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

March Empties ...

Bonjour!

Is it really that time again - doesn't seem like two minutes since the last 'Empties'?  I know we say this a lot but really where is this year going - already in April!  Rather late with this lot but here we go ...

Vaseline Double Invisible 48h Protection Anti-Perspirant - quite like this one. Just a decent all round spray, seems to 'keep one fresh' but doesn't choke you up with overly strong fumes!  I must admit I've not been very vigilant with the whole white/yellow mark thing - let's just say I haven't noticed any jumping out at me and also the 48hr claim, as I shower every day but yes, I'd buy again!

The Body Shop Green Apple Bath and Shower Gel - this is a bittersweet one! My lovely friend bought it for last year's birthday and I absolutely love it - wonderfully fresh, ripe fruity scent - a real pleasure for the senses!  Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available anymore (why do they do that thing!?)  otherwise it would be a definite repurchase!

Neal's Yard Geranium and Orange Hand Cream -  this was  a magazine freebie and a darn good one if I may say so!  I've saved for bed-time use as it has quite a thick consistency, it's gentle and moisturising for dry, chapped hands and smells good too!  A little goes a long way so it's lasted for ages.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Repair Cream - this featured in my 2014 favourites. The Lipikar range is aimed at dry/ezcema prone skin and works to hydrate and lock moisture in. I find it leaves a slight 'tacky' feeling on the hands so again, use mainly before bed.  It's really soothing and non-stingy when my hands are feeling bit excema prone and sore and itchy. I tend to always have one in and stock up whenever on offer (mainly from the Escentual website!) as it ends up costing about £3 per tube so I can't afford not to.  I've already got another one ready to use! 

La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light Moisturising Cream - I think I'm a little addicted to French skincare - love this! You know when you find something that 'just works' for you?  I tend to switch between this and the Vichy Aqualia Light Pot. This tube is obviously more suitable for holidays/travel and I've used in the morning and/or night in Summer and Winter so it's a great all rounder.  I've already stocked up again!

L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque and Double Serum - I need to do a full review on this lot as I've been trying the whole range out for the last couple of months so I'll not go into too much detail but I've repurchased the masque whilst it was half price! (Actually I didn't go into any detail there did I but I'll post on it asap!)

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - losing count of how many times I've repurchased this. I use it mainly in the morning under moisturiser.  I do sometimes dabble with other serums but always come back to this one.  The packaging has changed but the product remains the same.  If you've not read my full review (nearly a couple of years ago now!) it's here and needless to say I have another on the go!

So that's a bit more of my stash used up - ok some has been replaced but not all - I am trying here! What did you get through over last month?  Do you replace things as they run out or always have extras in stock?


Jen x