September Empties

L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo // L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner // Sure Crystal Invisible Anti-Perspirant Spray // Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash // La Roche Posay Effaclar H // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment // Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo & L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner - I actually enjoyed using this shampoo and conditioner. I purchased these when they were on offer and if I see them on offer again, I will repurchase. They claim to contain no sulphates and no silicone but it does contain sodium lauryl sulfoacetate  and a few other ingredients which feature words similar to sulphate. Now I'm not a chemistry expert so I don't know if they are sulphates or not. (After a quick Google Search, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is actually a cheat detergent and is a natural ingredient. So they're actually really good although I've only researched that one ingredient! Can anyone else shed any light?)

Sure Crystal Invisible Anti-Perspirant Spray - I debated whether to include deodorant in my empties but I have before and after all, it is a product I've finished and I'd like to share my opinion. At first, I wasn't sure about the new smaller, compressed sprays but after using a few now, they actually last a really long time. I find the scent of this particular deodorant to be pleasant and it does it job! 

Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution - I haven't repurchased this yet but I might do as it's pretty good. I may even give the original a try as my skin isn't as bad as it used to be. I haven't used it to remove mascara yet; just my face make up, but I know a few people who do and they say it removes waterproof mascara effectively. Considering I haven't found an eye make up remover that does yet, I might as well go for a recommendation and give it a try. 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This is a great eye make up remover for regular mascara but it does absolutely nothing for waterproof mascara even though it claims to do so! Since my wedding, I have worn waterproof mascara more than usual as I have a fab No7 mascara, but I'm always put off as I don't have any way to fully remove it. Hopefully, Bioderma will work when I give it a try. 

Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash - I think this has featured in my empties before. It does an ok job and I've repurchased it several times but I am looking for an alternative cream wash that does a better job. If you recommend one, please let me know. I prefer a cream wash as it's easy to use and easy to take off. I have oil cleansers and balm cleansers but I find them a bit of a faff and sometimes I'm too lazy! 

La Roche Posay Effaclar H - I purchased this from Escentual (I think). I thought it would be worth a try as I love Effaclar Duo / Duo [+] but I wasn't that blown away. It's a moisturiser aimed at oily skin which has been weakened by over-drying treatments. I used it in the morning and in the evening but didn't notice any real difference in my skin. The tube is 40ml but it didn't last me very long. As you can see I've squeezed every last bit out which was very difficult as the plastic tube is so tough. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - My faithful body spray. I'm actually running low in back ups so I best stock up soon! I'm down to my last two and one is in my handbag. I haven't tried a different scent like I said in last month's empties as I already had these but now I need to stock up, I may just do that! I only buy in bulk when they are 99p/£1 so I'm on the lookout! 

Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment - I actually got this in the Christmas sales last year in an Origins gift set. I'm a hand cream obsessive and I always have about 5 tubes in back up so I didn't start using it till recently. I absolutely loved the hand cream though and I will definitely be checking out the full version. It soothed and moisturised my hands, absorbed quickly and it smelt gorgeous. 

Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara - I'm not sure what I thought of this mascara. It wasn't the best mascara I've ever used and it certainly wasn't the worst. It did it's job but it could have been better. I wasn't a fan of the wand and I found that mascara clung to it which I had to wipe off before application. To begin with, it was quite a wet mascara which I'm not a fan of but once it had dried out a little, it was a little easier to work with. I wouldn't repurchase it again though. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Everyone's favourite concealer! I think I'm going off it though. I don't know why. I just don't feel like it's been covering up blemishes that well recently. I had loads of back ups but I'm actually down to my last one now so I may give another concealer a try. Any recommendations? 

Rachel x

August Empties

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]* // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Jergens Daily Moisture Hand & Cuticle Cream // Dr Organic Tea Tree Oil* // Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (sample) // Collection Colour Lash All Day Colour Mascara in Clear // Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub - I'm not sure if I've said this before, but I'm a big fan of the Sanctuary Products. At the moment, I have too many body scrubs and body lotions etc but when I'm running low, I always stock up at Boots (usually when it's 3 for 2!) I love the scent and the products do exactly what they say on the tin. This body scrub is effective at keeping my skin smooth and removing any dead skin but it isn't too rough. It's the perfect roughness that a scrub should be. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - More and more people that I speak to, use Impulse. I thought it was just young teenagers! I must have been buying them for about ten years (since I was a teenager! Ha.) This is my favourite scent of the ones I've tried but I think there are a few new scents so I'll have to step out of my comfort zone and try some new smells. 

