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

A Long Overdue Haul ...!

Bonjour!

Well it's been a while ... ended up having a bit of an impromptu blogging break (as you do) ... either didn't have the time and when I did the old 'mojo' had wandered off! Anyway here we are back with a haul type thing ...obviously all this lot was not bought in one fell swoop but rather more of  an ongoing, slow burning affair over the last couple of months ...

The only body care item is the Garnier Body Oil Infused Nourishing Scrub, I'm trying to run down my stash (heard that before haven't we?) but it was on offer in Sainsburys, although I've not even cracked it open yet so can't pass any judgement!

Skincare wise,  Marks & Spencers had one of their 20% off beauty events a few weeks ago so I ended up  with the Pure Beauty Gentle Refreshing Face Wash - it's been pinched by my young daughter who's using morning and night and says she likes it as it 'feels gentle'. The Pure Beauty Moisture Plus Miracle Balm is for me - it can be used as a cleanser, face mask or skin salve so I'm intrigued! And ... the 20% off event coincided with the launch of Pixi Beauty within M&S so I ended up with the iconic Pixi Glow Tonic - which I've wanted to try for ages! Oh and not forgetting the random Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in the background there, which was cheap as chips in Boots so I grabbed it as my current Nuxe Micellar is coming to an end.

Nails then ... I felt like they deserved a little TLC as the old things have been cracking and splitting and so enter the OPI Nail Envy - which I've started using on and off and seems to be working so that's a winner then!  Also actually did need a new top and base coat so decided, again, to give OPI a go - the one I had, a top and base in one (I won't mention the brand!), was simply not cutting it on either front and my nails had become badly stained - looked like I'd dipped them in a bowl of turmeric - nice!  Lastly - the mini bottle of Jessica Polish is from the Autumn in New York collection  - this colour is NY State of Mind - love it!

Make-up wise it's definitely been a 'lip thing' recently ... apart from the little Collection Nude Palette there, which was at a stupid price of £2.50 or similiar in Superdrug!  The L'Oreal Color Riche in Eva's Pure Red, I grabbed back in August (see told you this haul went back a while!) when my brother was about to get married just as a back-up red lippie mind!  Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Beau Brun was more of a recent 'addition' (see what I did there?) as I thought it was a good Autumnal shade and then there's a little treat in the form of a MAC Lipliner (my first) in Chicory, which I'm intending using as an all over lip colour.  Lastly, a few nude lippies - my excuse is as follows, I've lost my favourite Naked Beige lippie from Soap & Glory - no idea where it is and every time I pop into Boots to repurchase it's never in stock, really hope it's not discontinued as it's the perfect mix of pink/brown and the exact tone I need for my skin! Anyway ... Maybelline had 3 for 2 on, I was in a hurry, did a quick swatch and bobs your uncle! Turns out the two at the back (one is Nude Embrace and the other Tantalizing Taupe) are a little pale and will have to be mixed with other lippies - hate it when that happens!  The Colour Drama Lipstick Pencil in Nude Perfection however, is actually ok - I had read that this particular colour is a bit of a dupe for MAC's Velvet Teddy so it'll do me for now!

And lastly ... Feel Unique had up to a third off specialist skincare (think this is still on actually here) so I grabbed a couple of essentials from the La Roche Posay Lipikar range - so good for those dry, sore, eczema prone days! I also thought this a good opportunity to try the Bioderma Micelle Solution for dehydrated skin and then noticed the huge pot of  Bare Minerals Original Foundation in my exact shade of Medium Tan (plus brush) was at the silly price of £11. The tiny sample of Marc Jacobs Decadence is complimentary!

So that's it ... as I said this lot has evolved over a decent length of time ... I think it's safe to say that it will be a while before I post another haul - definitely time to shop one's stash!

Have you used any of these products? What have you hauled on recently?

Jen x

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

Beauty Haulage ...!

Bonjour!

I haven't done a haul post since January (even then it was pathetic) so here are a few bits I've picked up over the last couple of months ...

