June Empties

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser / Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic / Simple Eye Make Up Remover / Percy & Reed Splendidly Silky Moisturising Conditioner /Avon Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil Mask / Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer / Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara / Impulse Tease Body Fragrance Spray / Gucci Rush 2 Eau De Toilette 75ml

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - Another month, another Cleanse & Polish! I actually ran out of this and didn't have a back up, nightmare! I had to use another cleanser and I broke out like crazy. Liz Earle for life! You can read what I think in more detail here. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - This has been amazing recently. When I wake up at 6am for work, my eyes and whole face is so puffy. (Thanks hayfever!) I just soak a cotton wool pad and sweep over all of my face and it does a fantastic job of waking me up and refreshing my puffy face! Read my full review here. 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - Another regular part of my skin care routine. This is the only make up remover that doesn't sting my eyes straight away. It only does if I don't cleanse straight away. I have been using Micellar Water to remove my make up before cleansing but I haven't had the confidence to try it on my eyes yet. I'm just worried it will sting. One day, I will give it a try!

Percy & Reed Splendidly Silky Moisturising Conditioner - This was a magazine freebie from Glamour. I think it was actually from last year but I only got round to using it recently. I'm not sure of the smell, I recognise it but I can't put my finger on what else smells similar. It's a very thick conditioner but it doesn't make my hair greasy or weigh it down. However, I have dry, thick hair so it may be a different story if your hair is the opposite to mine. 

Avon Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil Mask - At first, I was impressed with Avon Moroccan Argan Oil hair care but since using a variety of other shampoo and conditioner brands, mainly ones that are SLS free and learning more about sulphates, I have noticed a difference with the texture of my hair. So I will not be repurchasing again and I am not going to purchase anymore hair care with sulphates in. I still have some products left which contain sulphates, so I am going to use up those first. I don't want to waste them.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - If you haven't tried this concealer, where have you been and why not? It's £4.19 worth of amazingness! I always make sure I have at least one back up for when I run out. Usually I have two or three back ups because it can be difficult to find my shade so when I do find it, I go crazy! It works really well at covering up my blemishes but as I've said before, I find it too thick for under my eyes. However some beauty bloggers do use it under their eyes. You can read what I think in depth here.

Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara - When I made my usual Liz Earle order back in December, I received this as a free gift. It is honestly the best mascara I have ever used. Mascara doesn't have a great shelf life and I know people only use them for 2/3 months but it did have 6 months on and it hasn't ran out or dried up so I continued to use it for six months because it is that good! It's fairly pricey compared to my usual Rimmel mascara but when my current back ups have ran out, I may have to repurchase it because I am missing it already! 

Impulse Tease Body Fragrance Spray - I don't need to tell you again that this is my favourite body spray fragrance. I use it for work as I work in a school and I don't want to use perfume. Body spray is a nice alternative to perfume when the occasion just doesn't warrant wasting my perfume! I always keep one in my handbag so I can smell nice at all times. Does anyone else use body spray on a day to day basis but perfume for special occasions/evening? 

Gucci Rush 2 Eau De Toilette 75ml - I bought this in September with some birthday money from Debenhams. I got the 75ml bottle as it was half price so it actually worked out cheaper than the 30ml bottle! (Don't you love it when that happens?!) I absolutely love the smell of this perfume and it's perfect for summer days as it's light and refreshing. At the moment I have four other perfumes so I don't currently need a new one. But I do have lots and lots of Boots points so I'm thinking about using them for a perfume. But there are so many different perfumes, I don't know where to start! I currently own Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Dior Miss Dior Cherie, Armarni Diamonds and Hugo Boss Orange. I absolutely love all of those so based on them do you have any recommendations? 

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

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

April Empties

Paul Mitchell Strength Super Strong Daily Shampoo & Paul Mitchell Strength Super Strong Daily Conditioner - I received these in a gift set at Christmas from my parents, along with the Super Strong Liquid Treatment. I have enjoyed using both the shampoo and conditioner but have made them last as long as possible as they are quite expensive. I usually just pick up any shampoo and conditioner for my hair type which is on offer. (I have recently decided to take better care of my hair.) After using this shampoo and conditioner, my hair was left feeling soft and smooth and looked a lot healthier. The website claims they help to repair damaged strands and help to prevent further damage. I don't know how and why but in the last 6 months or so, my hair is improving. To be honest, I wouldn't repurchase these again as they are a little out of my price range but I would love to receive them again as a gift!