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel - I originally purchased this after a recommendation from a friend for sunburn. I took it on holiday with me and on returning I stored it away for my next holiday. Suddenly one day, I thought I'd try it for a few other things and now it lives on my dressing table permanently. I've actually repurchased two since finishing this (it was buy one get one free!) I use it after having my eyebrows waxed as they stay red for hours and this just helps to soothe them. Also, I use it on my legs after I've shaved them. I get very mild shaving rash on my legs which appear as lots of red dots but they sting so I apply Aloe Vera and after the initial sting which only lasts a second, my legs feel and look so much better. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]* - I was a fan of the original Effaclar Duo so I'm obviously going to be a fan of the new and improved formula. I have actually reviewed this product in full here so I won't go into too much detail as I'll only be repeating myself. 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This continues to be my go to eye make up remover. I used to use it to remove all my make up but now I use a Miceller Water to remove make up and just this to remove mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow if I'm wearing any. If I leave it on for too long, my eyes do sting a little but they are sensitive. (Although Simple products are supposed to be suitable for sensitive skin/eyes.) I wash my face with a cleanser straight away so I don't have any problems. 

Dr Organic Tea Tree Oil* - I received this in a goodie bag a while ago. I applied it to spots using a cotton wool pad but I found it too harsh and even though it wasn't near my eyes, it made them sting. As I use The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner, my trick was to add about ten drops to the product - turning two products into one super product! (This may have been more psychological than anything!) 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (sample) - Oh My God! This product is like a miracle product. The first time I used it, I woke up with new skin which I didn't recognise! I went out and purchased the full size before I'd even used up the sample. I love it so much and it smells so heavenly! 

Jergens Daily Moisture Hand & Cuticle Cream - I picked this up in Superdrug as it had a third off or something. It was actually a really good hand cream as it provided the perfect amount of moisture without being greasy. It absorbed really quickly, leaving behind a lovely scent. 

Collection Colour Lash All Day Colour Mascara in Clear - I used to get away with getting my eyebrows waxed every 5/6 weeks but this year, I've had to go every 3/4 weeks. It was only when I stopped using this clear mascara as a brow gel that I noticed a slow down in growth. When I read the tube, I noticed it contains protein which must be making my eyebrows grow.  So if you ever over pluck your brows or you want to lengthen/thicken your eyelashes - purchase this clear mascara for £1.99 and watch the magic happen! 

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer - Again, this continues to be my go to concealer for hiding my dark circles under my eyes. It's also a great cream highlighter if you wanted to save room when packing. I use the brush on the product to apply but I use my foundation brush/concealer brush to blend it in. 

Rachel x

February Empties

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Tropical // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // B. Pure Micellar Water // Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel // 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic // No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico // La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. // Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Tropical - I think I have mentioned this before on my blog but this is my favourite scent from the Batiste Dry Shampoo range. It's so fresh and revitalising so it wakes me up in the morning if I don't have time to wash my hair. As I have blonde hair, I don't get any noticeable tell-tale signs however I do understand that people with darker hair would have this problem. Batiste is the only brand of dry shampoo I have used and as I don't have any problems, I would continue to repurchase in the future.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - This is my very last tube of Effaclar Duo as I'm sure you're all aware by now it has been replaced with Effaclar Duo [+]. I love Effaclar Duo and I am loving Effaclar Duo [+] even more as it helps to combat my scars that have been left behind by spots. It's not a miracle product but after using it for about a month, I can definitely see a difference already. I would have repurchased this if it hadn't been reformulated but I will definitely be repurchasing Effaclar Duo [+] in the future.

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - Are you getting sick of seeing these now? Another month another Impulse Body Spray. As I have mentioned before, I just throw these in my handbag and use them on a daily basis at work as I work in a school. No snotty nosed children are experiencing my perfume any time soon! Tease is definitely my favourite scent however I am interested to know what your favourite scent is if you use Impulse body spray?