E45 Repair and Protect Overnight Hand Cream - on offer in Boots - the old hands need some TLC.  Not tried it yet but it will be placed on my bedside table shortly!

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil and Balm -  I'd run out of my beloved DHC Cleansing Oil and not got round to re-ordering so decided to give the Camomile Cleansing Oil a go. The dilemma set in as I entered The Body Shop and discovered they had a buy one get one half price offer on - the rest is history ...

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence and Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray - buy one get one free in Boots. I'm a big fan of the Thickening Essence so got the Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray as the freebie. I've had a couple of  'tries' with it and can't decide if I like it or not so will follow up on that!

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Everstrong Shampoo and Nourishing Intense Mask - these were both half price in Sainsburys and I've been meaning to repurchase from this range since my review here.  

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - after using a sample from an old beauty box, I grabbed this on offer from Amazon.  Still loving it for it's hydrating properties but you really have to get used to the smell!  It's all a bit confusing but my sample was fragrance free (yet with a bit of scent to it) and this large size is the original - to me it smells a bit strange, really industrial, like new plastic? It's a fragrance (if you can call it that) that you have to get used to ... to my mind (and nose) the fragrance free 'smells' much more inviting so will go back to that next time!

No7 Stay Perfect and Moisture Drench Lippies - I used the No7 Match Made Service to help choose these two colours - Pillarbox and Sweet Chestnut.  I had one of those No7 money off vouchers plus they were buy one get one half price - can you tell I like my offers?!  I didn't intend buying brights, I was after a nude lippie but the No 7 lady informed me that for some reason they don't seem to 'do nudes' at the moment - shame!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - as soon as I heard this mascara was a dupe for the Benefit Roller Lash, which I reviewed here, I had to try it out - especially whilst it was on introductory offer! First impressions are good and full review will follow.

Bourjois One Seconde Volume Mascara and Happy Light Primer - I used the Waterproof One Seconde last summer - review here so wanted to try this Ultra Black version - the primer just 'fell' into my basket too as it was half price! I'm useless aren't I?


Have you used any of these products? What beauty bits have you picked up on your travels over the last few weeks?


Jen x

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation - Review

Bonjour!

I've been intrigued by the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation for a while. I eventually picked it up from my local Sainsburys one Saturday, (when I should have been concentrating on the food shop!) as it was on offer with a few pounds off making it a mere £6.99.  It has been likened to a certain G. Armani foundation of which I have no hands on knowledge so (sadly!) can't compare ...!  Anyway I went for the shade 150 in Nude Beige after swatching on my hand ... and yes I know it was a gamble ...

The composition is described as 'lighter than water' with an 'evanescent texture' due to volatile oils - sounds a bit scientific to my ears (and I hated chemistry anyway!) but apparently a volatile oil is 'a rapidly evaporating oil, that does not leave a stain' - all good then! To apply you just shake the little bottle (as you would perfume) and apply a few dots/blobs to one's kite. I then use my Real Techniques buffing brush to blend in. It's probably more suited to an oily/combo/normal skin type as it does have a tendency to cling to any dry patches.  It has a silky finish leaning towards matte - but not in a mask like way and wears really well over a primer so I've been wearing it to work regularly - it even lasted much of the working day during our recent tropical/non-aircon/sweaty spell in the office!

Left bare skin and right with L'Oreal Nude Magique ...

It can be built up for more cover and doesn't feel heavy or cakey to wear.  I do tend to save for 'better skin days' - that pic on the left believe it or not is a 'better skin day' - though it doesn't quite completely cover my multitude of open pores and anyway I've learned to live with them! This shade is slightly too pale for me at the height of summer and I need a touch of bronzer but all in all it's quite a nice little foundation and one I would consider re-purchasing!

Have you tried the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint? What's your favourite foundation for light cover?

Jen x

Face and Outfit of the (other) Night!

Bonjour!

Bit overdue this post but better late than never! So ... outfit and mug shot from an evening out with the hubby and kids a few weeks back ... yep apologies for yet another awkward pose with yet another pair of creased knees (what is it with me and creased knees?) ...  the husband never thinks to point any of this out - probably as he was impatient (as usual) to get off out, rather than taking silly photos ... men!!