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This continues to be my number one choice of eye make up remover. As mentioned previously, it does sting my sensitive eyes if I don't wash it off straight away but it's more effective and doesn't sting as much as other removers. It's currently on the Boots website for £3.39 but I always seem to find it for £1.99. Hopefully, the price hasn't shot up that much since I last purchased! 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin  Tonic & Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser - I have been using Liz Earle skincare for a year now and I will continue to purchase as well. My skin is slowly improving and I just need to sort my diet out now. I still get spots but nothing will get rid of them. I think it's something I am eating in my diet and I'm trying to cut out diary to see if it makes a difference. So far I've given up milk in my cereal, opting for almond milk, but I still have yoghurt and the occasional cheese product. I cannot give up cheese! I have posted individual reviews of each product, which you can read by clicking on the following links; Cleanse & Polish, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Light Moisturiser.

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation - I started using this foundation in October and it ran out in early April, which means it lasted 6 months. Considering I used it almost everyday, that's pretty good going. I really loved this foundation and I'm gutted it's finished. I will definitely repurchase. I plan on going again for a consultation when we've had a bit sunshine so I can find out my summer shade. You can read my review of No7 Stay Perfect Foundation here.

Collection Colour Lash Mascara in Clear - I have been using this mascara for two or three months now to set my brows in place. As explained here, I have extremely unruly brows that have to be tamed! I had been wanting to try a brow gel for a while and I decided to start with a cheaper brand before spending all my money on something I didn't like. To my surprise, this £1.99 mascara wowed me and I have already repurchased! As you can see, after just a short time using the product it looks disgusting and isn't clear anymore! That's the reason why I have repurchased, obviously the product hasn't ran out. I plan to buy another mascara every two to three months and replace when it's looking a bit murky!

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

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

February Empties

It's that time again - my monthly empties and what I think of the products that I have used up. Apologies for this being a little late. I wanted to photograph the products in the first weekend of March but I was super busy with the DIY that I missed the daylight! Then I was ill with a bug, but here it is! Better late than never! I finished a total of 7 products in February. Some of them are products I will use again and again but others are products I won't. 

Keratin Complex Keratin Color Care Shampoo - I have to say I have noticed a slight improvement in my hair recently but I have been using hair oil and hair masks on a regular basis. I won't be repurchasing this as I do not think it's worth the price tag. There are so many cheaper shampoos that are just as good and if I'm honest, I don't like the scent or the texture. I actually really want to try the Liz Earle Shampoo and Conditioner! With this months monthly essentials you get a free Shampoo, which is suitable for all hair types, and a conditioner for normal hair. I might have to purchase the one for dry/damaged hair just to try it! 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - Another month, another empty Cleanse & Polish. I can't quite believe I'm using one of these a month! How long do they last everyone else? I use one pump every morning and evening. I will continue to repurchase over and over again. Although I am getting the bloggers itch, I keep reading reviews of other cleansers and I want to try them. But I am staying loyal to Liz Earle. Plus I don't want to change skin care and get more spots. Thankfully, this has reminded me that I need to make an order! You can read my review of the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish here.

Original Source Lime Shower Gel - I have really enjoyed using this, especially in the mornings as it's so refreshing. The Original Source shower gels are extremely cheap but I don't find them that moisturising. I definitely needed to moisturise after use. I'm not sure I would repurchase. If I did, it wouldn't be for a long time as I have so many other shower gels to use (especially after Christmas). I quite fancy trying some of the other scents as well - tea tree and lavender and tea tree and mint in particular. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - Another Liz Earle product! God I'm obsessed. This is another product that I have purchased over and over again and I will continue to for a long time. I'm looking forward to summer when I can spritz this onto my face all day long! Any excuse... I use this product twice a day. In the morning, after cleansing to close the pores and in the evening, after cleansing to close the pores and also to remove any last traces of make up. It's so refreshing and in the morning it helps to wake me up. Furthermore, it doesn't sting my face as it contains no alcohol. You can read my review of the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic here. 

Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Remover - These posts are going to get boring if I keep using the same products! Like I said last month, I constantly repurchase this product. Even though I have sensitive eyes, this eye make up remover is the only one I've found that doesn't sting my eyes. I wish Liz Earle would make an eye make up remover! I know the Cleanse and Polish is supposed to remove even waterproof mascara but if I use it to remove eye make up, I find that I need two pumps and I really have to rub my eyes. Firstly, I can't afford to use two pumps every evening and secondly, you should never rub your eyes! Therefore I will continue to use Simple as it costs about £2!

