Summer Showers ...!

Bonjour!

Yes I know I have a problem ... I assume 'normal people' open and use one (or maybe two) shower products at a time, finish up and move onto the next?  Not I - I usually have several on the go at once ... I'd like to say I take loads of showers to justify this but sadly I'm just your 'average one-a-day joe'!  Here are the products I was using during the recent 'more than welcome and so long overdue' hot spell ... which sadly seems to have now evaded us ... !

Original Source Coconut Shower - the Tropical vibe - just as it says on the tin really (as you would expect) - like showering in a load of coconut cream on a tropical island in one of those outdoor affairs behind a straw screen - I'd have to be on my guard as I'm scared of creepy crawlies but you get the gist!

Nivea Hawaii Flower & Oil - the Silky one my most recent acquisition which I really did not need but it was half price at just over £1.  I've no idea what a 'Hawaii flower' smells like (unfortunately!) but this has a lovely delicate scent and leaves skin comforted with those micro pearl thingies!

Treacle Moon 'One Ginger Morning' Bath and Shower Gel  - 'Pow' in yer face! - love me a Treacle Moon product and this is no exception!  Great in the morning or after a sweaty gym session (nice!). Proper grabs the senses good style - if 'ginger' is your thing then this is the one!

Original Source Pink Grapefruit Shower - the Tutti-Fruiti - a lovely refreshing dose of 'freshly squeezed' grapefruit in true Original Source style! Another pick me up for a warm evening shower!

Mandara Spa Island Paradise Moisturising Shower Gel  - Zingy-Man! - well if ever there was one to use under an exotic waterfall (again ... always on the watch for spiders and water creepies!) then this is it! More grapefruit here but with the added edge of the zingy lemon - a great one to revitalise - as the name suggests!

So that's my stash of Summertime shower gels that I need to make a dent in - unfortunately Summertime is escaping us isn't it ...? How many shower products are you using at the moment?

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

April Empties!

Bonjour!

Ok so I know I say this every month but did we really get to the end of April last week? A few weeks from now and we'll be half way through the year and the kids will only have a few weeks of school term left ... can't get my head round it!

April Empties then ...

Nivea Stress Protect Anti-Perspirant  - I've used the dry stick version of this and found it really effective (I am usually stressed anyway so need something potent!) - however this spray didn't quite hit the spot and definitely didn't perform as well as the little dry stick - so I won't be repurchasing.

Q Radiance The Fine Fragrance Body Spray - love these Fine Fragrance sprays for my gym bag - smells of fresh flowers, always welcome after a sweaty gym session! This is the second time I've emptied one of these out - this one was half price in Sainsburys so I snapped it up. Will repurchase when it's on offer again.

Tesco Softening Body Lotion - I have both this Cocoa Butter and the Aloe Vera formula permanently in place in the bathroom.  They're both so easy to apply (no excess rubbing here!), super cheap and last for ages - brilliant for every day use. Have repurchased many times.

Percy and Reed Bodifying Cream -  a great styling product, you can apply exactly where you want it, doesn't gunk your hair up unless you use far too much. Granted I do chop and change my styling products a lot (I have a fair few to use) but I only need one good pump of this for my barnet and it's lasted ages. Full review from last year is here

Biotherm Aquasource Deep Serum - the lovely Biotherm lady in Boots very kindly gave me these samples to try. I must admit Biotherm products fascinate me, especially the serums - it's all that aquatic and deep sea stuff I reckon. This particular serum is light and silky, smells amazingly fresh and left my skin really soft and hydrated.  Would love to try a full size someday to check out the long term benefits - just need to decide which one to choose first!

Aveeno Skin Relief Shea Butter Moisturising Lotion - I know this is technically a body lotion but I always have one of these round the house and slap it on my hands or any eczema prone bits when they feel extra sore. I can afford to be liberal with this big size - will repurchase.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - my skin seems to like all the Vichy products I've tried so far and this is no exception. I use it every morning under moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated - the bottle has lasted from November until the start of April.  Have already re-purchased. Full review here.

Gatineau Defi-Lift Revolumising Lipcare - my favourite bedtime lippie treatment - helps with fine lines around the lip area as well as being soothing, hydrating and conditioning - a great all rounder. Love it and my mum has already supplied me with another to use every night! Review here.

And one more regular empty ...

... another bottle of my beloved cumin seeds, I'm obsessed with the stuff and would use it in practically everything if I could! Needless to say I have repurchased ...!

