June Empties ...

Bonjour!

So ... June has come and gone ... it was a really busy month with my girl's birthday and my boy's confirmation at church as well as bashing my nose in at the gym ...  as you do! A few empties here then ...

Gatineau Melatogenine Refreshing Cream Cleanser - love this cleanser, it's a bit of a multi-tasker which you can read about in my full review here.  The super-size tube lasts for ages and I've already repurchased!  

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence and Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - these two were included in my 2014 favourites. I do dip in and out of other 'thickening products' but seem to come back to the Dove Thickening Essence - this is my third bottle! Also just cracked open my third of the Charles Worthington Pro-Heat Milk - I tried to manage without it for a couple of weeks but my hair had other ideas so I caved in and got myself another - full review here.

John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate and Rescue Shampoo and Deep Conditioner - another couple of my hair stash used - only another 100 or so to go now (joking!).  I quite like this range - it does leave hair smoother, maybe causes a little build up though so I have to switch my products around. Annoyingly ... I'm still left with a bit of the standard Hydrate and Rescue Conditioner (does everyone have this problem?) so will have to use with another shampoo - no shortage there! I'm not even thinking about repurchasing  as I have so many other products to use up and am completely ignoring the fact that there is also a Strengthen and Restore category from this same range over on the Boots website!

E45 Repair and Protect Overnight Hand Cream - my stash of hand creams is similar  to my haircare products - ok maybe not quite as bad but it's a healthy stash!  This is a really good one for sore hands - applied before bed it's not too thick, thin or sticky. It moisturises well, is non- stingy (so important!) and leaves hands soothed and soft!

M&S Formula Sensitive Eye Make-Up Remover - I picked this up in desperation when I had run out of my usual Gatineau Floracil and didn't expect much but it's a really good little product - does a great job of eye-make-up removal and is a decent price at £3.50/100ml, I've since got hold of some more Floracil but I'll definitely use this one again.  Apologies for being a 'doubting Thomas' M&S!

Sainsburys Coconut Body Wash - cheap and cheerful - sometimes on offer at £0.75, smells fine and gets the job done- what more is there to say!

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - I'm gutted that this has come to an end after many months - I do love my facial oils! Will definitely repurchase - you can read my full review here.  

Seventeen Lip Crayon - this was part of a Christmas kit and I love it - or rather loved it! It's balmy and moisturising with a hint of nude colour but not stickiness - one you can apply without a mirror and it's been a staple in my handbag for months. As a result I've lost the lid and now the shade name has worn off and I can't seem to get a similar one from Boots so I've blown it really!

Benefit Rollerlash and Maybelline Lash Sensational - I've been impressed with the both of these ... reviewed here and here. I could kick myself for not picking up an extra sample size of Rollerlash when it was a magazine freebie,  it's so easy and effective - I may have to break my 'expensive mascara code' and treat myself to the full size! Maybelline Lash Sensational is also a good one that has been compared to Roller Lash - it takes a bit more work as it can clump and as the tube has been coming to an end it's got even clumpier so it's time to move on!

So ... those are June's empties ... I don't even want to think about July's because then we'll be coming to the end of Summer ... nooooo!  Have you used any of these products? What have you used up last month? 

Jen x

Shopping That Stash #1

Bonjour!

Don't know about you but one thing I have a lot of is 'stash'! My problem is, more often than not, apart from maybe skincare - I'm easily distracted and move onto the next thing ...and then the next!  Thought it was high time I tackled the situation so here are a few stashed products I've been trying to make a dent in ...!

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment - pretty sure this is a repurchase from ages ago.  It got shoved to the back of the cupboard maybe because it's used in-between shampoo and conditioner as an extra 'middle' step. I decided to make time to add this in a couple of weeks ago and I'm glad I did! It left my hair noticeably softer after going through a dry phase.  Now I remember why I repurchased - maybe I'll repurchase again and test out the 'hair growth' aspect properly!

