In The Spotlight - Eye Creams

I'm 27 and I am not getting any younger. I believe that looking after your eyes at a younger age is much better than trying to undo the results of years of neglect. Even though I'm still young(ish), I have begun to notice a few signs of ageing; fine lines and dark circles. My body craves sleep more than it used to and the signs of a poor nights sleep is more obvious around my eyes, in particular, along with discolouration and dullness in my skin.

We all need to look after our eyes and an eye cream should be the first step you take; a simple addition to anyone's skincare routine. The skin around our eyes is very delicate and sensitive and should be looked after very carefully. My mum always taught me not to rub when I was removing make up and to simple wipe gently. This has been a great piece of advice which I have followed for years. Another great tip is to use your ring finger when applying eye cream as you apply less pressure with this finger.

Using an eye cream will look after your eyes in many ways and not only will it moisturise the area, your eyes will look brighter, more awake and any puffiness or dark circles will be reduced. I have been using eye creams for years now and here are three that I currently have in my skincare stash. I'll report back in ten years or so and let you know if using eye cream for all these years have made a difference but I'm not taking the chance!

Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair £14.75

As with all Liz Earle products, this contains naturally active ingredients. It contains beta-carotene, borage oil, Echinacea extract, D-panthenol (also know as pro-vitamin B5) and Titanium Dioxide. All these ingredients mean the eye cream has antioxidant properties, locks in moisture, helps stimulate cellular renewal and helps to reflect UV light. The directions recommend gently patting on fine lines around eye area, mouth and forehead every morning. It contains light-reflecting particles which conceal and brighten dark under-eye shadows and a premium quality mineral sunscreen which provides SPF10.

My opinions - This eye cream has a lovely texture; it's not too thin and it's not too thick which means it absorbs quickly so make up can be applied straight away. It has a slight scent but it is inoffensive.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream £11

Obviously, this contains Vitamin E which is an antioxidant and protects the cells from damage. This moisturising eye cream hydrates, smoothes and protects the delicate skin around the eye. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. The directions state it's suitable for all skin types and to use morning and evening. Dot around the eye area and blend with your ring finger; gentle massage helps reduce puffiness.

My opinions - This cream has a light texture. In my opinion it's a little bit watery but it doesn't take too long to absorb into the skin. I'm not too keen on the smell but that's just me and my nose is far enough away from my eyes!

No7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream £15

No7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream protects young skin to delay the first signs of ageing. It boosts radiance & visibly improves fine lines. It reduces dark shadows and puffiness and gives the skin a brightening boost. Created specially for the delicate area around the eyes. The unique blend of protecting and renewing ingredients leaves skin soothed, smoothed and revitalised. No7 have a patent pending next-generation anti-oxidant complex to help shield against free radical damage, plus their skin firming pro-retinol peptides complex containing Lipopeptides and Matrixyl.

My opinions - This eye cream is again on the lighter side but absorbs very quickly leaving a smooth texture behind. It doesn't have a scent; not one I can smell anyway.

My favourite of these has to be the Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair and I will definitely be repurchasing in the future.

Do you use eye cream in your skincare routine? Which is your favourite eye cream?

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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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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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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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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November Empties

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner (for dry or damaged hair) // Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask // Origins Super Spot Remover // Simple Eye Make-Up Remover // Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser // Impulse Tease Body Spray // Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer // Collection Colour Lash Clear Mascara // Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo & Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner (for dry or damaged hair) - This is possibly my favourite shampoo and conditioner that I have tried to date. There are no nasties, they smell nice, my hair feels clean (but not squeaky clean) afterwards, my hair is conditioned and free from tangles. It's the second time I have purchased the duo and I will purchase them again once I have used up others that I have. I have a full review, which goes into more detail, here. 

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask - This mask helped to condition my hair as it is very dry but I wasn't amazed. It contains sulphates and some other nasty ingredients so I was tempted to just throw it away or give it away but I finished it anyway. It smelt lovely but I'd prefer clean ingredients over a scent. Therefore, I won't be purchasing it again.

Simple Eye Make-Up Remover - I've lost count of how many bottles of this I've gone through in the years but it's a lot! I actually have a spare in my drawer for when my current one runs out. I used to use it to remove all my make up but these days, I just use it to remove eye make up as I use a Micellar water to remove the rest of my make up before cleansing. 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - This is a smaller sized pump that I received from Liz Earle when I ordered a lot of products. I think it was to say thank you or something. I saved it for a while as it's the perfect size for travelling and I actually took it to Ireland with me in August. Once I was home and I had finished my normal sized C&P, I finished this one off so it didn't go off before the next time I travelled. I won't go into any details about the product as I have mentioned it many many times on my blog and you can read my full review here. 

Impulse Tease Body Spray - There's not much I can say about this body spray that I haven't already said. It's great to throw in your handbag and I use it at work so my beautiful perfumes aren't wasted on those snotty children! I love the scent, it's definitely my favourite Impulse scent. What's your favourite Impulse scent?

