sanex Shower Gel or Cream in - get them whenever they're half price at Sainsburys.  I had a bout of itchy eczema on my neck a couple of months ago - was driving me mad and this was one of the shower creams that didn't upset it further or dry my skin out. I've re-purchased a few times and will continue to do so.

Boots Essentials Base Coat - I've had this for ages. It's super cheap and empty (well there's a tiny bit in the bottom but I'm having to lie it on it's side and scoop around to get any out of it so think it's time for a new base coat.)   Want to try out a few other base coats now.

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - bit of a disappointment this one.  If you happened to read my review last year on this product (if not you can do so here) you'll know that this was a firm favourite.  I had high hopes when I re-purchased the 30ml in it's new 'tube' package but unfortunately it didn't last long at all - maybe only 2-3 months (only using in the morning) - how can this be when the original bottle lasted ages, around 8-9 months? No idea - I even cut open the tube to scrape what I could out in desperation. I've given up and moved onto something else.

So that's that then. Have you used any of these products? What you did you get through during the past couple of months?

Jen x

March Favourites, Empties and Misses!

Bonjour!

It's that time again ... got me some favourites, got me some empties and unfortunately a couple of  'hit and misses' ...

Bare Minerals Warmth - you can't tell from the pic but this is my tiny pot of Bare Minerals Warmth and it's practically empty (have a larger one waiting in the wings though!). Love this and really need to get a full review sorted - it adds colour to my face without any 'orange factor' going on!

The Body Shop Moringa Body Mist - I can't stop spraying this - addicted is the word. I'm useless at describing fragrance but this a heady - intoxicating in a good way - floral scent which lingers and I've used it copiously over the past few weeks when it's been so cold and miserable to cheer myself up! If anyone remembers the old 'Impulse' ads where the bloke passes out at the girls doorway - then I'm that girl ...!

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask - a couple of old favourites - the Exfoliator I use twice a week and  is super-gentle but effective in bidding goodbye to those dead skin cells - helps brighten and smooth. The Mask is a night-time treat and for plumping and soothing de-hydrated, grey tired skin - just did a full review here.

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - one of my go-to eye products in the morning - really wakes up the eye area - finished it earlier this month and luckily had another to open - full review here.

L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 60 Second Saviour - coming to the end of this tube - it didn't transform my hair in 60 seconds, but did an 'ok' job after having been left on for 10/15 mins or so. I wasn't wowed by it though and think it's been replaced by a different masque in the L'Oreal range anyway.

Tresemme 24 Hour Sky High Plumping Powder - finished this little bottle (been re-purchasing this for quite a while) - can't seem to do without plumping powders these days for extra lift and oomph. I know some people hate the feel of this type of product in their hair but it doesn't bother me. I've just bought a new version from Tresemme try.

L'Occitane Limited Edition Ylang Ylang Hand Cream - a pressie from my mum almost finished - have had it in my handbag to use on the go and it's lasted ages as it's very concentrated - smells wonderful like all other L'Occitane products I've tried.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara - unfortunately a 'miss' for me - I know this is loved by many but it just didn't do anything for me certainly no volume, just a bit of definition - and I couldn't get on with the 'spoon brush' - just felt too flimsy for me to work with. Never mind.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk - another 'miss' - shame - I've heard many good things about this product. I actually bought and first used it last year when my skin was really playing up - hoping it would help but I just didn't see any noticeable improvement - I put it away and forgot about it until recently when I ran out of Elemis Cleansing Gel. Thought I'd try and use it up as my morning face wash but again - I just didn't get it, no brighter complexion or improvement in pore appearance etc - I like the smell of the peaches but maybe it's better for a younger/oilier skin?

Couldn't let this month's faves go by without this lot ...

Mum cooked Easter Sunday dinner, Anglo-Indian style, with hot mince curry and rice with dhal and fried meatballs and potatoes - oh and some poppadoms! Very tasty it was too and exceedingly stuffed we all were afterwards! Centre pic is of Mum's Easter cake - not a traditional simnel but the inside was choc and vanilla rainbow cake with stacks of choc fudge icing on the top and vanilla buttercream round the sides. It's mums birthday soon and I'll have to attempt to make a cake for her but as you can see there's going to be a fair bit of pressure involved ...!

So that's this month's little lot - what did you stuff your face with over Easter?

Jen x

Review - Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex

Bonjour!

You may well be familiar with Alpha-H Skincare due to it's revolutionary product - 'Liquid Gold' which many 'swear by'.   I've been using Absolute Eye Complex for a few months now and thought it was about time I sorted my review out.

I bought this product in the 'supersize' when it was on offer on at QVC, think it was back in April - a huge 30ml of eye product for the price of the 15ml  - which is around £31 (ish).

Alpha-H are known for their specific treatments and this is exactly how I've come to think of this product, not just an eye-gel but a 'treatment' as such.  The product is pretty unique in that it can be applied all over the top and bottom lids and taken right up to the lash line, as opposed to applying around the orbital bone - therefore feels like you're getting straight to the root of the problem if you like.  It includes a 'skin-lifting peptide' to provide a temporary tightening effect, beech tree extract which apparently detoxifies and hibiscus flower extract which gently re-surfaces the eye area - therefore brightening and also helping to rid the area of milia (those tiny blocked white pores).

I've been using this every morning as it's refreshing and re-vitalising and a real wake-me-up for my tired eyes. There is no sticky or glupey residue, it sinks in instantly and you can almost feel the slight firming effect which is much desired.  Whilst it doesn't provide a permanent lift it certainly feels like it's perking the eye area up on a temporary basis.  I'm pleased to say that the milia appear to be on their way out - it takes time but this is the only product I've used which seems to be tackling the problem (I once had a go at squeezing one many many moons ago - never again). My whole eye area is less puffy and somewhat brighter and my dark circles are not as deep and dense - I'm using less under-eye concealer. I also understand that the product is suitable as an eye-lid primer, which is even better as I've not had to use any additional primers on the lids and my eye make-up has stayed in place.

Don't get me wrong - my eye area isn't perfect, it would be a miracle if it was at my age - but it does seem to have improved since I've been using this product. I'm actually thinking of trying this out on my upper-lip to see if I can brighten that area (that's another story!).

My only complaint is that the pump on the bottle is a bad one - you have to mess around to get the right amount of product - just a few tiny squeezes, otherwise far too much comes out, which is a complete waste. It would be really helpful if Alpha-H modified the pump action.

However (even with a dodgy pump) - and although it is pricey I feel that it has so many benefits that it's  turned into one of my 'holy-grail' items. I think this product is brilliant, I love it and will definitely be re-purchasing, although there's still loads left in the bottle so it should be into the New Year before I have to re-order (unless QVC have any mega-deals on!).

You can pick up Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex from the usual online beauty retailers such as Salon Skincare or from QVC.

Have you tried out any Alpha-H products? What's on your 'holy-grail' list?

Jen x