Nivea Creme - I have a couple of pots of this age old classic (knowing me they will have been on offer!). I dug one out a few months ago when my poor feet were suffering from the effects of wintertime! Been slathering it on most nights after a bath/shower and shoving on a pair of socks.  It's worked absolute wonders on my dry, cracked, painful heels (don't worry I'm not going to show you a before and after!) and rendered my feet fit to be seen in public! The pot is still going strong, it's cheap and cheerful, lasts for ages and does the job -  I think this will be a repurchase!

Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector in Invisible Deep - again, can't remember when I bought this, easily a couple of years ago.  It's matte golden-beige in colour and can be used under/over foundation or on it's own to conceal those open pores etc. It works well on my nose (probably as it's a bit oily - nice!) but tends to roll off and accentuate any drier areas so I use in moderation here and there, under a BB or light foundation - probably why it's lasted so long!

Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve - most will be aware of the super strong taste of this lip balm? It's actually a bit too strong a flavour for my liking - which is why I let it lie for a while. However I recently decided to just 'get over it' and it's actually an amazing lip hydrator. It sticks around to keep the lips hydrated even after eating and drinking (and blotting!). Just need to ignore the intense turkish delight taste!

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Shock -  my hair product collection is verging on the ridiculous so let's make a start with the Shine Shock! I have to use sparingly - only a tiny blob, blob-ette even through mid lengths and ends. It's clear and has a jelly-like texture and does a good job of smoothing frizzy hair down, adding shine and a bit of definition. So yep - no idea why I left it so long to use up but the main thing I'm enjoying using it now!

Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Nail Polish in Pink - this is also a couple of years old and a great hot pink for summertime! Surprisingly it hasn't gone at all gloopy after all this time. It has a standard size brush, goes on very easily and dries quickly with really good coverage. Lasts pretty well too - I actually don't know why I don't own more of these polishes at £3.50, will definitely be looking at some other colours next time I'm in M&S!

So that's the start of my stash series ... yes I fear this will have to be a series! Have you been shopping your stash recently? Please tell me you have a lot of stash too?!

Jen x

November Favourites and Empties ...

Bonjour!

Can you believe it's December? It's ridiculous ... be the end of the year soon and I can't get my head round it!  November favourites then (and a couple of empties thrown in for good measure!) ...

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Dry Shampoo - got this ages ago, used it on and off and it's just come to an end.  It has a pleasant 'clean' smell and is more on the 'wet' side of the dry shampoo spectrum. It refreshes hair but doesn't dry up greasy roots so much or add loads of body - on the plus side though it doesn't mattify or leave any build up/gunk in your hair. It's a bit pricey so probably wouldn't repurchase unless it was on offer.

Gatineau Activ Eclat Flash Radiance - I've so needed a boost of radiance over the past few weeks. This is a brilliant product for 'faking it' when your skin is looking a bit grey and dowdy - just press a tiny amount onto the old leather lace, either under or over make-up and you're good to go - it wakes up your skin and gives it a glow!

Original Source Orange and Cinnamon Shower Gel - I love this shower gel - it's so warm and sweet and zingy all at once - a real pick me up! Problem is, it was a Seasonal Edition (only I can't remember which season we were in when I bought it!) and can't seem to find it anywhere otherwise I would repurchase - rubbish!

Soap & Glory Super-Colour FabuLipstick in Naked Beige - I can't get enough of this lippie! This is my perfect nude - it's so wearable I'm constantly sticking it on most days with reckless abandon! You can see my full review here - will be repurchasing!

Q Radiance The Fine Fragrance Body Spray - got this in a beauty box ages ago and shoved it in my gym bag the other week. What a lovely body spray - it's floral but fresh and great after a sweaty gym session! I've seem it in Sainsbury's at £2.29 so will be repurchasing when it finishes.

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - I've been using this since the weather turned colder, several nights a week under my moisturiser and my skin has been lapping it up - review to follow shortly!

Calvin Klein Eternity Moment - one of my favourite fragrances now finished (maybe the hubby will replace for Christmas or at least buy me another in the sales!). Fresh flowers - lingers on the skin for ages - love it!

Ah - old Trev has certainly been a favourite this month and has kept me company in the car on many a dreary journey. Great triple album - hope he makes another!