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This is my go to eye make up remover as it is so quick and effective and it hardly stings my sensitive eyes. It only costs £2 or £3 and I pick it up from various places including Boots or even Morrisons when I'm doing the weekly shop! I am not sure if I mentioned this before but I don't use waterproof mascara so I cannot comment on how effective it is at removing waterproof mascara however it does a fantastic job of removing regular mascara along with eyeshadow and eyeliner.

B. Pure Micellar Water - I saw this in Superdrug and thought it was worth a try however I wasn't really that impressed. I have tried Bioderma and the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution and I much prefer those formulas over this one. I found it a bit too much like water if I'm honest whereas the others felt a little bit more than water (I have no idea how to explain that!). Plus I tried it on my eyes and they definitely weren't a fan!

Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel - I don't really know what to think about this product. I wasn't blown away however I wasn't disappointed; it was just a face wash. I used it every morning and evening until it ran out and it lasted about two months however I didn't really notice a change in my skin. It definitely didn't purify my skin and it didn't alter my spot situation. I wouldn't repurchase this again as I would like to try other cleansers on the market to find one that is more effective

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I haven't repurchased this since running out however I think I may as we get into Summer as it is so refreshing. I usually repurchase this when I am running low however I am testing a few different toners to find one that helps to clear up my spots. I am currently finishing off Vichy Normaderm Purifying Pore-Tightening Lotion which I purchased with the cleanser. I love Liz Earle products but they don't get rid of my spots completely so I am on the look out for my holy grail products.

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico - I think this is my second bottle of this foundation and I have already repurchased it. However I think they have reformulated the product as I am not loving it as much as I used to. I first purchased this foundation in September 2012 when I was colour matched to this shade. I chose the Stay Perfect foundation as I liked the formula as I prefer a matte finish and this wasn't as matte as the Beautifully Matte range. However since I have bought my third bottle, the formula isn't as matte as it used to be, therefore I am thinking of giving the Beautifully Matte foundation a try. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - This is an on the spot treatment that I used in conjunction with Effaclar Duo. I applied Effaclar A.I. on my spots and once it was dry, I applied Effaclar Duo all over my face. However I didn't really notice much of a difference and just felt like I was wasting my money using the two products together. Therefore I will continue to purchase Effaclar Duo [+] but leave Effaclar A.I. 

Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara - I bought this mascara from Boots when I had a voucher and I think I got it for £2 which was an absolute bargain as it is actually a really good mascara. It did a fantastic job of separating my lashes and adding length as well as volume. I currently have quite a few mascaras that are unopened but if I ever saw this on offer again I would definitely repurchase.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Another month and another Collection concealer. I have a stash of these in my drawer ready for when I run out. They last me just under two months which is not bad as I would probably chuck them out after that anyway as I use the doe foot applicator to apply it. In the Winter, I am shade 1 which is the lightest shade and in the Summer, I can get away with using shade 1 or shade 2.

Which products have you used up this month? Have you been loving any of these products? 

Rachel x 
Lost In Lipstick

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] - Review

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] £15.50*

I'm a massive fan of Effaclar Duo. Since discovering it, I have repurchased it about 3 or 4 times. It's always a tense moment when a product you love has been reformulated. What if I don't like the new version? How will I find a product that does the same job?

I have been using Effaclar Duo [+] for at least two weeks now and I can already see an improvement in my spots as well as scars left behind by old spots. Every morning and evening, I have been applying it after cleansed skin. La Roche-Posay recommend using a moisturiser as well if you suffer from dry skin but I don't have that problem as my skin is oily. Effaclar Duo [+] has been my daily moisturiser and it has provided enough moisture for my skin without leaving any dry patches.

Effaclar Duo [+] is clinically proven to improve the appearance of blemishes as well as the overall texture of skin. It reduces the appearance of red and brown brown marks (which I suffer from) as well as unclogging pores and controls the appearance of shine. I have noticed a difference in the size of my spots and I haven't had any red or inflamed spots. The scars left behind have also reduced in size and colour. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it continues and they disappear completely!

