The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter - Review

Bonjour!

The Body Shop Camomile range is said to be geared up towards calming things down, soothing, purify and hydrating and suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. I'm a big fan (like many before me) of the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil so was intrigued to have a go with The Body Shop  Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter...

The Camomile Cleansing Butter is suitable for all skin types and includes Olive Fruit Oil and Shea Butter amongst the ingredients.  It has quite a solid appearance in the tin - almost like hard candle wax or a slice of lard (anyone remember Trex?) - fortunately the resemblance ends there!  It has a very delicate scent, similar to the Camomile Cleansing Oil but not as obvious and is soft and satin-like in texture with no greasiness.  It's easy to scoop out and apply, you don't need a tonne and it melts easily into the skin with no pulling or dragging. I emulsify with a little water, have a bit of a massage around and remove with a muslin cloth - I'd say you definitely need some form of cloth to remove.  It doesn't bring my eczema out, cause any breakouts or strip/dry my skin and leaves it feeling clean, soft and comfortable.  I use every evening after removing my surface make-up with a micellar (I can feel an 'Evening Skincare Routine' post coming on!) as a sort of 'second cleanse'.

I haven't really used a cleansing balm or butter for a while, not since I finished my last pot of Emma Hardie Moringa Balm, which is lovely although pricey.  I don't know if it's just me but the Camomile Cleansing Butter seems to do just as good a job, I love the texture and the results (of course) and think it definitely lives up that 'Sumptuous' claim!  The tin has lasted a few months and is a great price at £13/90ml, (especially if you can get hold of one of the Body Shop's discount codes) I'll definitely be repurchasing - I may even go as far as to say I prefer the Cleansing Butter to the Cleansing Oil?!  May to have to repurchase both just to cement my theory!

Have you tried The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter or any products from the Camomile range - you can check out the full shebang here! Which is your current favourite cleanser?

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

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

Birthday Bits ...!

Bonjour!

So you may or may not know that it was my birthday recently - actually it was a while ago now!   The day consisted of some shopping, some family and some food! My musician brother was home so he cooked a 'birthday' curry and my other brother was over in France (where he lives), so he sat within the confines of the laptop (on Skype) situated on the piano to be exact, watching over us and chatting whilst we had dinner - it was like having all the family in the same room! Here are some of my lovely pressies ...!

The Body Shop Bath and Shower Gels from my friend, L'Occitane and Gatineau goodies from my lovely mum. Mac lippie in Lady Danger from a friend and the hubby treated me to the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 (love it!), Real Techniques Core Collection and Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask - good to know he has my scalp's best interests at heart!

Bought myself the No7 Illuminated Make-Up Mirror (half price) with money from a good friend (now I'll be able to see all my wrinkles and open pores illuminated and magnified!) and couldn't resist this long-line 'Run DMC' distressed T from New Look - go me! The lovely bright scarf came all the way from my Aunt in sunny Melbourne, Australia - thanks Auntie J! x

My brother's tasty Sinhalese style chicken curry with aubergine, red pepper and fresh coriander and mum's wonderful triple layer milk choc birthday cake - once you start eating it you can't stop!

So yes - I can't complain - it was good! The only spanner in the works was caused by the boiler packing up at the end of the day - luckily after we had cooked and eaten but there was no long hot pampering soak in the bath that night!  Thankfully we managed to get it sorted pretty sharpish (I nearly hugged the plumber!) - washing hands in cold water was painful after a while! NEVER underestimate the power of a good boiler or a good plumber for that matter chaps!

What do you think of my birthday bits then?  Have you ever hugged your plumber?

Jen x

January Favourites/Empties ...

Bonjour!

So that's January over with for another year - I'm so looking forward to the lighter mornings and evenings  - how about you? A mixed bag of favourites and empties over the past month or so then ...

Kerastase Ciment Thermique - been using this since the middle of December and it's a firm favourite! Full review to follow.
L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo and Conditioner  - this duo is coming to an end now. I was pleasantly surprised with it's performance and have re-purchased. Full review here.
Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Moisturising Shower Gel - just finished, gorgeous smelling product this one with a  heady floral scent - reminds me of high summer!
Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara - all finished. It gives a good effect once on but is a bit of a smudger. Couldn't make my mind up about it - as you can see from my review here. 
Benefit They're Real Mascara - I'm giving up on this one.  A magazine freebie and something I've been trying on and off for a few months - but it's not to be.  It just doesn't 'do it' for me and I poke myself in the eye every time I try!
Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose - been loving this for a touch of colour and radiance (both of which have so been needed!) - review here.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment - this finished about a week after my review here and I was gutted and am missing it already! I'm trying another eye cream out but will be re-purchasing as soon as I can snap up a good deal!
Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer in Nude - used mainly for the under-eye area. You do have to be light handed otherwise it has a tendency to cake up but I would re-purchase as it's quite a good concealer for me.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - one of my all time favourites - especially in Winter - it's hard to beat that's for sure. I've repurchased a few times and will continue to do so!