What have your favourites been this November? What music have you been playing in your car?


Jen x

'Such A Good Feeling' and John Frieda Full Repair!

Bonjour and Happy Hot Friday!

Well...finally... and about time too - this is how Summer should be - this is how it used to be when I was a youngster.  Sooo nice to not be wrapped up in multiple layers, to have an excuse to get one's legs out and get a dab on...in no particular order! ... Not sure our piggies would agree though - they've both been laid flat out in their hutch and we've been giving them frozen bottles of water wrapped in hay to keep them cool! Anyway for those of us without fur...it's such a good feeling I had to play this tune out loud...


Brothers in Rhythm - Such a Good Feeling!

Released in 1991 - it's a happy 'house' vibe that I remember well and has a real 'feel good factor' to it...

You may or may not notice the blonde girl in the crop top and bell bottoms, I had an outfit  just like that complete with 90's platforms no less - that was a proper 'get your groove on' outfit!

Speaking of  'good feeling' look what I won in a recent giveaway run by Nic of Strawberry Blonde Beauty Blog  (fantastic blog) - thanks Nic!

From the John Frieda Full Repair range  - Hydrate and Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner, Deep Conditioner, Repairing Oil Elixir and Flyaway Tamer Smoothing Wand.  Seriously... what haircare junkie wouldn't be over the moon with all this lot ...? Cannot wait to get stuck in!

What gives you a good feeling? (No rude answers please!)


Jen x

It's a Haul Thing!

Bonjour!

Picked up a few items over the last month or so .... been making use of the current offers .... as you do...!

3 for 2 at Superdrug - got the MUA Undress Me Too palette and Sleek Make-Up Blush in Flushed (the 3rd item was a lip gloss for my daughter). Used my No 7 money off voucher on the Instant Radiance Concealer (which I've used before) and then  buy one get one half price on the No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in brown.

You'll see from my recent empties post here that I've finished my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. I wanted to re-purchase as I really like this product and  feel it's helped to keep my skin hydrated. Also wanted to try the Aqualia Thermal Light (normal/combination skin) as a day cream. But then the 3 for 2 offer had me in a quandary because although I don't need anything else - how can you walk away from the third item? After much deliberation went for Idealia BB Cream - Medium shade, it seems to have a whole host of benefits which I could do with at the moment!

Been meaning to get myself a good topcoat for ages - quick drying and longevity is exactly what I need so let's see how the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat does. Since I've recently had loads of colour/highlights in my hair I picked up the John Frieda Intense After-Colour Conditioner whilst it was on offer at Boots (think it had £2 off) and then John Frieda Shampoo and Conditioners were half price at Sainsburys that same week (the offer was still on when I called in Friday) so went for the Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Shampoo (which I've used and liked before) to go with it.

So that's my lot for a while - I think I need to stay away from Boots and Superdrug and ignore any vouchers but you only live once right? Maybe just the odd lippie or two wouldn't hurt and maybe a new bronzer for summer?

What have you hauled recently?

Jen x

Oh Haul - It's Been A Long Time!

Bonjour!

Apologies for sparseness of posts over the last few days - kids were on holiday, I was in London with the family over the weekend  - then kids were back to school yesterday so things were slightly manic! My youngest brother even commented to me on Skype the other night (from France) that I hadn't posted since last Thursday - so ... he does have a sneaky look at my blog now and again ...!

I had popped (just typed 'pooped' then but corrected myself  luckily!) into Boots on a couple of occasions since my Spend Ban recently ended and come out empty handed - I thought there must be something wrong with me! Also as you may know I hadn't really spent any of my recent birthday money! Anyway - I got to do some shopping with my daughter last week and took full advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offers which are on at the moment. I'm not going to waffle on about each product as I'll probably do separate reviews ...

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paints in Grapefruit and Watermelon/Maybelline Forever Strong in Hot Salsa  or is it Rose Salsa - says both on the bottle!

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher in 'Rose The'/ Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium and Dark 

Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist/Tresemme Texture Style Backcomb Dust/John Frieda Luxurious Volume Dry Shampoo

Our local Sainsburys also had their 25% off TU clothing and footwear earlier in the Easter hols ...

