Product Empties - October 2016

Hi everyone,

Its product empties time again. In this post they will be a mixture of old/ new products, as well as a couple of disappointing products.

Garnier Original Micellar Water

I was pleasantly surprised on how much this actually resembles the famous Bioderma micellar water, only this one is more budget friendly. I've got another bottle of this currently on the go, as well as having another two as back ups for when I run out.

Body Shop Absinth Purifying Hand Wash

This is my favourite hand wash from the Body Shop, and I have gone through a couple of these in the past. I have one more as a back up, and I would repurchase again in the future.

B&BW Beautiful Day Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

I love the deep cleansing hand soaps from Bath & Body Works, as they do an excellent job at exfoliating the hands while washing them. I have quite a few of these in back stock in a variety of different scents, but I have one more in 'Beautiful Day'. I will repurchase these again in the future.

Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter

I've been through a few of the Body Shop's body butters, and I do really like them. But I'm in the mood for a change, so once I've used up the last Body Shop body butter and a few other body butters/ body lotions then I'm changing to something else. The satsuma body butter is nice, but I actually prefer the satsuma shower gel rather than the body butter. I would consider buying it again in the future.

Aesop Camomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque

This mask is fabulous at pulling out all of the impurities from the skin.I only used this once a week, only on my T-zone, and this tiny pot lasted me just over a year because you don't use that much product. I would consider buying this again, but at the moment I have a number of purifying face masks to get through.

L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel (Sample)

I got this as part of a free gift, and I just wanted to use it up. It's an okay shower gel, but its nothing special and that makes it overpriced for what it is. I do have a one in a slightly larger size that I want to use up, but I don't think I would buy one full price unless its their lavender shower gel.

B&BW Pocketbacs in Island Margarita & Beautiful Day

I love the pocketbacs from Bath & Body Works, and I have gone through quite a few in the past. The Island Margarita pocketbac is lovely as it smells like a cocktail, and the Beautiful Day pocketbac smells like apples. I have at least another three in Island Margarita in my back ups, but I think thats the last of the Beautiful Day pocketbacs.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Cleansing Gel (Duluxe Sample)

I think I went through this in two weeks because I had to use quite a bit of product to really cleanse my face. It has a lovely honey fragrance, and it also has the texture of honey which I found a little strange at first. But I wasn't overly impressed with this cleanser has a whole, so I won't be purchasing it in the near future.

Malin & Goetz Clarifying Clay Mask (Duluxe Sample)

This was a lovely gentle clarifying mask, so it might be ideal if you have acne prone sensitive skin. It was also very effective, even though I did only use it in my T-zone. I would consider buying this in the future.

Baylis & Harding Steam Cream Wash

This was an okay shower gel to use, and it had a lovely oriential scent to it. I might consider purchasing this again in the future, but at the moment I have quite a lot of shower gel to work through.

Impulse Very Pink Body Fragrance

I kept this in my locker at work and I just used it to freshen up whenever I needed it. I'm on my last one of these, but I would consider purchasing these again in the future.

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream (Duluxe Sample)

This was a lovely moisturiser to use as part of my morning skincare routine, and it also had a gorgeous floral fragrance. I would consider purchasing this again in the future.

Lancome Energie de Vie Liquid Moisturiser (Sample)

Don't be fooled by the small sample size, as I got around a months worth of use out of each of these moisturiser samples because you don't actually need that much product. I was pleasantly surprised at how much it hydrated my skin during the day. I'm not sure if I would purchase a full size, even though my skin did respnd well to them.

Lancome Genefique Serum (Sample)

I used this as part of my night time cleansing routine once I had finished my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, and I think my skin responded slightly better to this than to the Advanced Night Repair. Again, I'm not too sure whether or not I would purchase a full size at the moment as I think I've a serum that I like.

Alberto Balsam Coconut & Lychee Shampoo & Conditioner

I was in a pinch when I brought these, so I thought I would give these a whirl. But once I got about half way through the bottle something had changed, not too sure what it was but my hair didn't agree with it, so I decided to stop using them. So I won't be repurchasing these again.

Alberto Balsam Tea Tree Tingle Clarifying Shampoo

I had the same problem with this as I had with the coconut & lychee shampoo and conditioner, and thats because my hair just stopped responding too it. I have been through a full bottle of this in the past, but with this I think I got about two thirds way down the bottle before I had to stop using it. I'm not too sure what caused the problem with my hair, but because of that I'm unable to buy it again.