La Roche-Posay are so confident in their new formula that they are inviting you to take part in the Countdown to Clear challenge. They believe you will achieve clearer-looking skin and if you don’t see results during the 6 week challenge, they'll give you your money back. What do you have to lose? 

Luckily for me, I love the new formula and the improvements I have seen in just a few weeks. 

Are you an Effaclar Duo fan? Have you tried the new formula? What do you think?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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January Empties

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair // La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Skinetica Anti-Blemish* // Impluse Body Spray in Tease // Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination Skin // Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer // Collection Colour Lash All Day Mascara in Clear // Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder // 

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo - This is my second bottle and I would definitely repurchase. I am currently trying out the L'Oreal Ever Sleek range but if that doesn't live up to the high expectations set by Liz Earle hair care, I will be repurchasing. I love everything about this shampoo from the smell to the way it makes my hair feel. It doesn't contain any nasty chemicals so I know it is only good for my hair. I don't have any problems with it lathering up but if I feel like it isn't creating a lather, I just add more water rather than shampoo.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair - I also love the conditioner from Liz Earle. It comes in three different formulas so you can tailor it to your hair's needs. I use the dry and damaged version as my hair is so dry and damaged from years of heat and colour. I have reviewed the shampoo and conditioner in full on my blog, you can read it here.

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution - I have tried several different Micellar Waters now. I like quite a few products from La Roche-Posay so I thought I would give it a try. I didn't dislike the product but I didn't love it either. I didn't feel it was worth the money as I had used drugstore versions that were just as good. La Roche-Posay's offering to the Micellar Water craze costs £11.50, which is quite expensive considering I wasn't wowed by the product. I don't think I would repurchased this again as I am in love with the Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution! 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - As Micellar Water is fairly expensive, I continue to buy Simple Eye Make Up Remover to remove my eye make up (obviously!) as it only costs around 3 pounds where as my Bioderma Micellar Water costs about £10 so I don't want to waste it on my eyes. Plus my eyes are super sensitive and I know that this make up remover doesn't sting them that much. 

Skinetica Anti-Blemish* - I think this is my second bottle of Skinetica and I quite like the stuff. It doesn't sting and it doesn't break me out. I would say quite the opposite and it helps to clear up my spots. It does contain alcohol but I never found it to be drying. Maybe if you have dry skin to start with just be cautious. 

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination Skin - I love Liz Earle moisturisers. I have used this one along with the light version for oily/combination skin. I saved this one for my evening skincare routine so my skin had an extra boost of moisture overnight. The scent is lovely but not too strong if you're sensitive to scents. 

Impluse Body Spray in Tease - Still my chosen body spray for work. I do feel like I'm too old to still use body spray but it's always on offer for 99p and why waste my perfume at work when I work with children?! Does anyone else still use body spray over the age of 25? I love the scent of this and it actually lasts a fair amount of time for a body spray. 

Collection Colour Lash All Day Mascara in Clear - My £1.99 brow gel! It does the trick and it doesn't make my eyebrows crispy! I apply a little to each brow and go over with a brow comb which removes any excess. It keeps my stray eyebrows in place all day long. 

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer - As I find Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer too thick for under my eyes, this is my concealer of choice. I use the lightest shade and it gives an instant boost to my eye area. It helps to cover dark circles and adds dimension to my face by illuminating the eyes. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - I suffer from oily skin so I like to apply a powder to set my make up and keep the shine away. This does the job perfectly at a bargain price! My skin isn't overly oily so I don't need to reapply throughout the day but it does keep my skin looking matte for several hours. 

Which products have you used up this month? Have you been loving any of these products? 

Rachel x 
Lost In Lipstick

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My 13 Favourite Products Of 2013

Last year, I posted My 12 Favourite Products of 2012 so in keeping with the tradition, here are My 13 Favourite Products of 2013. Four products have made it into my favourites for the second year running but they are products that I reach for everyday. They deserve their award of favourite product!

Haircare

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner - I have been using this shampoo and conditioner for about six months now and I have gone through two bottles of each. This was my first experience of haircare products that contain no parabens or sulphates. Banning nasty ingredients from my haircare routine has improved the quality of my hair so much. Both products smell natural and clean as they are made from all natural ingredients. You can read what I think about this shampoo and conditioner in more detail here.