... I grabbed these sandals - hoping for the promise of summer (no way can I show you my feet in them at the moment though - some major renovation work needed in that area!). The pumps will be great with my skinny jeans and also for work. Bargains!

And last but not at all least ... my Mum gave this to me the other Sunday - she said it was a belated Easter present as she didn't get me an egg and would be ideal for my impending trip to London. She's an absolute star - don't you think?

Gatineau 16 Piece Little Luxuries Collection ...

Gatineau is a French Premium Salon Brand available from QVC - so far I'm really impressed with everything I've tried from this range so looking forward to dipping into this lot! The cute pink 'carry case' is jam packed with lovely products and as you can see there's a really good selection.  Thanks again Mum! xx

So - that's me done on 'hauls' for a while - looks like I've spent a lot I know but for the amount of products I've managed to get don't really think I've done bad - plus I know for a fact what I've spent on all this lot is far less than some of my young friends at work would spend on one night out!

Have you taken advantage of any current offers? Have you hauled?

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

Holiday Haircare!

Bonjour!

Holiday haircare eh? My hair is difficult to manage at the best of times, on holiday it's a nightmare! Remember that episode of 'Friends' when Monica's hair went wild and frizzy on holiday (in Barbados?) - imagine that but with much much less hair!

So here are my holiday haircare products.  There ain't 'a bag' I'm afraid because they'll be split up and chucked into a couple of suitcases!

From left to right (again sort of) -

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (dry or damaged hair) - I'm a big fan of this shampoo and all three of Liz's conditioners actually.  I suffer from an itchy, flaky scalp on and off and this gentle shampoo really seems to sort it out every time!  It's almost like a detox treatment and just calms everything down, leaves my hair cleansed and soft but still with volume.  I'm taking the dry/damaged conditioner option because I've had my hair coloured recently which always dries it out a tad. 


Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist - Boots had 3 for 2 on selected travel minis so I got this as one of the 3. I've used it before and really like it, you only seem to need a little and it leaves hair soft and silky (and smells good as well!) .

Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield - last years bottle but plenty left for hols, you only need a tiny bit before blow drying (although I don't blow dry my hair on holiday I just put this on and blast off with the hairdryer) and it helps to 'block' the humidity from frizzing everything up! I'll put a mini blob on after as well just to be on the safe side!

Charles Worthington Front Row Brunette Dry Shampoo - I'm a big fan of dry shampoos for extra texture and volume, so treated myself to this for hols. I try not to wash my hair every single day on holiday so this is great for maybe non beach/pool days( I'm not a 'head submerger' where water's concerned anyway as I wear contacts!). Not used this particular one before so will see how it fares.


John Frieda Full Repair 'Full Body' Shampoo and Conditioner - the rest of the 3 for 2 goodies.  These are meant to 'revive overstyled hair' and 'weightlessly repair' damage from heat and colour. This sounds exactly what my hair needs. I do have colour in my hair and use straighteners, (even on holiday) so my hair's going to need all the help it can get! Let see what happens!


Aussie 3 Minute Miracle 'Colour' Deep Treatment - this is 'for coloured hair in need of love', sounds like my hair. Sachets come in so handy for holiday and take up no space in the suitcase!  

Ojon wide tooth comb - this comes in the pot with the famous Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment which I've used on and off for a while. Useful little compact comb!

A couple of  products to decant -

Philip Kinglsey Elasticiser - I love pre-shampoo treatments and this is one of my faves. Just so easy to pop on dampened hair and just get on with stuff (or sit around in the sun if you're on holiday!) while it does it's work.  I take this every year and put it on in the afternoon so that when I wash my hair in the evening it feels the benefit of the deep conditioning.

Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray - this stuff is great for beachy waves and texture and you only need a couple of squirts! Using this encourages me to not straighten my hair and just rough it up a bit!

So that's that then.  Just a few bobbles, clips and my trusty old hat to throw in!

Very Old Hat but I love it! 

What are your holiday haircare secrets?

Jen x