Elemis British Botanical Shower Cream (Sample)

I think I used this once as a shower gel and I wasn't keen. So instead I used it as a shaving cream and it worked okay for that. But I won't be purchasing a full size in the future.

Its been a mixed bag of empties this month overall, and I've sampled quite a few new products in the process of using things up.

Review: Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Make-Up Remover

Hi everyone,

I've been using the Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Make-Up Remover for quite a bit now, and I thought I would give you my thoughts on it.

The Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Make-Up Remover is a fantastic eye make up remover, not only because its gentle, but also because it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes. It also has the added benefit of protecting the eyelashes, and this is because it contains Arginine.

This is also a bi-phase eye make up remover, which means that you have to shake it up to combine both phases to make the product effective. Once the eye make up remover has been combined, just place some of it on a cotton pad and then place on the eye for around 10-15 seconds, and then just gently wipe away. This should get all of your make up off.

I was amazed at how gentle and effective this product was, because I was very cautious about using an eye make up remover in the past because of how sensitive my eyes are.

Avon Haul - September 2016

Hi everyone,

This is my first ever Avon haul on this blog. I used to buy Avon products a lot during my teenage years, but I haven't had an Avon representative for a good few years. But, I do have one now, but this is only a recent thing. So, they might be some more Avon hauls coming up in the near future.


250ml Shower Gels
This was one product from Avon that I used consistly during my teenage years, and if I recall correctly that a bottle of shower gel from Avon used to last me around six weeks.

Avon Shower Gels in Rio Cocktail & Lagoon

Rio Cocktail Shower Gel - This is a lovely zesty scent, and it actually smells like a mojito shower gel. But it is a limited edition scent for the summer. So, I decided to purchase two of these, just so then I can enjoy the scent a little longer

Lagoon Shower Gel - This is a lovely fresh scent with just a hint of fruitiness. I don't think I've ever had this scent before, so I'm looking forward to using it.

Avon Shower Gels in Delightful Orchard & Pure Oasis

Delightful Orchard Shower Gel - This is a gorgeous fruity shower gel, because it smells of raspberries, apples and cassis. This will be lovely to use during the Autumn months.

Pure Oasis Shower Gel - This smells exactly like green tea, which is unusual for a shower gel scent, but saying that it does have a hint of mint so that in itself will make it a little bit more refreshing to use in the shower.

Liquid Handwash

I've never actually tried the liquid handwashes from Avon before. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what the formula is like.

I got the scents Lagoon and Citrus Zing, as I thought they would be safe scents to try out. I got two bottles of the Lagoon hand wash, and just one bottle of the Citrus Zing. Lagoon is the same lovely fresh scent as the shower gel, and Citrus Zing is a very uplifting citrus fragrance and I wished that I picked up another bottle because it smells divine, especially if your big on your citrus scents like I am.

Coconut & Starfruit Scented Spritz

I purchased two of these, because I thought that they would be fantastic to put in my handbag as a little body refresher throughout the day. Also, the coconut and starfruit scent is delicious, and would be a great addition to wear during the spring and summer months. 

Review: Soap & Glory 'Scrub Your Nose In It'

Hi everyone,

I thought I would review for you Soap & Glory's 'Scrub Your Nose In It', which is what I like to use when my nose get clogged or just a little bit dry.

Soap & Glory's 'Scrub Your Nose In It' is green in colour, has a thick but slightly gritty texture, as well as a subtle minty fragrance, which is actually quite refreshing once the product has been removed.

'Scrub Your Nose In It' is a physical and chemical exfoliator, which can be used either as a face scrub, face mask or nose mask.

- To use as a mask ~ Just apply to a damp face and leave on for around 5 - 10 minutes, and then wash off with warm water.

- To use as a nose mask ~ Apply to a damp nose and leave on for around 5 minutes, and then just remove using warm water.

- To use as a facial scrub ~ Apply to damp face, message in circular motions, then leave on for 2 minutes. To remove just rinse your face really well.

I only use this when my nose needs to be unclogged, but I do notice a difference once I have used this. Also, I prefer using this method rather than the nose strips.

Review: 'Breaking the Rules' By Clare Norburn

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Breaking the Rules' at St George's Church in Kendal, because it formed part of the Lake District Summer Music International Festival.