Top - H &M (old)
Creased skinny jeans - Primark
Red Cork Wedges - New Look (very old)
Distressed Handbag - Top Shop (very old)

With the pooch - who happens to be sitting very smartly don't you think?

Make-up ...

Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer and Under Eye Brightener, No7 Instant Radiance Concealer review here, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium, L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation in Nude Beige, Mally Eyeshadow Stick in Antique Taupe and Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight review here, Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara - review here, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony review here, highlight on brow bone from MUA Undressed Palette (not pictured),  Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear - review here and good ol' faithful Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lippie in 110- review here.

And corresponding 'Mug Shot' ...

Had to take this when we got back as I'd run out of time before  - story of my life!

One day ... yes one day I'll do a proper outfit post sans 'creased knees' and make-up before the evening out!

Jen x

New Specs Haul!!

Bonjour!

Totally blaming my new specs (below) for this one! Had to pop into Boots to pick them up (check for fit etc) - it's been 3yrs since I last had my eyes tested so new specs were overdue. Of course, any 'normal' person would just walk out with their new spectacles but not me - oh no ... it's like offering sweets to a child letting me loose in there ...! I don't think I'm on my own with this affliction? Correct me if I'm wrong - actually don't ...!

To be honest everything here (apart from the nail files) was on offer. 3 for 2 across haircare - my hair is mis-behaving at the moment so I went for the No Sulphate Nourishing Care System - can't wait to try it out! The hand cream was down to £1.99, selected Original Source Shower products are down to £1 (why did I only get one?!) and the Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate Nail Polish had a quid off so only £3.49 ...

I bagged the Trilogy Rosehip Oil and Bourjois Cream Blush in 'Pink Sunwear' with my Boots points - don't you just love those Boots points!

So I actually didn't spend that much believe it or not (even my specs were half price) and it gives you such a warm feeling inside when you walk out of Boots with a large carrier bag of goodies ... doesn't it?

Have you bagged any Boots bargains recently or are you 'normal' ie able to walk out empty handed?

Jen x

L'Oreal Paris Everstrong Shampoo, Conditioner and Intense Nourishing Mask - Review

Bonjour!

Try saying this lot in one breath then ... 'L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Everstrong No Sulphates Reinforcing System' ... actually - breathe here ... 'Shampoo, Conditioner and Nourishing Intense Mask' ... mouthful or what?

If you read my blog you'll be aware of my haircare junkie tendencies and my recent efforts to sort my barnet out.  I picked this lot up before Christmas when Boots had one of their 3 for 2 offers on.  The EverStrong range seemed a good option as my 'fragile, brittle hair' had been doing my head in and I wanted to try a 'No Sulphate' range ...

You may have seen my review on L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist (here) which I do think helped with the overall state my hair and scalp.  I wanted to give the Everstrong range a go as it was targeting the same concerns but from the 'No Sulphate' corner and so used this shampoo, conditioner and mask for a solid month recently.

Once you've saturated your barnet the shampoo foams really well considering it is sulphate free and gives you that squeaky clean feeling.  The conditioner is effective but light enough to not weigh my hair down.  The mask is creamier in texture - I used this approx once/twice a week and left it on for the standard 3-5 minutes - as on the can (sometimes longer).  The combination of these three products leaves my hair soft, shiny and manageable with noticeable bounce - this is one of the things that first struck me actually - the bounce!  The rosemary and mint give the shampoo and conditioner a fresh and clean fragrance that lingers (the mask has more of a buttery smell to it). You know when your hair gets swished around in the day (mine only swishes a little but still!) and you get a waft of a nice smell - that's the one!

If you like going down the 'no sulphate' route then this lot may be worth a try - certainly with this particular 'reinforcing' range my  hair feels stronger and healthier, with no build-up, no itchy flaky scalp and as with the Elvive Triple Resist - not so much hair going down the plughole! The more hair I can keep attached to my head the better all round!