Moroccanoil Treatment - Back in August, I attended an event with Look Fantastic and we were extremely lucky to receive a goody bag with a small bottle of Moroccanoil in. Ever since I started using Moroccanoil, my hair has made a dramatic improvement in texture as well as shine and manageability. Moroccanoil also helps to lessen the drying time, which is a godsend when you have long, thick hair. I actually love it so much that I asked my mum and dad Santa to get me a full sized one. I can't wait to start using that one as it has a pump and the little bottle doesn't so I have to pour an amount into the palm of my hand and sometimes I'm a little generous!

Skincare

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - It took me ages and ages to make my mind up whether to get this exfoliator or not. I had read so many reviews where bloggers raved about chemical exfoliators over manual ones but to be honest the word chemical scared me. In the end, I decided to use some of my much loved Boots points to buy the item, that way if I didn't like the product, I hadn't used up my own money. However, I love this product and I'm so happy it's in my life. You do have to be careful when you go outside but if you already use SPF, this isn't a problem. If you don't, make sure you apply SPF for a couple of days after using it just to protect your skin. I use it twice a week, in the evening, in the place of my regular toner and it is so gentle and actually rather soothing on my face. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - Effaclar Duo is a highly raved about skincare product in the beauty blogger world. I can completely understand why. This is my second or third tube (which is empty) and I need to repurchase it ASAP. It has made such a difference to my skin. I still suffer from spots but I have PCOS however it has changed my complexion so much. It helps to clear up spots quicker and it also takes the redness out of my spots.

ESPA Essential Cleansing Mask - I was extremely lucky to be given an ESPA gift card. One of the purchases I made was the Essential Cleansing Mask. My favourite thing about the mask is that it tells me to relax for 20 minutes! Seriously, if you ever needed an excuse to relax, this is it! I use this mask once or twice a week, in the evening, usually after a bath or shower so my pores are open. This is a luxurious mask and a little bit actually goes a long way. I have used the mask quite a few times and it doesn't look like I have used it at all. In the morning, I can definitely notice a difference in my skin. It feels and looks a lot smoother and clearer. Winner!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer - I purchased this last year in the Christmas sales after trying a sample. Ever since my first try I have been hooked on this luxurious primer. I only use it when I need my make up to last all day or if I am looking for a flawless base before applying my foundation. A little really goes a long way and I still have about half the tub left. This is the best primer I have ever tried as it leaves my skin feeling silky and smooth and it evens my skin tone while providing a smooth base for my foundation. You can read what I think about this primer in more detail here.

Make Up

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation - I have been using this foundation for over a year now and I have repurchased it twice already. It's the first foundation I've had that has actually been matched to my skin tone.  I was fed up of guessing my shade and getting home to find it too light or too dark and I haven't got time in the mornings to be mixing foundations! The Match Made Service is a fantastic service and it's definitely worth a try to find your perfect foundation shade. The foundation is the perfect formula for me too. As I suffer with spots, I don't want a dewy foundation as this can highlight imperfections. This foundation is matte without being chalky or cakey. It provides a medium to high coverage and lasts all day. You can read all about my experience of the Foundation Match Made Service as well as what I think of the foundation in more detail here.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer -This is another well loved product that I have been using for well over a year and it featured in last years favourite. I have lost count of the amount of times that I have repurchased but it is a LOT! As I've said before, I don't use this under my eyes because I find it too thick to blend there but it's perfect for concealing spots and other imperfections. I use shade 1 and shade 2 in the winter and summer respectively. You can read what I think about this concealer in more detail here.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - Another recurring product from last year. I have actually been using this powder for a few years now and it's fantastic for setting foundation and concealer as well as taking away any shine on your face. I have slightly oily skin and I don't need to reapply but if your skin is more oily than mine you may need to carry this in your handbag. The packaging isn't great and it doesn't look too pleasing of the eye but it's a great product and for less than £5, I'm not complaining! You can read what I think about this powder in more detail here.