And last but not least ... why oh why does this have to be empty...

Toblerone has to be one of my all time favourite items of confectionery - the chunks are just the right size for a treat after dinner and because you can't (or shouldn't) really fit it all in your mouth at the same time then one is enough on a school night. I've been allowing myself two chunks at the weekends though - get me!  Yes I will be re-purchasing on a fairly regular basis!

What have your favourites been last month? Are you able to fit a whole chunk of Toblerone in your mouth cos I can't!?

Jen x

March Favourites, Empties and Misses!

Bonjour!

It's that time again ... got me some favourites, got me some empties and unfortunately a couple of  'hit and misses' ...

Bare Minerals Warmth - you can't tell from the pic but this is my tiny pot of Bare Minerals Warmth and it's practically empty (have a larger one waiting in the wings though!). Love this and really need to get a full review sorted - it adds colour to my face without any 'orange factor' going on!

The Body Shop Moringa Body Mist - I can't stop spraying this - addicted is the word. I'm useless at describing fragrance but this a heady - intoxicating in a good way - floral scent which lingers and I've used it copiously over the past few weeks when it's been so cold and miserable to cheer myself up! If anyone remembers the old 'Impulse' ads where the bloke passes out at the girls doorway - then I'm that girl ...!

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask - a couple of old favourites - the Exfoliator I use twice a week and  is super-gentle but effective in bidding goodbye to those dead skin cells - helps brighten and smooth. The Mask is a night-time treat and for plumping and soothing de-hydrated, grey tired skin - just did a full review here.

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - one of my go-to eye products in the morning - really wakes up the eye area - finished it earlier this month and luckily had another to open - full review here.

L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 60 Second Saviour - coming to the end of this tube - it didn't transform my hair in 60 seconds, but did an 'ok' job after having been left on for 10/15 mins or so. I wasn't wowed by it though and think it's been replaced by a different masque in the L'Oreal range anyway.

Tresemme 24 Hour Sky High Plumping Powder - finished this little bottle (been re-purchasing this for quite a while) - can't seem to do without plumping powders these days for extra lift and oomph. I know some people hate the feel of this type of product in their hair but it doesn't bother me. I've just bought a new version from Tresemme try.

L'Occitane Limited Edition Ylang Ylang Hand Cream - a pressie from my mum almost finished - have had it in my handbag to use on the go and it's lasted ages as it's very concentrated - smells wonderful like all other L'Occitane products I've tried.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara - unfortunately a 'miss' for me - I know this is loved by many but it just didn't do anything for me certainly no volume, just a bit of definition - and I couldn't get on with the 'spoon brush' - just felt too flimsy for me to work with. Never mind.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk - another 'miss' - shame - I've heard many good things about this product. I actually bought and first used it last year when my skin was really playing up - hoping it would help but I just didn't see any noticeable improvement - I put it away and forgot about it until recently when I ran out of Elemis Cleansing Gel. Thought I'd try and use it up as my morning face wash but again - I just didn't get it, no brighter complexion or improvement in pore appearance etc - I like the smell of the peaches but maybe it's better for a younger/oilier skin?

Couldn't let this month's faves go by without this lot ...

Mum cooked Easter Sunday dinner, Anglo-Indian style, with hot mince curry and rice with dhal and fried meatballs and potatoes - oh and some poppadoms! Very tasty it was too and exceedingly stuffed we all were afterwards! Centre pic is of Mum's Easter cake - not a traditional simnel but the inside was choc and vanilla rainbow cake with stacks of choc fudge icing on the top and vanilla buttercream round the sides. It's mums birthday soon and I'll have to attempt to make a cake for her but as you can see there's going to be a fair bit of pressure involved ...!

So that's this month's little lot - what did you stuff your face with over Easter?

Jen x

The Body Shop Hemp Intensive Hand Butter - Review

Bonjour!

Just wanted to do a quick post on one of my favourite hand treatments of the moment  - The Body Shop Hemp Intensive Hand Butter (hubby bought me this for Christmas).  I love the Hemp Hand Protector so was eager to try this out.

The Hemp Hand Butter contains Community Fair Trade hemp seed oil and is suitable for very dry skin.  If your hands aren't drying out at this time of year (especially with the extended cold snap) you're very lucky. Mine are dry, sensitive, prone to itchiness where the skin cracks from time to time and have a tendency to look like proper 'older lady' hands if I don't moisturise them regularly and appropriately.

I like to use my Hemp Hand Protector treatment last thing at night for an extra boost but I know some of my friends find it a tad potent and the smell a little overpowering - this one's for you lot!  I'm finding the Hemp Hand Butter much more user friendly throughout the day as it's non greasy and absorbs easily.  A lot of standard hand creams just don't cut it for me at this time of year but I've found this to be effective at moisturising, soothing and hydrating. It still has the clean, almost medicinal aroma associated with The Body Shop Hemp range but is far more of a lighter and subtle scent.