I have so many haircare products to use up (if I ever achieve this I'll have a party - seriously I have a problem!) and I am notorious for chopping and changing my shampoo/conditioners - I think your hair does benefit from a bit of a change (probably not as frequently as I have been known to in the past!). However, I can see me keeping the L'Oreal Everstrong range as a permanent fixture in the (heaving) bathroom cabinet! I recently tried yet another range and then went back to the Everstrong for a bit of extra nourishment.  It seems like the perfect product for me to dip into every now and again to give my hair a proper 'sulphate-free' spring clean whilst maintaining condition and strength.

Do you chop and change your haircare? Have you tried any products from the L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise range?

Jen x

A Lil' Giveaway ...!

Bonjour!

I told myself that when I got to 450 followers on Bloglovin (which may seem small fry to some but is a huge deal to me!) I would do a little celebratory Giveaway! On Saturday morning I reached 450 - yey!! but then at lunchtime it had gone down to 449 - pants!!  Despite the 'pants' situation I decided to go ahead with the Giveaway because what's one follower, more or less, between us bloggers ... ? And now I'm back at 450 - yey!!  Anyway - I'm giving away three of my favourite products of the moment to one winner  ...

Elf Baked Eyeshadow Palette in California
Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose
L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara in Black

You can read my reviews on Rich Rose and Miss Manga here and here. Swatches for my California Palette can be found here. Now although I can't vouch for this personally I did read that this is very similar to a certain Sephora palette - and that can only be good yes?!

To enter please complete the Rafflecopter below ...

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*The Giveaway will run until  23.03.14 and is open internationally *All entries will be checked.
*Please obtain permission/consent from an adult if you are under 18 *As with all new products please be aware of possible allergic reaction and remember to test the product suitably first.


Good Luck!

Jen x

L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

I picked up the L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara a few weeks ago whilst it was offer. The 'Manga' look is based on the Japanese comic strip characters with huge doll eyes fringed with big lashes - since I'm a fan of large lashes and a total mascara addict, curiosity got the better of me - as always ...!

Over on the L'Oreal website the benefits are described as follows...

"Miss manga features a 360 degree flexible brush for effortless application. Its unique brush has a flat surface to intensify and amplify upper lashes while its conical shape capture the lower lashes. Formulated with collagen spheres and polymers for ultimate volume and hold."   (source)

I found this brush easy enough to work with - it does take some getting used to at first, the flexible bit lets the stem 'give' a little (be interesting to see if it would work without this feature) but those flat bristle type thingies almost 'hug' and coat each lash really well without depositing excess mascara all over the eyelid - which means you can work well to thicken the look of the lashline. A creamy formula with a good black pigment - it does add length but for me it's all about the volume (as is stated on the can) and curl which lasts all day -it's also really easy to grab the lower lashes with the thinner end of the brush without making a mess!  I've applied first thing before work, then gone onto the gym straight after (no, I don't remove my make-up before the gym, don't have time!) and it's still in place last thing when I remove without any smudging or flaking.     In my experience, though,  it works best by applying a couple of good coats one after the other (with a bit of wiggling of the wand) - all in one go and I mean that quite literally.  It's not a mascara where I can shove an extra coat on at a later stage as it clumps up and has to be combed through.  It's not as stubborn to take off as 'that stubborn mascara' but it's also not the easiest so you do need to use a decent eye make-up remover.  The top pic shows the usual pathetic bare lashes (obviously) and bottom after a couple of coats of Miss Manga ...

I have seen the Manga ad on TV where the lovely young girl's lashes are huge (lucky girl) but also quite clumpy in places - not everyone's cup of tea and not the look I'm after.  However, used correctly I think the pics speak for themselves and I'm more than happy with the results so Manga is a winner in my book and a mascara I'd be happy to re-purchase at £8.99.  Also available in violet and turquoise for the more adventurous out there but for me it's always black!

Have you tried the L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara (what a mouthful!)? What's your favourite mascara of the moment?

Jen x

A January Haul ... ?

Bonjour!