Topshop Lipstick in Innocent - This was first featured in my favourites in May 2013, however I bought it a couple of months before that and I was lusting after it for even longer. Altogether, I have three Topshop lipsticks and this is the latest one that I have purchased (I think it's time I purchased a new one!) The formula of these lipsticks are so creamy and moisturising and they dry matte on the lips but they're not drying at all. This shade is perfect for during the day or it can be layered up for a more intense shade in the evening.

Nails

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blueberry - I chose this nail polish to feature in my favourites as it was undoubtably the most used nail polish in 2013. I actually removed the chipped remains off my nails and repainted with the same shade several times, this is something I have never done before! Obviously, I haven't used it as much in winter but it has been a perfect spring, summer and early autumn shade. I think it really compliments my skin tone and as it's quite an uncommon colour, I get lots of compliments on it from friends and family. As the name suggests, it leaves a hi-shine finish on the nails therefore you don't need a topcoat but I do recommend one if you want to prolong the wear time.

Make Up Brushes

Real Techniques Brushes - I honestly do not know how I coped before Real Techniques came into my life. I think I used to apply foundation with my fingers which is messy and meant I had to wash my hands afterwards. I have had some of my brushes for nearly 18 months and they still look brand new. They are super easy to wash; I use Johnson Baby Shampoo once a week (well I aim for once a week!) and once they are dry, they return to their original shape. I haven't experienced any fallout so in my opinion they are a great investment as I can see them lasting years. 

From left to right - Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set

You can read what I think about these brushes in more detail using the following links; Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set. 

What are your favourite products of 2013? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x 
Lost In Lipstick

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August/September 2013 Favourites

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray // Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 // Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* // Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette // Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* // La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray - I use this to add a bit more moisture to my hair and to banish those tangles. It's a great detangler and combined with my Tangle Teezer, they are the perfect weapon against tangles! When I first bought this, I was worried that it was going to make my hair greasy but I have not had any problems. Sometimes, I accidently spray too much and my hair just absorbs it all. An extra bonus is that it can be used on wet or dry hair, perfect for those in between days when my hair just needs an extra moisture boost.  

Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 - I didn't go to a hot sunny country this year but we have been very lucky with the weather in the UK. Only this year has the importance of SPF been at the front of my mind and I think that's with the help of blogging and reading blogs. I always wore SPF when I was sunbathing, not necessarily just 'out' in the sun and I never went about 15. Now I wear it daily on my face either SPF 30 or 50 and on my body when it's exposed with at least factor 20. It's so important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. I picked this up in Morrisons for £6 as we were buying picnic supplies one sunny day. It's perfect for on the go as there is no mess and it's non greasy. Spray, rub in and go!

Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* - I can't get enough of this little tub of foundation. I stopped using it for a week or so as I had no way of getting down to the bottom but then I managed to get hold of a mini spatula, which I use to apply the product to the back of my hand. The light yellow shade is the perfect shade for my skin tone and it blends in easily so it's almost invisible but it leaves a more flawless base, ready for the rest of my make up. It helps to disguise my blemishes and the little red scars that have been left behind by spots. I love the finish that the foundation gives, it's in between a dewy and matte foundation but more on the matte side which is my preferred finish.

Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - I accidently picked this up as I was actually after the Face Contour Kit. However, I am so glad I made the mistake. It includes a contouring powder, a highlighting powder and Rose Gold blush, which is beautiful. The contour powder is completely matte, which makes it the perfect contour shade whilst the highlighting powder contains beautiful shimmer to highlight your best features. I love the blush in Rose Gold. It is quite glittery but the colour makes up for this as it is gorgeous. The palette is the perfect size for travelling and fits in any make up bag.

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* - I received this at the Kiehl's launch event and I've been loving it ever since. Jen, the PR for Kiehl's, told me how she used it just in time for her wedding and it really improved her skin during stressful times in her life. I have been using it since I got my hands on it and I love everything about it. My spots definitely look calmer after application and I don't have any red patches on my face. I find I have to leave it a little longer than my usual moisturiser to soak in before applying my make up but it's not very long and not a problem. I'm going to continue using it on a daily basis but as my wedding's in august, I may have to repurchase it when it runs out!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - La Roche-Posay is a fairly new brand to me. I've been using products for a few months now and as I have oily/combination skin, the Effaclar range suits my skin. I read a few reviews online and what Effaclar A.I. was for, and decided it was for me. It helps to calm my breakouts as its a targeted breakout corrector. I apply it to my spots and it works by 'purging imperfections in-depth to accelerate their resorption and prevent residual skin marking'. Scars are one thing that I do suffer from and I want to prevent any more appearing so I can deal with the current ones. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - This is my second tube of Effaclar Duo which I use as a moisturiser. If I use it at night, I double up and apply an additional moisturiser once it's soaked in. During the day, it provides me with enough moisture under my make up but at night, I look for an extra moisture boost. It helps to improve the overall appearance of my skin by 'reducing the appearance of imperfections and purifying the pores'. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking clearer, while also moisturising my face. 