Cast
Gerald Kyd - Gesualdo
The Marian Consort
Jamie Akers - Lute

'Breaking the Rules' is a performance to celebrate Gesualdo's 450th birthday. The performance consists of a two hour monologue and the Marian Consort performing Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigril's. The Tenebrae Responsies are sacred pieces of music composed by Gesualdo and the Madrigril's are the pieces of music were Gesualdo started to explore the use of harmonics and chromatics, and that period in time it was just starting to come about.

'Breaking the Rules' is a one man concert drama that centres around the last of Carlo Gesualdo. Gesualdo is alone in his chapel on his family estate. But, Gesualdo has been living inside his castle for some time.
   Two weeks previous he lost his only son and heir, and Gesualdo himself now stares death in the face, knowing that he faces purgatory for the multitude of sins which he has committed.
   During his final day, Gesualdo is haunted by the memories of his first wife, Maria; who he murdered 23 years ago because she was having an affair with local nobleman, Fabrizio Carafe, the Duke of Andria. The only that will finally free him of these visions from the past is if he 'turns on' the music, which he himself has composed.
   Also, in the chapel with Gesualdo are his consort of singers and they help to provide a soundtrack into Gesualdo's mind, as well as to act as a trigger to help Gesualdo remember his important life events.

Gerald is absolutely fantastic outstanding as Gesualdo, because he makes him likeable; even though he has a very dark and intense past. The monologue is performed with a lot of depth and contrast; and this is due to Gesualdo reflecting back on his past as well as highlighting some of his important life events.

The Marian Consort are fabulous as Gesualdo's personal consort. They perform a selection of Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigril's because Gesualdo has to 'turn on' the music while reflecting on his past life. The music which is performed by the Marian Consort is beautiful to listen too because of the harmonics and chromatics that are used throughout Gesualdo's compositions. Angels are definitely in the form of the Marian Consort.

'Breaking the Rules' is a fabulous production that provides the audience with a unique experience. If you want to watch a show that puts you in a dream like state (in a positice way) , and through a palette of colours, then this could be for you. 'Breaking the Rules' is a show that certainly takes you out of yourself and transports you to another place.

Review: Ole Henrikson Walnut Complexion Scrub

Hi everyone,

I thought I would review for you the Ole Henrikson Walnut Complexion Scrub, which I have been using for the past few months.

The Ole Henrikson Walnut Complexion Scrub is a lovely facial to use, especially if you prefer to use a more gritty, manual exfoliator.

The scrub itself is densely packed, but also glides smoothly across the face. Also, once a small amount has been added to the scrub, the scrub itself foams up just ever so slightly. This scrub is filled with loads of lovely ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Camomile, Korean Ginseng and Walnut Powder.

Aloe Vera - Moisturise, calm and to also heal the skin

Camomile - Calms, softens and soothes the skin

Korean Ginseng - Increases cellular energy and stimulate microcirculation

Walnut Powder - Mildly abrasive, and aids in cell renewal.

I use this scrub around once a week or once every two weeks, depending on what my skin needs. Its a really lovely scrub to use and this one does a really good job at getting rid of all the dead skin cells without being too harsh on the skin.

Due to it having a slight foam once water has been added, it has the added the benefit of cleansing the skin just enough that it makes the face feel soft and clean. I like to remove the scrub by using a hot flannel, and once it has been removed I can notice a difference in my skin in the way that it feels.

Review: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

Hi everyone,

I thought I would review for the Clinical Clearing Gel from Clinique. I've only used it a handful of times, but everytime I have used it I have noticed a difference in my skin the following morning.

I decided to purchase this mainly because I needed a targeted blemish treatment for when I break out, and also because then I don't have to do my full acne facial routine.

The aim of the clinical clearing gel is to start clearing up blemishes straight away, once the gel has been applied to the spot. It also helps to prevent new blemishes from forming. It's also worth mentioning that this is a salicylic acid based spot treatment, so this may not be for everyone as not all acne responds to salicylic acid.

What I like to do with this is to use it as a targeted spot treatment, but I like to do this in the evening. I apply this to the spot once I have finished my evening skincare routine; so then it gives time for the spot treatment to work its magic overnight. I don't use this every night, but I do use it when my skin is having a mild breakout. I also like to apply this using a cotton bud, so then I can concentrate the spot treatment on a specific spot.