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

April Empties

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // REN Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser // The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner // Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Anti-Perspirant Deodorant // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo // Evo The Therapist Calming Conditioner // The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream // Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution - This is the second bottle that I've gone through. I love the stuff! I pick mine up from www.escentual.com and although the 250ml bottle is £9.99, they often have discounts available. I think I picked this one up for £7.50. This may seem expensive to some but it's the best Micellar Water I've tried and I've tried a few. I still have one more brand to try and I'll keep you updated if it measures up to the favourite. Something that I don't like about Micellar Waters is that they always state there is no need to rinse on the bottle. I think that is just lazy and is as bad as using make up wipes alone. *shudders*

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - Although, Bioderma is gentle enough to remove my eye make up, at almost £10 I'd rather use this which is less than £3. That way, my Bioderma stretches a little further. I actually picked one up in Tesco last week for £1.50. Bargain! Simple Eye Make Up Remover is gentle and effective enough for my sensitive eyes. I'm looking to get a waterproof mascara for my wedding day (I'm not planning on crying, but it's going to be a long, hot day and I want my make up to stay put). So I will report back on how effective it is at removing waterproof mascara as it claims to do so on the packaging. 

REN Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser - I bought this from Space NK which I think may have ignited my new skincare obsession! I decided enough was enough and I wanted to improve my skin. This was the first REN product I've ever tried but I'm going to be honest here. I was not impressed. It didn't help my skin at all. It didn't make it worse but I expected it to help it in some way. Caroline Hirons stresses not to use foaming products, although this didn't dry my skin out, I will always listen to the Queen of Skincare in the future!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - I've quickly become obsessed with this and I've already purchased another bottle. I use it morning and night after cleansing and I have seen a difference with my pores and the overall appearance of my skin tone. After attending a blogger event at The Body Shop, I was told that the Tea Tree Toner has become a very popular product recently and I can see why. It contains mattifying powders which leave your skin shine free. On days where I don't wear make up, I would say shine is kept at bay until around evening time. 

Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo and Evo The Therapist Calming Conditioner - I'm loving using hair care products that contain no harsh chemicals and these offerings from Evo are perfect. They are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free. However, I didn't find the packaging great as when there wasn't much product left in the bottles, I found it really difficult to get it out. I loved reading the packaging though. So humorous. For example on the front of the conditioner is says "no more hiding your frizzy hair and no more inner shame... you're now a racehorse that's bolted from the stables gleaming with pride... run with it, feel the freedom, run with it... neighhhhhhh." I quite liked the scent but I can't put my finger on what it is. 

Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Anti-Perspirant Deodorant - A boring product alert but a necessity! I always opt for deodorants that are 'invisible' or leave no white marks. This is a great deodorant as I have used it before and I've never experienced white (or yellow) marks on my clothes. I never want to be caught in that situation. The scent is inoffensive and it keeps my underarms fresh! I was a little sceptical when the smaller cans were released but I have to say they last a long time. I don't know if it's just as long as I haven't conducted any scientific experiment but I'm pretty impressed. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - I picked up two more of these the other day as they were on offer for £1. As I said I always stock up when they are available for 99p or £1 and it's a fairly regular occurrence. This is my go to refresher during the day as I don't like carrying perfume bottles in my handbag. (I do want to pick up a travel atomiser so if you have any recommendations let me know.) Also I work in a school so it means I don't have to 'waste' my perfume on snotty children! 

The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream - Obviously, I got this at Christmas. I didn't think I would like the scent but I really loved it and hopefully it's available next Christmas so I can purchase a bigger tube. (Too early to think about Christmas, sorry!) The scent is really festive and is currently bringing back Christmas memories as I type this. The cream is a lovely texture, it isn't greasy and it soaks into your hands pretty quickly.  