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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Lloyds Pharmacy Haul

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Water Spray* // La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I.* // Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser* // Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter*

I have heard of Lloyds Pharmacy but to be honest I had never even thought about ordering beauty products from their online store. They have a fantastic Beauty and Fragrance section on their website that you have to check out. I imagined they would stock the usual beauty products that I am used to seeing in my local pharmacy but I was pleasantly surprised to see brands like Avene, La Roche-Posay, Korres, Vichy and Phyto. When I received an email asking me to select some products to review, I snapped up some items that had been on my wishlist for a long time. 

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Water Spray* - Thermal water sprays have been massively raved about this Summer and it isn't surprising when we've had such a hot Summer - for a change! I have been dying to get my hands on one of these but if I'm honest I didn't want to pay so much money for water in a can! I even went as far as buying a cheap water spray and filling it myself. However, as soon as I experienced my first spray of Avene's version, I knew what I had been missing out on. My alternative was refreshing but the water was warm and it wasn't a fine, light spray like Avene's spray. As all thermal water sprays are in an aluminium can, they are kept cool even when left out in the sun (although I wouldn't recommend leaving them in direct sunlight as it is an aerosol). I'm unsure what is different between the thermal water sprays which you can purchase from different brands but I recommend sticking with brands that you know and love. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I.* - La Roche-Posay is a brand that is becoming a firm favourite in my skincare routine. I have already declared my love for Effaclar Duo and I have also been enjoying using suncare and their micellar water offering. Effaclar A.I. is a targeted breakout corrector, which helps to get rid of spots and prevent scarring. Spots are something I still suffer from and although I think it's hormonal acne, Effaclar Duo has made a massive improvement to the overall appearance and texture of my skin. I have only been using Effaclar A.I. for a short period of time but I have noticed a difference in the appearance of my spots. I apply it to the affected area, mainly around my mouth, morning and evening. After about a week or so, my spots have reduced in size and have become less inflamed and red in appearance. I am unsure whether to apply it with Effaclar Duo or not and if yes, before or after. Therefore, I have been alternating it slightly on a daily basis. If anyone can help me on this matter, I would appreciate it! 

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser* - Simple is a brand that I have used for many years. I am constantly repurchasing their eye make up remover and I have also used their toner, mask and wipes. Moisturiser from Simple is something I had never considered before but I was drawn in as it was on offer for less than £2! I don't suffer from oily skin but as I suffer from spots, I prefer using moisturisers that are light. The formula is indeed light, it isn't greasy and it absorbs quickly. As with all Simple products, it contains no harsh chemicals, colours or perfumes so it's perfect even for the most sensitive skin. 

Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter* - I have seen a lot of hype surrounding the Korres Lip Butters in the past few months and I have been dying to get my hands on one. However, now I have one, I don't think I'll be able to stop there. The formula of the lip butter is beautiful, it's so moisturising whilst still leaving a lovely hint of colour on your lips. There are six scents/shades altogether and I settled for Pomegranate, which I am extremely happy with, as it is a gorgeous shade. The lip butter is a blend of shea butter and rice wax making it melt on contact with your skin and leaving a lovely, soft, moisturising, buttery layer on your lips. Mango and Wild Rose are definitely next on my wishlist! 