I don't know if you can call this a 'haul' as such - more of a sporadic gathering of bits of over the last few weeks.  I didn't have much in the way of presents this Christmas as my plan was to treat myself in the sales... unfortunately I didn't manage to bag that many official bargains so ended up just picking up things in dribs and drabs ...

Can you believe this is all I picked up from the half price beauty gifts in Boots?

Managed to get these leather pumps from Next though - a bargain at £12 ... but that's it for the 'proper' sales!

Because I'd been so good (or bad - whichever way you look at it!) sales-wise - I picked up some bits from Boots last week - all on offer mind ...!

Barry M Matte Nail Paints in Crush and Mocha (buy one get 2nd half price)
Max Factor Wild Shadow Pot in Burnt Bark (reduced to £3.99)
L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara (on offer at £5.99)
17 Peep Show Mascara (an old favourite - couldn't resist as all 17 mascaras were £4!)

A few cheapie t-shirts and scarf from Primark (the stripey one was only £2) ...

And then when I went to Sainsburys last week all this lot was on offer so I satisfied my domestic yearnings and treated myself - go me! (Actually can't wait to try out the saute pan - as I say go me!).


So what did you get in the January sales? Bet you did better than me!

Jen x

October Empties...

Bonjour!

October come and gone, Bonfire Night is upon us and the Christmas countdown has well and truly begun....! Anyway the products I've finished up during the last month or so ...

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - my second bottle finished. I've waffled on many times about how much I like this serum for hydration so won't harp on too much but my full review is here.

L'Oreal Paris Vitalift Rejuvenating Cleansing Smoothing Toner - bought this on impulse from a local Boots store ages ago - I'd run out of Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic and needed something to tide me over - plus it was on offer at around £3 or something silly. It lasted a few months as I only used it in the mornings - not sure I noticed any 'rejuvenation' or 'smoothing' going on - it felt a bit drying at times when my excema had flared up - I'll not repurchase as I'm after the REN Clarifying Toner next.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - loved this cleansing oil and will be repurchasing the full size as soon as I finish my current Emma Hardie Moringa Balm. If you read my full review here you'll see that I have another small size unopened - saving that for holiday next year - forward planning or what?

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - another lovely product which I took on holiday and have just about finished - it's lasted ages. There will definitely be some customary 'tube-cutting' going on to get every last drop of product out! I'll probably use the money off voucher from my recent Balance Me Beauty Box here - to repurchase this. Full review of the Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash is here.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - I didn't get round to doing a full review on this. I took the sample size on holiday and have been using it up recently at night.  It's meant to be soothing, brightening and lifting - I do find it soothing but can't say I noticed a huge amount of lifting - maybe I need something more potent at my age?  All in all though quite a nice little sample - I'd be happy to use this size again to take away - good job I have one in the above mentioned Balance Me Beauty Box?

Gatineau Melatogenine Advanced Anti-Ageing Eye Concentrate - I finished this back towards the end of August/start of September but kept forgetting to include it in my empties posts so thought I'd stick it in this one.  If you happened to read my evening skincare routine here you'll see that it's lasted me over a year and is aimed at the more mature eye to target wrinkles and fine lines. Loved using this - it felt like silk and I do think it helped with the old wrinkles. I'd re-purchase if/when it's on offer on QVC!

Emma Hardie AM/PM Moisturiser - another which I included in my nightly routine.  Although this is meant to combine the benefits of a serum and moisturiser in one, I had to use it over a serum to get the correct amount of hydration.  I was beginning to wonder if this would ever finish as it went on for absolutely ages!  I kept using the one pump at night for months and months and never seemed to get to the bottom of the container. Finally it finished a couple of weeks ago and already (sadly) my skin does not feel quite as nourished.  I wasn't sure whether I would repurchase this as it's quite expensive, around £38/50ml - however, it seems to be another of those premium products whereby, although the initial outlay is large - it pays for itself by it's performance and longevity so I'll be looking out for any offers!

So that's another lot of empties - can't believe it's Novembers'  next - scary! What products have you used up this month? Would you shell out for an expensive item if you knew it would last you ages?

Jen x