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara - I've really enjoyed using this mascara. Initially, I thought the brush was too big but it's perfect. Maybe a little big for my lower lashes but I got around this by just using the tip. It claims to create 'super volume' which I would have to agree. I do have naturally long, curled eyelashes anyway but some mascaras have been too heavy and my eyelashes lost their natural curl. Not with this one. I was also worried about the name containing the word 'thick'. I didn't want clumpy eyelashes but this wasn't the case, it actually did a great job of separating my eyelashes. It's become one of my favourite mascaras I've used and I've already got a replacement in my stash! 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - I don't know if it's because this is shade 2 and I'm still very pale or I'm just falling out of love with this lately. I can't put my finger on what it is. I have shade 1 in my draw so I will use that and see what I think then. Some days, I have chosen to just wear foundation over my blemishes. Although that means you can see them it means they have more chance of breathing and hopefully going away sooner. We shall see...

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

Rachel x 

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December Empties

Trevor Sorbie Beautifully Straightened Protect, Flatten and Shine Spray // Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh // Sanctuary Spa Body Wash // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution // Moroccanoil Treatment* // Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzing Compact Powder in Light Matte // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer // Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara in Black // Sure Clear Pure Crystal Anti-Perspirant

Trevor Sorbie Beautifully Straightened Protect, Flatten and Shine Spray - I used this to protect my hair when straightening it. I must admit though I'm not a fan. Although I have dry hair, I had to be careful as too much product left my hair feeling greasy. I can't say it left my hair looking shiny either but that may be because my hair is really dry. I'm so glad this is finally finished. I won't be purchasing it again. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh - Dry Shampoo is fantastic for those days when you don't have quite enough time to wash your hair. I know a lot of people use dry shampoo to give them volume but as my hair is very thick, volume is not something I lack! This scent is quite nice but my favourite is definitely Tropical. I have only used Batiste Dry Shampoo so I cannot compare it to other brands but it works for me and it's cheap so I will continue to purchase. 

Sanctuary Spa Body Wash - I think I received this in a gift set last Christmas! I have that many bath and body products that I only just got round to using it up. Without using a body puff or something, I found it doesn't lather up very well but it's lovely and moisturising as it contains little beads of moisture throughout. I would use this again as I love the scent of Sanctuary products but I wouldn't go out tomorrow and repurchase as I have a tonne on shower gel! 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - Another can of Tease body spray! This continues to be my favourite body spray which I just throw into my handbag as it's perfect for work. I've hardly used it since being off work though as I've opted for my favourite perfumes instead. 

Sure Clear Pure Crystal Anti-Perspirant - A boring product to include in my empties, I know! But it's a necessity. This has an inoffensive scent and has been perfect at not leaving any white marks on my clothes. I always opt for deodorant that doesn't leave white marks as that can be embarrassing and rather annoying when you get white marks all over your favourite black dress! I prefer spray deodorants as they dry quicker but last year I had a cough for months which I couldn't get rid of. As soon as I stopped using spray deodorant, the cough went!  

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser - I haven't used this for about a month now as I ran out early December. I am actually missing how it felt on my face and that Liz Earle moisturiser smell. I may have to repurchase just for those reasons! This was my day moisturiser and I am running out of my current one so this may be back in my skincare routine soon! 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - I have been using this eye make up remover for years! It's the only one I've found which doesn't sting my eyes too much but it does a little. A while back I tried my Bioderma (below) to remove my eye make up and it did the job without stinging my eyes. I don't know why the fear was there. I might repurchase Bioderma again and cut down on using two products when I can just use one. 

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution - Everybody raves about Bioderma and I couldn't wait to try it for myself. I opted for the Sebium version as I have oily skin and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be repurchasing. It left my skin feeling clean pre-cleanse and I actually really liked the smell. It's a bonus that it works to remove eye make up without stinging my eyes. Pass me my next bottle please!  

Moroccanoil Treatment* - This is actually one of my favourite products for 2013. I started using it in Summer and my hair has never been so healthy. I received the 100ml bottle with a pump for Christmas and I'm so happy that I can continue to nourish my hair. It's brilliant as it actually cuts down on drying time, which for someone with long, thick, curly hair, is a lifesaver! 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Another 2013 favourite and for a lot of people I can guess. It's provides great coverage, lasts all day (may just need reapplying if you're going out after work) and is a bargain at less than £5! I will continue to repurchase and I actually have about 4 backups for when I run out! 