What products did you use up last month?

Jen x

September Empties ...

Bonjour!

A bit late but here are the products I finished in September...

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - I've not used a specific remover for eye make-up for a while but this little bottle was on offer from QVC together with a huge bottle of the same and a Gatineau cleanser which made the kit very affordable. Floracil is a very effective alcohol free eye make-up remover which can also be used as an eye treatment. I have the big size to open now - good job as I think I'm getting hooked!

Nivea Stress Protect Stick Anti-Perspirant - used this all through  the summer, also on holiday and have already re-purchased. It's one of the best I've used for the fresh and dry factor - wish it relieved my stress as well but that would be asking too much!

Tesco Nail Polish Remover Pads - cheap, cheerful and convenient. Removes polish absolutely fine - definitely repurchase.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion - if you read my previous post you'll know this is a favourite of mine and I've already gone and gotten another two larger sizes!

Rituals Cherry Blossom and Rice Milk Whipped Body Cream - from a previous beauty box. Lovely product, smell and texture etc. Just a bit pricey (£5/70ml) for everyday use though so won't be getting another just yet but I've really enjoyed using it!

Dove Summer Glow Moisturiser - this is my old bottle which I emptied a couple of weeks ago.  One of my favourite gradual tanners for the summer, works great for me, no orange or strong smell.  I've recently re-purchased as it was on offer.

Blistex Lip Brilliance - great for slicking on for work/school run/gym- whatever. Moisturises with a hint of rosy colour. Will repurchase.

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo - a mini travel size which I took on holiday and recently finished off. Batiste always works well for me. Don't need to repurchase just yet as I have another couple of dry shampoos to use up!

That's last month's lot then. What did you use up in September?

Jen x

A Few Rescue Products ...

Bonjour!

These are products that I've used on an off (and re-purchased) for a while now- I find they each really help things along in their own little way ...!

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner - my scalp is prone to itchy flaky areas at times if I'm stressed, run-down or have over-used certain hair products (I'm always subjecting my scalp to dry shampoo and hair powders). I just apply this cooling toner directly to the area/in the parting and it helps to calm the area down and temporarily stop those pesky flakes.

Simple Derma Intensive Relief Lotion - I usually stock up on this if it's on offer as it's a must-have if my eczema flares up  - the large bottle of lotion lasts for ages!  I also use it after shaving or if my skin is feeling a bit itchy and stressed (usually tops of my arms - no idea why) - it's perfume free and very gentle on the skin - it doesn't sting and stops any soreness developing.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion - I am a big fan of the Aveeno hand cream but found I was getting through one tube too many so I switched to buying this large 200ml tube of moisturising lotion. I keep this downstairs and use it as my hand cream. I find it just as moisturising as a regular hand cream and if anything more soothing/comforting plus the huge tube lasts and lasts.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion -   Great to sweep over tired/puffy eyes in the morning (yep that's me!) to wake em up or if I'm feeling really decadent to use as a compress/eye mask type thing on cotton pads and get back in bed and lie back on a weekend (get me!).  I don't use it as an eye-make-up remover as I wear too much mascara and it's only suitable for removing light eye make-up. Also brilliant during the hay fever season - myself and my son have used this many a time to refresh sore, itchy hay fever eyes.

Nivea Rescue and Care SOS Body Lotion - leaves skin smooth, silky and plumped.  I've found this to be especially soothing on my hands (again? - yes again - my hands get very dry in all seasons!). Really seems to help lock the moisture in and keep it there and so protects skin from drying and cracking. (I found it especially effective when the weather was extra cold - was great to apply before going out to keep hands supple).  Also good on knees, elbow and any extra dry bits really!

So that's my little arsenal of must-haves, there are a few others I favour but didn't want to bombard you with too many at once so I'll save them for another post!

What are your favourite 'Rescue Products' and why?

Jen x

April Favourites and Empties ...

Bonjour!

Better late than never... some empties, some favourites ...

Ojon Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner - a duo I've been using on and off for a while (nicked it from my mum!). Tend to save it as a treat for my poor old hair - full review to follow.

Marks & Spencer Essential Extracts Coconut Hand and Body Lotion and Shower Gel - £1 each for pity's sake - you just can't go wrong - brilliant every-day shower gel. Body lotion sinks in really easily - both do their job and smell great - will re-purchase without a doubt. Did I mention that they're only £1 each?!