Origins Super Spot Remover - I bought this about a year ago and even though the bottle is tiny, it lasts a long time. At first, I was using it every morning and evening and it was hardly going down. To be honest, I didn't notice much difference with my spots. It definitely didn't remove any of mine. I know people  love this product but it's just not for me. I just used it to finish it off in the past few months. 

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer - This is my under eye concealer as it does a great job of disguising dark circles. It's quite liquidy but this makes it easy to blend and doesn't create dragging. I'm not sure it particularly lasts all day but at £4, I can't complain! Which concealer do you use under your eyes? 

Collection Colour Lash Clear Mascara - I use this as my brow mascara. It's super dirty! I've just stocked up on the 3 for 2 in Boots and I plan on just using one for two months before opening a new one. Because I can see how dirty it gets in the packaging, I don't want to use it on my brows for much longer! It's only £1.99 and even though there are probably better brow products out there, this does the job and I don't mind throwing it away after 2 months. 

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait - I think this may be the first 'lipstick' I've ever finished. I know it technically isn't a lipstick but it's the first lip product in a bullet form that I've finished. I've actually already repurchased this along with Cotton Candy. I love lip butters as they are easy to apply and the colours I have are perfect for everyday wear. 

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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August Empties

Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel // Tresemme Deep Cleansing Shampoo // Neal & Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment // Soap & Glory Hand Food // Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer // Hugo Boss Orange Woman  // Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser // Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion // Skinetica Anti-Blemish* // Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel (sample)

Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel - I started using this in January and I've only just finished it but it's not the only shower gel I used in that time. I absolutely loved this shower gel; it smelt delicious, it was the perfect formula and it was moisturising. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it's in this years' Best Of giftset but if it's not then I will definitely be repurchasing. 

Tresemme Deep Cleansing Shampoo - I use this shampoo once a week or once every two weeks just to deep cleanse my hair. I've stopped using shampoo and conditioner with SLS in but some of the treatments I use, contain them. Eventually, I plan on never using products containing SLS but a few months ago, I went crazy and bought a lot of products so I need to use them up first. This is actually a really good shampoo and deep cleansing my hair. It removes any build up and I also use it if my hair is a little greasy. I actually have two more bottles as it was buy one, get one free a while back!

Neal & Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment - I received this in a gift set one Christmas from my parents, along with a beautifully scented candle. Unfortunately, the candle burned a long time ago but due to my large haircare collection, this treatment seemed to last a lot longer. As my hair is in such bad condition, I applied this after conditioner to the ends of my hair. It provided it with an extra boost of moisture. I'm still undecided whether I liked the smell or not.  In my opinion, it smelt like glue! 

Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant - A random empty and not one I usually include in my monthly empties but I wanted to talk about it and I didn't want to write a whole blog post on deodorant! I prefer a spray deodorant as they are more hygienic than roll ons, however, long term they get on my chest and leave me with a nasty cough. Because of this, the majority of the time, I use a roll on but occasionally use a spray. I used this when it was in the regular can before it was compressed into a smaller can.  It's a fantastic idea to reduce waste and supposedly, they contain the same amount and you use the same amount as before, but I can't help think it didn't last me as long.  Does anyone else feel this way? 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - Another month, another Cleanse & Polish. I've actually just bought the Limited Edition Grapefruit and Patchouli one, which smells delicious. However, I am having a few issues with the pump. It isn't dispensing a measured amount and I'm having to pump it several times to get enough for my face.  A tiny bit just spurts out each time. I'm guessing I have a faulty one.  

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion - This has been a lifesaver over Summer. I suffer from hayfever and it affects my eyes quite a bit. When I woke up in the morning, my eyes would be puffy and stuck together. I would soak two cotton wool pads and bathe my eyes for about five minutes and my eyes felt refreshed and awake afterwards. I definitely recommend Eyebright if you suffer from hayfever or something similar. It has only been a lifesaver at 6am and I've had a bad nights sleep. It helps me feel (and look) more awake!

Skinetica Anti-Blemish* - I have been very lucky that I have received two of these in goodie bags. So when this bottle ran out, I was able to continue using it. Although, it contains alcohol, it doesn't leave my face feeling dry. I use it at least once a day, sometimes twice, by sweeping a soaked cotton wool pad across my face and leaving it to dry before I apply the next step in my skincare. It only takes a minute to dry and I usually check Instagram while I'm waiting!

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel (sample) - I received this as a sample when I ordered from Clarins online. I first heard Lily Melrose talk about it and she seemed to love it. I like the formula how it was a gel and turned into an oil but I don't think it was suitable for my skin. Clarins suggests it's suitable for all skin types, just obviously not mine. It broke me out and gave me lots of little spots under the skin. 