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara in Black - This is one of my favourite mascaras that I have tried. It gives great length, gives a great curl and doesn't clump. I have quite a few mascaras that I want to use before repurchasing anymore but I will definitely re buy this one again. Rimmel do a version with a curved brush, which I have tried, but I wasn't a fan. I couldn't get into the corners of my eyes and it wasn't as good for the bottom lashes so I will stick to the straight wand.

Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzing Compact Powder in Light Matte - Another product that I have used for years and years. It does the job but it's nothing special. I always pick up the light matte version as I'm pale and as I sometimes use it all over my face, I don't want glitter everywhere. I recently purchased The Body Shop Honey Bronzer which I am going to give a try and we'll see which one wins! 

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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July 2013 Favourites

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged hair // Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution for Combination or Oily Skin // Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel // Nourish Protect Smoothing Hand Lotion* // Apivita SPF 50 Face Cream for Sensitive Skin* // Barry M Touch Of Magic Lipstick TMLP // Stylfile Nail File*

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo & Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged hair - I have been using the Liz Earle hair care range for a month or so in a bid to improve my hair. I have actually just purchased my second bottles as I have been loving them that much. Prior to using this range my hair became greasy due to product build up because of all the nasties in other shampoo and conditioners. Both products contain natural ingredients to gently cleanse and hydrate hair respectively. I like the smell of both products, they smell natural and clean as there is no added fragrance. Neither contain SLS. 

Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution for Combination or Oily Skin - I have been dying to try Bioderma as there is so much hype surrounding it. When browsing French skincare on escentual.com, I came across this version which is for combination or oily skin. I thought that would be better suited for my skin and the 20% off persuaded me! I am absolutely loving it. I love the smell of it too! It does a great job of removing my make up and I have even used it on my eyes! I can report it does not sting my eyes! Result! 

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel - This was a purchase last year before going to Majorca. My friend had recommended it for sunburn and said that's all she uses instead of after sun. Recently I have been absolutely loving it for alternative reasons. Aloe Vera is known for its soothing properties, I have been applying it to my legs after shaving. It instantly soothes my skin and keeps any of those irritated red lumps at bay. I also get my eyebrows waxed on a monthly basis. Even though I have been getting them done for at least 10 years, my eyebrows stay red for hours and hours afterwards. I apply some Aloe Vera to a cotton pad and gently sweep across my eyebrows a couple of times after having them done. It soothes them and helps the red fade quicker. A random favourite but an essential for me. 

Nourish Protect Smoothing Hand Lotion* - I received this product in a goodie bag from a blogger meet up. As I have mentioned before on my blog, hand cream is an obsession of mine. This one, from Nourish, is lovely as it adds moisture to my hands, it sinks in quickly and is not greasy. I love the scent of orange and mandarin, it's so refreshing. It also comes with a pump meaning it doesn't create mess and a couple of pumps is the correct amount for my hands so nothing is wasted. A perfect hand cream in my opinion. 

Apivita SPF 50 Face Cream for Sensitive Skin* - I received this in my goodie bag from the FABB Manchester event. I like using a high factor on my face and this came just at the right time, as we had a heat wave in the UK! It provided the perfect opportunity to test it out. When I think of factor 50, I often think the cream is going to be thick, white and greasy. This cream is the complete opposite. It has a beautiful texture that is light on my face and within a few minutes I'm ready to apply my make up. The cream is a nude shade and once applied to your face it becomes invisible. It does leave your face a little shiny but if you wait a bit longer, it does disappear. 

Barry M Touch Of Magic Lipstick TMLP - This is the perfect lipstick for everyone as the shade appears different on everyone. It works by reacting with the alkali levels in your lips. This means it will be the perfect shade of pink for your skin tone. It is a great stain for the lips and lasts for hours! Sometimes I have woken up the next day and I've still had the colour on my lips. You can read what i think in more detail here. 

Stylfile Nail File* - This is another item I have received in a goodie bag. I have been introduced to so many great brands through blogger goodie bags and I am very greatful. This is one of those novelty items in my opinion but it's actually useful! It makes perfect sense to use a curved nail file when filing your nails, which are curved. Obviously if you file your nails straight, a straight nail file is perfect but I very rarely see straight nails these days, most people opt for curved nails and this file makes that job simple. 

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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