Impulse Loving Words Body Fragrance - I usually pick up a couple of cans of Impulse whenever they're on offer at £1 and always carry one in my handbag for a quick spritz! I'd like to say it's an ideal fragrance now that Spring has arrived as it fresh and fruity - but of course we've had our 2-3 days of sun and warmth ... (not that I'm bitter or anything!)

Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain in Honey - been a favourite for a while and is always in my handbag, so much so that the writing has worn off the tube. Really want to try out another lip stain - you can see my full review of this particular shade here.

17 Va Va Voom Mascara - great volumising mascara - full review here. Unfortunately it's been used for a while and dried up so will have to chuck. Would re-purchase as it's really well priced at £6.29 only I don't need any more un-opened mascaras just yet! Am I getting sensible in my old age?

Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Cosmic Brown - this is a re-purchase and is coming to an end. It gets used most days if I'm honest for definition on the upper lid whether on it's own or mixed with another colour. It glides on dead easy, doesn't drag the skin and stays put all day. Had this in 'Blackest Black' as well (and seem to have lost it - very mysterious!).  Great price at around £6 (but usually on offer for less) so will re-purchase again.

Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream - kept this at work in my desk drawer to use as a hand-cream. Smells good, hydrates and softens. Will re-purchase but only when I've used up some of the other myriads of hand creams dotted around our house!

This is a favourite with me and the kids (and the girls at work too!) - hot bubbly chocolate - what more could you want?

So that's this month's lot - do you reckon by next month's Favourites/Empties we may have actually have had some decent weather for more than a few days?

Jen x

February Favourites, Empties and Shopping My Stash!

Bonjour!

February faves and empties here ...

Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Softening Body Cream - (from Sainsburys) - my favourite fragrance from this range - heady floral scented cream that moisturises well.  Takes a while to rub in so I only use it when I know I've a little more time - great on a night out because the fragrance lasts and lasts. (I already re-purchased a while ago as they are frequently on offer at Sainsburys).

Dove Indulgent (with Shea Butter) Nourishing Lotion - an everyday favourite - glides on, sinks in easily and leaves skin soft and smelling good man. I'll re-purchase when it's on offer again.

Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Lotion - recently empty. Meant to be suitable for normal/dry or combi skin. Bought this mainly for it's spf 30.  Not sure whether this is the day cream for me - it's thicker than any I've used before - seems to moisturise ok and make up stayed put with primer but felt somewhat greasy on my T-Zone - maybe better suited to a dryer skin.  I'm a bit on the fence so am trying a new day cream out.

Nivea Sunny Melon & Oil Shower Gel - now finished (the bottle is actually a golden colour so it stilll looks full but it's empty - shame!). Exactly as the name suggests - smells of warm melons in the summer sun (that sounds wrong!).  It has teeny tiny balls of oil which burst when showering and moisturise skin - like it and will re-purchase (again will wait until on offer).

Elemis Re-Hydrating Ginseng Toner - this was another from last year's Elemis TSV - lovely product - refreshing, hydrating and invigorating in the morning. This is the first toner I've used from Elemis and I'd like to re-purchase at some stage.

Percy & Reed Bodifying Cream and No Oil Oil (for fine hair) - yep they're here again! Another kit from QVC - it's a favourite alright - full review to follow.

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm Original -  needs no intro. I hadn't used Carmex before (despite being a bit of a lip-balm addict) and bought the pot and the tube when Claire from Another New Day mentioned it as one of her absolute favourites for winter lips. I'm  glad I did because it's now one of my favourites, it's like wearing a protective shield. Love it.

 Laura Geller Baby Cakes Baked Blush Palette - love Laura Geller 'baked' products - available from QVC (also have her famous Balance 'n' Brighten.)  I've heard Laura's baked blushes are comparable to MAC's Mineralised  blushes? This is what I believe is called 'Shopping my Stash?' - bought the palette last year when it was on offer on QVC - where else? (don't think it's available in the UK at the moment - shame). I tend to save it for nights' out but dug it out to use recently and glad I did. The Baby Cakes blush palette contains three colours with a subtle shimmer (not full on glitter!) and one matte. Each gives a gorgeous wash of colour and lift to my tired old cheeks. You only need a little of the product but can build up for a stronger look - great pigment and stays put all day or night!

Ahh - a firm favourite (but soon to be empty!) this month - was on offer at Tesco half price.  Tastes wonderful with those bits of chocolate and gooey bits!

What have been your favourites this month - have you tried Creme Egg Ice Cream yet?


Jen x