*These products were kindly sent to me to review

Have you ever made an order from Lloyds Pharmacy? What products are you adding to your basket?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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July Empties

Herbal Essences Smooth & Soft Sensuously Smooth Shampoo // Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner // Batiste Dry Shampoo Tropical // Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator // Anti-blemish Skinetica // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo // Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser // Impulse Tease Body Fragrance Spray // Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer // Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Herbal Essences Smooth & Soft Sensuously Smooth Shampoo & Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - As I have mentioned in previous posts, I'm on a mission to improve my hair. I think my wedding, a year today, has kicked me into gear but also because I'm sick of my own hair and how unhealthy it is. I only want to use shampoo and conditioners which have no nasties in them from now on but I didn't want to waste all the other shampoo and conditioners I had left. The shampoo has a delicious scent and made my hair feel smooth, soft and silky (but that is what the harsh chemicals are supposed to do!) When I first used this conditioner a year ago  I loved it but I wasn't as clued up about ingredients then. I'm not an expert now but I just don't want to wash my hair in parabens and sulfates. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo Tropical - I love Batiste dry shampoo and out of all of the scents I have tried, this is definitely my favorite. It's just so fresh and clean. I have already repurchased this one but I have a few different scents in my collection now. I quite like the blonde one as it does a great job of disguising my roots! I don't use this on a daily basis - it is for emergencies only! My hair is pretty damaged and dry so I only wash it twice a week, anymore and it will become more damaged. However, some days it can be greasier than others (probably down to sulfates and chemicals in my shampoo and conditioner) and if I don't get the chance to wash it, I'll just give it a quick refresh and I'm good to go. (Please note, this is only on occasions and I'm not disgusting! A can of this lasts me forever!)

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator - I have already repurchased this as it really is gentle on my face and doesn't do any damage to my skin. I try and use it twice a week, usually before a face mask, to remove any dead skin cells. A lot of people are hating on the manual exfoliators these days but this one is full of natural ingredients and it contains fine jojoba beads which gently buff away the dead skin cells. The Liz Earle website states it is not suitable for sensitive skin so please bare that in mind. Sometimes I mix it with my Cleanse & Polish for an even gentler exfoliation.  

Anti-blemish Skinetica* - I received this in a goodie bag from a blogger event that I attended. It contains no harsh chemicals and the active ingredient is a highly sophisticated quaternary Ammonium Chloride compound combined with a Sylyl base. (How scientific does that sound?!) It does contain ethyl alcohol but I haven't found it to be drying on the skin. I applied this twice a day, morning and night before my moisturiser and I saw a difference when using it alongside La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - I caved into the hype surrounding this despite some people saying it did nothing for them or breaking them out, never the less, I purchased it. I have already repurchased it as I was amazed at the difference in my skin. The week or so between, before I managed to repurchase, my skin had returned to it's usual horrible self. This was confirmation enough that I needed to repurchase this baby. I originally purchased this in Boots while it was on 3 for 2 offer, however, I repurchased it from escentual.com when they had 20% off. So it's worth keeping your eyes peeled for offers.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser - I have been using this moisturiser for about a year now and I have repurchased over and over again. In the Winter, I use this moisturiser in the morning under my make up but opt for Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin at night. Throughout July, we have experienced some extremely hot days and I have been applying the light moisturiser morning and night. It is a lovely light moisturiser, as the name suggests, which is easily absorbed and doesn't clog pores. You can read my review here. 

Impulse Tease Body Fragrance Spray - Another repurchase of mine. Body spray is something I wear on a daily basis when the occasion doesn't warrant perfume such as work (I work in a school) and popping to the supermarket. This scent is my favourite impulse fragrance and I always pop a few in my basket when they are on special offer for 99p!

Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer - This concealer isn't as well loved in the 'blogosphere' than the Lasting Perfection concealer but I have been using it for just as long. I use this concealer under my eyes as I find the Lasting Perfection a little to thick for my delicate eye area. This one is illuminating so it doubles as a highlight and it is super easy to blend under the eyes. I find it doesn't crease either but I do set it with powder. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - I love this powder and so do many other beauty bloggers. I get the shade transparent as I just want it to set my foundation/concealer and make my face matte. I use bronzer and blusher to add colour where I want it. It doesn't appear too chalky on the face and it mattifies my foundation. My only negative is the packaging - it isn't very sturdy which makes transporting it impossible. You can read what I think more in depth by reading my review. 

Which products have you used up this month? Have you been loving any of these products?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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