February Empties ... !

Bonjour!

February Empties here (which you probably gleaned from the post title) - a bit late but hey-ho ...!

Soap & Glory Hand Food - I usually have several hand creams on the go - in situ in different rooms - reminds me to stick some on from time to time (this one was tucked away in the living room!).  I do like a bit of S&G 'Hand Food' (who doesn't?), was part of a kit with the hand wash (you know the one!)  Lovely hand cream, hydrates, soothes and smells great!

Tesco Smoothing Body Lotion -  can't do without some sort of body lotion/butter after a shower/bath. I've repurchased this one with Aloe Vera (and the Cocoa Butter version) many times over. They are so easy and quick to apply, absorb in an instant and are super cheap - great for everyday use and/or when you're in a rush to get your clobber on and get out the door/on the settee!

Coco Chanel Parfum - you just cannot beat a bit of Chanel! This is one of my favourite fragrances - the hubby bought it for my birthday a few years ago and I've only used it for very special occasions. Only the dregs are left now (that's a hint if he happens to read this!) - not chucking the bottle though - it's a lovely keepsake!

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - I've used this 200 ml supersize for the last 4(ish) months and it's another product I should have done a full review on! It's gentle and non-oily, soothing and non-drying but effective at removing heavy eye make-up. Can also be used as a cooling eye-compress to revive tired eyes. A great product - I'm already on my second supersize!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light - at last something I have done a full review on - here! Yep a great product for hydration and its been ideal for layering with my Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate during the colder months. I should have really included this in last months empties but it was hiding at the back of the drawer - am well into my second pot and will repurchase (although Boots don't seem to be stocking it at the moment which is rather worrying!).

Le Petit Marseillais Peach and Nectarine Shower Gel - brought this back from last year's holiday in France (actually my daughter brought it back and I pinched it!). Gorgeous uplifting scent, reminds me of ripe fruit, summer sun and holiday - hoping to grab some more when we next pop across the water!

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - another 'Instant Boost' emptied out! Needs no introduction and still one of my favourites. Already got my next one open and in use!


Do you use any of these products? What have you managed to empty out recently?


Jen x

August Favourites!

Bonjour!

I didn't do my July favourites because I was on holiday so here a few of my fave products during July/August and a couple I've managed to (almost) use up!

Original Source Daily Scrub Cranberry and Honey - there's something about Original Source products that's truly mouthwatering and this is no exception! Smells like something you could spread on your toast/crumpet/pikelet/bagel! It's moisturising and provides a gentle yet effective exfoliation experience!

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment Spray (sorry I seem to have lost the cover!)- this is described as 'a leave-in finishing treatment that performs like a hairspray'. I love this product, I only use it when my hair is pretty frazzled on the ends, it's like a conditioning treatment in a can with a bit of hold. I find the trick is to use sparingly on fine hair (which is probably why this can has lasted me ages), as with all Ojon products I've used it's pretty concentrated and a little goes a long way. Think it's been re-named though as 'Ojon Damage Reverse Finishing Spray'.

John Frieda Full Repair (Full Body) Shampoo and Conditioner - took these on holiday and then brought them home to finish off (have done so now).  This was a great duo for holiday as I felt it gave my hair a bit of extra protection and moisture in a hot and humid climate.  Not the best volume I've experienced but good on the conditioning front.

Dove Summer Glow Moisturiser (normal to dark) - I've used this moisturiser for a couple of years now, it's great for a bit of extra colour and also for topping up the old tan once you return from holiday. Doesn't give off that obvious self-tan aroma and I've not found it to be too orange in tone but you do have to remember to rub in well around any dry bits!

Chanel Bronze/Revlon Balm Stain/Glossybox Lipstick

Sanctuary Spa Skin Perfecting BB Cream - my ultimate summer BB, been loving this for a while now (that could be the start of a song title!).  It's still my morning 'pick-me-up' complexion wise, seems to keep that bit of holiday colour going. There's loads left in the tube for next spring once I need to 'warm up' my face. I'll definitely be repurchasing this one. You can see my full review here should you with to do so!

Olay Essentials Complete Care Plus Multiradiance Moisturising Lotion (Normal/Oily) - this is a regular re-purchase, especially for the summer months. Absorbs very easily, keeps my skin hydrated, contains SPF 15 and also light reflecting particles which help to give skin a bit of a lift. It's also a bargain in my opinion at £7.99/75ml and has lasted for ages.

Chanel Bronze Universel Sun Illuminator - gorgeous bronzer, a sort of gel/cream texture that gives a natural glow without any shimmer.  This pot has lasted for ages and is nearly finished as you can see. I was once told I looked 'really well' by a friend I bumped into at the supermarket, I can remember being gobsmacked  because I was feeling pretty run-down (as all mums do from time to time) and so put it down to having worn this bronzer on that day!  I told my friend as much! I've not blended the bronzer in (on above swatch) but just smeared a bit on my hand, I think the colour works well on most skintones (it was my 'English Rose' friend who recommended it to me!), hence the 'Universel' vibe!

Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain (Rendezvous) - wasn't sure what to expect from this (it looks a bit like a wax crayon from my kids' younger days!),  I fancied something with an orange tone for summer but not too 'full on'.  This provides a wash of translucent colour with a slight sheen but can be built up if you want the colour to be more intense.  Tastes minty and makes my lips tingle! The only thing I would say is I've needed to use a lip balm beforehand because it does tend to cling to any dry areas on the lips (well it does on mine anyway!). Having said that, it is pretty long lasting and does live up to it's name in that it does 'stain' the lips!

Glossybox Lipstick (Glossy Pink) - absolutely love this lipstick, not had one in this tone for a good while and it's been perfect once I had a bit of a tan on my face! It's creamy and moisturising and lasts ok too. I've been a bit lipstick shy for a few years but this has made me want to experiment a bit more on the 'lippy front'!

Erm ... don't know how that got there!  Anyway, this is a childhood favourite of mine. We used to spread it thickly on a slice of bread and have for supper as a treat - very sticky and sweet! Something I like to indulge in now and again.  You'll probably know it's also fantastic when used in cake recipes ...will have to get onto that ...!

So what have been your favourites over the past month? Any childhood treats you'd like to share?

Jen x