Lovely product and I will re-purchase - it retails at £11.00/100ml but I got mine with 40% off so will wait for a similar offer (you know I like my offers!) - also want to try the foot butter at some stage! You can check out the full range of Hemp products from The Body Shop here.

Have you tried The Body Shop Hemp Intensive Hand Butter? How are you looking after your hands at the moment?

Jen x

Compliments of the Season...

...to you all!

Just wanted to share a few seasonal pics here from the last week -  what a surprise there are several of food...!

My brother Gourmet Gorman's tasty (leftover) Turkey Biryani and Mum's marvellous dhal...

  Gourmet Gorman's Honey Glazed Gammon and the dog looking reluctantly festive ...

Lovely L'Occitane pressies from Mum ...

Erm - I suspect we have enough confectionery to last until Easter ...!

Hazy pic of some of hubby's pressies...!

Went to see The Hobbit with hubby, kids and brothers - fantastic movie...!

Right - I'm off to have a large Chinese Takeaway with the family!  

What did you get up to last week? 

Jen x

November Favourites, Empties and Whips!

Bonjour!

I imagine this is probably the latest November Favourites/Empties post on the planet - it's well into December and there's so much to do - I'm verging on hysteria! Anyway - just thought I'd try and get it out there .. I've mixed up my favourites and empties as usual...

Phil Smith 'Be Gorgeous' Heat Defence Spray - bought this (what seems like) ages ago when it was half price at Sainsburys and it's practically empty now. A good little heat protection spray this one - I would repurchase - it does what it's supposed to and smells good too!

Laura Geller Baked Cheek Dreams - Neapolitan - a  QVC purchase from a while ago which I'd forgotten about (as you do!) - anyway - dug it out and have been using it a lot over the past month.  As you can see it looks like ice-cream and is a contour, blush and highlighter which can be used separately or all in one go. I love the 'chocolate' shade which - although looks plain brown in the pot is actually more of a deep, velvety, pinky brown once on. The strawberries and cream shades contain a tiny bit of shimmer but too much. As time is usually of the essence in the morning - I've been swirling my brush around the whole lot to grab a bit of each shade and it's worked really well. Quite a good all year round little blush pot!

L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter - a present (just emptied) from my mum which I've used on and off for months, mainly on hands, elbows and feet (if I remember - so bad at foot care!) as a night-time treatment.  A lovely tin-ful of  nourishment here. It's almost solid and waxy (so has lasted for ages) but melts easily once warmed either in your hands or onto your chosen body part! Has the lovely soft aroma associated with the L'Occitane Shea Butter range which I love.

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - one of my favourite winter hand creams.  My hands get even more dried out once the cold weather arrives and this is again - ideal to slather on last thing at night. If you're familiar with this hand cream you'll know it has quite a distinctive fragrance which  personally I like. It's rich, soothing and almost medicinal - love it and have already re-purchased.

Dirty Works Bye Bye Dark Circles Concealer - another Sainsburys buy here. I use the lighter colour for under-eye shadows, it's a little cakey, so have to use sparingly. Also, there is no brightening factor to it but it does a decent job all the same. The darker colour at the bottom is a good match for my overall skin tone so I use it as a general concealer. It does a good cover-up job and doesn't slide off and need touching up too often.  Overall this is a good little concealing kit - only cost me just over £3.00 so a steal when all is said and done!

No 7 Pore Refining Serum - another empty here. I used this earlier in the year and have now just got round to finishing it off. It's nice for a bit of extra hydration under moisturiser but I can't - in all honesty - see that it's had any effect on reducing pore size - which was my ultimate goal - so there won't be a re-purchase. I've noticed that the packaging has changed on Boots website - not sure if the formula has changed or not though.

Aussie Aussome Volume Shampoo and Conditioner - I had high hopes for these two. Aussie haircare products are loved by so many and are so affordable and smell great. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this combo does absolutely nothing for me - my fine hair is left devoid of any volume and it just hangs there in a limp fashion  - it doesn't weigh it down with product though so no idea what the problem is.  My hair just does not get on with the duo and it's so much more difficult to style. Such a shame.

L'Oreal Revitalift Perfect 10 BB - I'm still in love with this one - it's my perfect BB for this time of year. You can read my full review here.  I find it so versatile for just a bit of cover, as a primer or for layering for a fuller face-on. Fortunately the colour is perfect for me which always helps! Definite re-purchase.

Sorry but I just couldn't resist! I've not had a Walnut Whip in so very long - it's been years -  so when I saw this pack of three in (yes - you guessed - Sainsburys) I just had to indulge! Tasted just as good as I remember too!

When did you last have a Walnut Whip?


Jen x