Soap & Glory Hand Food - I will definitely repurchase this but I secretly hope it's in a gift set this Christmas! The hand cream sinks in perfectly leaving my hands feeling soft and moisturised. It's an added bonus that it smells delicious. Soap & Glory was a brand I only discovered last Christmas and I have definitely been missing out. Every product that I've tried so far, I've loved. 

Hugo Boss Orange Woman - I bought this perfume a while back, probably about two years ago. I was out shopping with one of my best friends and we spotted it, smelt it and bought it! It's lasted me as long as it has because at one point I had five different perfumes which I rotated. I kept it away from hear and out of direct sunlight which prevents perfume from expiring earlier. I love this perfume and I will probably repurchase at somepoint. I'm not very good at describing scents so I'll leave it to the experts! 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - No empties post would be complete without a Collection concealer. This month it's the infamous Lasting Perfection Concelaer. One of these tubes seems to last me about two months. Maybe a little less but I do use it everyday and a lot as I have lots of spots to conceal!! 

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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P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway. 

Wish List #4

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment // Barry M Sequin Nail Effects Nail Paint in White // L'Oreal Micellar Solution // Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil

I haven't done a wish list in a long time and I'm pretty skint at the moment so I thought I would share some of the items that I am lusting after! How does shopping the stash work? I think I'm going to need to do that! 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm - The only reason these are in my wish list is because I have fallen into the hype. I know they are only a lip balm but so is the Korres Lip Butter really, and that's amazing. I want to see what all the fuss is about. I'll only buy one, not six, but I haven't decided which one I want just yet. My choice will be made purely on  the scent! 

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment - I have been using the Liz Earle Shampoo and Conditioner for about two months now and you can read what I think here. Within the Liz Earle haircare there are also treatments, this being one of them. It is for frizzy, coarse or unruly hair, which are three perfect words to describe my hair! 

Barry M Sequin Nail Effects Nail Paint in White - How pretty is this nail polish? I've seen lots of swatches online and I need it in my life! Despite knowing how difficult glitter nail polish is to remove, I still want it. Barry M have created some beautiful nail polishes lately.

L'Oreal Micellar Solution - I already have three micellar waters. Does this stop me wanting to try another one? No. I want to try it just to compare it to the others I have. Two of the ones I own are higher end or harder to get hold off (I'm talking about you Bioderma). If L'Oreal have created one that is just as good, I can save my money to spend elsewhere!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - I need this is my life! I keep reading more and more about the harsh effects of manual exfoliators. I need to experience just how good this one is! So much hype surrounding it.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil - Another Liz Earle haircare treatment that I need in my life! This is their hair oil and it's suitable for all hair types. Oils are everywhere at the moment and not just for your hair. This one smoothes hair, protects hair from heat damage and even cuts down on the time it takes to dry your hair! 

What products are on your wish list? Have you used any of these products? Are they worth buying/the hype? What products should I add to my list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner - Review

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair

I'm sure you're all aware of my love for Liz Earle skincare products. I have raved about them enough! I've even used their Sheer Skin Tint and mascara, and I love them too! For the past two months, I have been using Liz Earle haircare, shampoo and conditioner to be precise. I'm happy to report that so far, none of their products have disappointed me. (I promise they are not paying me and I have bought all these products myself!)

There is only one shampoo and it is suitable for all hair types including sensitive, colour treated hair and oily hair. Just like there is only one cleanser - Cleanse & Polish. Containing shea butter from West Africa, aloe vera, naturally sourced vitamin E, apple and orange extracts, and naturally derived cleansers, from coconuts I believe, there really is no room for sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate. Even though it contains no harsh chemicals, it still foams amazingly well - thats the job of the naturally derived cleansers. The back of the tube says that a little shampoo goes a long way and I definitely agree. Rather than adding more shampoo to create lather, you just add more water. It's amazing and it makes the tubes last quite a long time as a little is only needed for each hair wash. The scent is beautiful, you can really smell the essential oils. I can particularly smell the orange. 

When it comes to conditioner, there is three different ones to choose from and this is where you tailor your haircare to suit your hair type. There's one for normal hair, fine/oily hair, and dry/damaged hair. I opted for the latter as my hair is just that - dry, damaged and brittle - from years of heat styling and colouring. This conditioner also contains West African shea butter, apple and orange extracts, as well as blue seakale and Kenyan yangu oil. It is suitable for coloured hair, which is fantastic news for me, and it leaves my hair feeling hydrated, soft, smooth and under control. It is recommended to apply to mid lengths and ends but I suffer from dry roots too that can be extremely frizzy so I apply all over my hair. Again, a little goes a long way and it really does make my hair feel soft, smooth and alive!

I have already repurchased both the shampoo and conditioner as I have seen a big difference in the overall texture of my hair. Next on my wishlist are the Botanical Shine Treatment for frizzy, coarse or unruly hair and the Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil. They might have to wait until Father Christmas comes as I am extremely poor at the moment!

Have you ever tried Liz Earle haircare? Have you tried the treatment or hair oil?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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