Sure Crystal Clear Pure Anti-Perspirant Roll On Deodorant - Deodorant is such a boring but necessary beauty product. I prefer spray deodorant but after a few months of use, I develop a cough. I have to say that roll on deodorant lasts a lot longer than a spray. I actually bought this a while ago when it was 3 for 2 in Boots and this is the second one I have used. I always buy deodorant to stop white marks as white marks on any colour clothes, especially black, is not a good look! This deodorant did not leave any white marks but as it's a roll on, I just had to wait for it to dry before dressing. 

Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer - I absolutely love the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer but sometimes I find it a bit thick for using under my eyes. I bought the Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer as it's targeted for under eye use. As it's illuminating, it helps to hide any dark circles. I don't think this concealer lasts as long as the Lasting Perfection Concealer, but it's easy to pop in your handbag and top when you need to. I will continue to buy this concealer. I actually have a spare one in my drawer! 

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

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

October Favourites

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99 - Altogether I own 5 Real Techniques brushes - the Powder Brush, the Foundation Brush, the Blush Brush, the Setting Brush and this one. I love every single one and I completely understand all the hype surrounding them. I bought this brush to use with my liquid foundation, as I wasn't happy with the Foundation Brush. I had read that this brush provides more coverage with liquid foundation, which was exactly what I wanted. I now use the Foundation Brush with my concealer and I love how it blends and reaches in those hard to reach areas.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19 - This concealer is the best drugstore concealer I have ever tried! It is well worth the hype all around the Blogosphere. The price is fantastic and it provides great coverage for quite a few hours. I find it's too heavy for under the eye area. Instead I use Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer for under the eye area. I 100% recommend this concealer to everyone!

Rimmel Precious Stones Glitter Nail Polish in Diamond Dust £3.99 - I love glitter nail polish, although I hate taking it off! I cannot wait till nearer Christmas when I can get away with pairing it with red. The two negative points are that the polish dries extremely matte but this is nothing that a top coat cannot solve and the fact that it doesn't last very long. Even with a top coat, I got two days wear before it started to chip. But for the price, this is fab and I love the fact that it has different sizes of glitter particles.

Topshop Lipstick in Rumour Has It £8 - This is the second Topshop lipstick that I have purchased. The first was Mink, which I bought about a year and a half ago. I love both of the shades, maybe Rumour Has It a little more as I can wear it more on a daily basis. The texture of the lipstick is creamy and it glides onto the lips smoothly, providing moisture. The lipstick lasts a few hours before it needs reapplying. I definitely want more Topshop lipsticks, which shade do you recommend?

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation £14 - You can read my review here. I have been using this foundation every day since I got it. I love it. The shade is perfect for my skin tone as I had it matched. You can also read my views of the Match Made Service on my review of the foundation. It provides great coverage, which means I only need to dab a teeny tiny bit of concealer on my blemishes. I 100% recommend going to boots and having a foundation consultation. It's free!

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic £12.50 -You can read my review here. I love Liz Earle products, I have been using all the products in the Essentials now for several months. They have improved my skin so much. The Skin Tonic works like a toner but it doesn't have any alcohol in it so it won't dry your face out. I use it straight after Cleanse & Polish but before moisturising. I also use it throughout the day, as a spray, if I need refreshing and a quick boost.

Have you tried any of these products? What are you favourite products this month? 

Rachel x

Lost in Lipstick 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - Review

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic £12.50

I am a Liz Earle enthusiast. I love every single product that I have tried so far and that's a fair few! You can read my review of the Cleanse & Polish here.

The tonic is Liz Earle's version of a toner, but it is alcohol free. Therefore, it is non-drying and gentle on your skin. It has a beautiful floral scent, which is refreshing at anytime of the day, especially in the morning! It really wakes me up. I love the scent, I can smell all the naturally active ingredients, especially aloe vera and chamomile. Other ingredients include calendula, cucumber and vitamin E. These all help to refresh, sooth, brighten and revitalise the skin.

I use this morning and evening, after I have used Cleanse & Polish, and before applying my chosen Liz Earle moisturiser (review coming soon). I pour onto a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face. In the evening, it removes any last traces of dirt and make up, leaving my skin beautifully clear. 

The tonic comes in a bottle of either 50ml or 200ml (pictured above). Alternatively, you can buy a spritzer, which is perfect to pop into your handbag and spray on your face throughout the day. The spritzer is also perfect on long journeys and in hot weather to cool you down.

I 100% recommend this product. It has improved the condition of my skin so much. I suffer from mild acne and my skin is so clear and my spots have calmed down a lot since using Liz Earle. 

Have you tried Liz Earle Skin Tonic? Do you include a toner in your routine?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick