August Empties

I'm very early with my August empties but I'm absolutely drowning in the stuff and want to recycle! Products marked * I've very kindly been gifted for review.

I've a few perfume samples: All Saints Incense City vial which I picked up via Feel Unique's pick 'n' mix service. I've since bought full size of this. See my review HERE. Safe to say I love it and would re-purchase. From Avon is one of their latest launches - Elixir of Love - Falling in Love with Neroli & Iris EdP vial (again, loved this and have picked up full size). My final sample vial is from Typology (Yuzu Mandarine)* - see my review HERE.  One for the wishlist.

I totally adored D'Alchemy's Spectacular Hand Therapy* and was bereft when I used this up (it's on the wishlist when I've used up some hand creams in my stash). It's just total perfection. See my review HERE.

Avon's Planet Spa Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep Hand Cream 30ml was nice to use before bed. Might or might not pick it up again.

I'd read absolute rave reviews about La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml. The product is fantastic as it brightens and makes the skin glow but the pipette packaging is terrible (cue excess dried on around the neck). Loved the product - hated the packaging.

Trilogy's Vitamin C Booster Treatment 12.5ml* I really liked this and would definitely buy it again when my skin needs some oompf. Check out my review HERE.

Diptyque Philosykos Perfume Oil Roll On - the best fig perfume out there. Will pick up the EdT at some point.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk 150ml - one of my favourite dry shampoos. Have already cracked open a new one. Does what it says on the tin.

Bronnley Rose Luxury Soap which was an absolute delight. Will definitely buy again. I also enjoyed Seatree's Bergamot Handcrafted Soap* see my review HERE (also the Patchouli soap further down my post).

Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Joia Shampoo & Conditioner sachets both 10ml had been on the to try-list. Lovely to use - my hair loved them (and I adore that original bum bum scent). Full sizes on the wishlist. Moving on..

I loved Bloomtown The Woods Nourishing Dry Oil 100ml* see my review HERE. I've got a HUGE body care stash but I'll buy this when it reduces in size. I've had the Neal's Yard Remedies Garden Mint & Bergamot Hand Wash 200ml for what seems like forever (it was beside the sink in the kitchen) It's a lush and silky refreshing wash which I'll definitely buy again at some point. 

From Elemental Herbology is their Lemongrass & Nutmeg Body Wash 290ml which I thoroughly enjoyed using. See my review HERE. It's one I'll definitely buy again. I buy again and again Avon's Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Handwash 250ml as I love the scent...and there's more...

JOIK Organic Quick Absorbing Hand Lotion & Softening & Deodorising Foot Lotion* samples. These gave a flavour of the products and yes, full sizes are on the wishlist!  Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care 4ml absolutely gorgeous product - full size is on the wishlist. From Indie Lee is a trial size of their Purifying Face Wash which was nice to try. Unlikely to repurchase as there are other face washes I prefer. Moroccanoil Body Souffle mini which came in my August My Beauty Kit. Nice to try but not a buy-er.

I loved re-visiting Bramley products REVIEW and found their Body Wash lovely to use on hot summer days and nights. My final beauty item is Odacite's fab mood cleansing ayurvedic bath salts. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

July Empties

Here's what I've been using up in July (marked * I received the item free of charge for review purposes):

I loved WestLab's Mindful Bathing Salts with CBD Oil 1kg which I picked up in ASDA. I found them instantly calming and soothing and I'd buy again. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown's Heavenly Gingerlily Bath & Shower 100ml which was a Latest in Beauty Pick. Huge fan of the brand and scent so likely to buy again.

I'm a huge fan of Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream 25ml so this is vanilla-y sweet scented cream is very likely to be bought again...and again!

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Monodose Make Up Remover 5ml is handy for holidays but I'd not buy again due to the single use plastic. It was effective however and lasted me two uses.

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil 3.7ml came as a Feel Unique - My Beauty Kit try. Nice to use (I love the marzipan scent of plum oil). Unlikely to buy full size as I love the ooh! Oils of Heaven Plum Oil from Love Lula, which is a fraction of the price (REVIEW).

Palm of Feronia Grounding Bath & Body Elixir 10ml which I reviewed HERE. Nice to use but I'm unlikely to buy it full size as I preferred the other two samples I selected.

INIKA Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Serum 1.5ml sachet* which I received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger program (you can buy 5 samples with a £10+ spend at Love Lula). This little sample gave me two uses. I fell head-over-heels for this serum and it's one I'm adding to the wishlist!

My second INIKA sample was their Phytofuse Renew Maca Root Day Cream 1.5ml sachet*. I didn't enjoy this as much as the serum (which makes trying the sample first a no-brainer). I found it slightly too rich for my skin but it's a lovely cream. 

Q+A has been on the want to try list and I picked their Hyaluronic Acid 2ml sample sachet as a Feel Unique pick 'n' mix sample. My skin loved it and full size is on the wishlist. It comes in at £6.50 for 30mls making it an affordable buy.

My final item this month is a sachet sample 0.4ml from Medik8 of their r-Retinoate Day & Night Eye Serum. Although a teeny-tiny sample I got a few uses out of it. On the wishlist!

What have you been using up this month?

Feel Unique: Pick 'n' Mix

I dip in an out of Feel Unique's Pick 'n' Mix which you can pick up once a month. It costs £3.95 which comes back to you as a code to use against a future purchase - so essentially your samples are free!

This month I chose:

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules - Daily Youth Restoring Serum (7)

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum 1.5ml sachet

Laboratoires Filorga Flash Nude Fluid Tinted Fluid sachet

Huda Beauty Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub 3ml

Maison Margiela Replica Springtime in the Park EdT sample vial

I'll let you know my thoughts in a empties post (the perfume is perfect for Spring!)

The Dream Box by The British Beauty Blogger & Latest in Beauty

I first saw that Jane, The British Beauty Blogger was launching her third beauty box in association with Latest in Beauty on a Facebook group. I was lucky enough to pick up her first box - see my thoughts here.

The Dream box cost £19.95 including P&P. The item which caught my eye the most was Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water (100ml) worth £10 - half the box!  I reviewed Bee Good's Intensive Hand Repair this week - see here*.

So what's inside:

It's absolutely packed full of goodies and worth over £100!

My second favourite item is the Kneipp Herbal Bath in Mandarin - Orange 100ml - this is a full size bottle and it is said to relieve stress and make you happy. Smells gorgeous and looking forward to trying it.

I love the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Kisses - I got Marilyn a bright red shade. Inside the envelope is a little card with lipstick lips which you apply directly as if you are kissing it. Cute.

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara 8ml (this is worth £19!) - I've heard great things about this collagen infused deep black mascara which is paraben free. Looking forward to try it out.

Janjira Hand Wash in Argan Oil 50ml - this is paraben and sulphate free and smells refreshing. Not heard of this brand before.

REN Satin Perfecting BB Cream 3ml - huge REN fan. This is silicone free and non-oily. I've used this before and the shade doesn't quite suit my skin tone. I'll maybe get to use it in the summer.

L'Occitane Immortalle Divine Lotion 50ml - this is a new product and you use it after cleansing to soften the skin before moisturiser.  Looking forward to trying it out.

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge Fresh Fragrant Water 1.5ml vial - this is really nice with ginger, mandarin and pomegranate notes. Perfect for spring and summer.

Lola Kabuki Brush - this is a lovely soft little brush and I'm looking forward to trying it out with my bronzer.

Bourjois Cream Blush in shade 01 2.5g - received this in the first box. Perfect shade for summer.

Benefit it's potent eye cream 3g - I've used this before and liked it.

Make up Revolution Awesome Eyeshadow & Eyebrow Palette in Disappear till Tomorrow - this has nice neutral brown shades with a few sparkly shades. Looking forward to trying it out. 

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream 20ml - huge Elemis fan and have used this foot cream before. Highly moisturising and smells nice. Perfect to get feet sandal ready.

Essie Polish in hide and go chic - this is a full size bottle in a pretty blue shade.

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray 50g - the perfect size for popping in your handbag to cool down and refresh the skin on hot summer days.

So there you have it - 15 great items. Did you pick up the box? What are your thoughts?

*PR sample

I won! : Ramblings of a Beauty Bird's Giveaway

I was really pleased and excited to win a prize in Sasha's recent giveaway.  You can see her fab blog Ramblings of a Beauty Bird here.  She and Alessia both ran giveaways with products which were in the Bristol Beauty Bloggers Meet up goody bags.

Here's what I won:

Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Hand and Nail Cream 100ml - I am a huge fan of Dr Organic.  Not tried the coconut range yet (love coconut scents) so really looking forward to trying this.  It smells yummy.

Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Day Cream 50ml - Again, I've not tried this particular scent or in fact any of the Dr Organic skincare range.

Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Night Cream 50ml - really happy to try this delicious smelling night cream.

Aromatherapy Gold Aroma Squeeze Me Stress Ball in Lavender and Bergamot - I'll be putting this in my desk drawer for times of stress! Love that it comes in its own wee tin.

Avene Cleanance Masque Sample 10ml - I've not used a lot of Avene products but love masks so keen to try it.

La Roche-Posay Lipid Replenishing Body Balm Sample 15ml - again not used a lot from this brand so looking forward to trying it out.

Blinc Mascara and Eyeliner Minis - these look fab. I'm really looking forward to trying them and handy size to slip into my bag on a night out.

Dr Hauschka Hand Cream Sachet 2.5ml - love hand cream.

Thanks so much Sasha I absolutely love my prize and I'm looking forward to trying everything out.

Follow Ramblings of a Beauty Bird here.

Follow on Twitter @beauty__bird

October Empties

I seem to have got through loads this month!  Though I was using up a lot of the last wee bits of some of the products.

Caudalie (three of the products from the set first mentioned here.) 

Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel 30ml - soap free so no lather, was okay to use and smelt nice but wouldn't purchase again.

Gentle Conditioning Shampoo 30ml - no lather. Didn't feel like my hair was clean so wouldn't repurchase.

Anti-Wrinkle Fluid 4ml - freebie thrown in - was ok, wouldn't purchase full size.

Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid SPF 10 - 15ml - this was from October's Feel Unique box.  I loved this product (and have re-purchased).

Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask 3ml - this was a free sample, one use and liked the fact that it didn't sting my skin.  Would look into re-purchasing next time I need a mask.

Kerastase Bain Chroma Riche - Luminous Softening Shampoo 80ml - used this on my two week hols and just finishing it up.  Love Kerastase so would re-purchase.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 125ml - this was a free gift with Red magazine.  Smells like Turkish delight - scented with Rose Otto, Palmarosa & Geranium.  Love this would definitely re-purchase.  Full size of 260ml retails at £12.25.  Free from parabens, sulphates etc.

Deep Steep Tangerine & Melon Bubble Bath 60ml - this was an okay product - and one that I  got free with purchase.  Not one I'd re-purchase.

Balm Balm Witch Hazel Toner - 100ml - sort of enjoyed using this but wouldn't purchase again as it contains alcohol.  I prefer toners which are more natural.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 30ml - love, love, love this cream but only buy it in value gift sets from QVC, Time to Spa or instore.  Eyewatering price for the full size product.

Clarins Satin Smooth Body Lotion with Sorbier Bud 100ml - This is a generous Gift with Purchase size.  I loved the lotion but hated the smell.  So wouldn't re-purchase.

Avon Naturals Black Cherry & Nutmeg Room & Linen Spray 125ml - like this scent and its cheap!  Usually buy with the hand wash when there is a offer on.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm 15ml - this was part of a set from SpaceNK.  Lovely product and smells great, full size costs £34 for 100ml so one to save up for.  Would definitely re-purchase although I'd shop around for best price.

Clinque All About Eyes Serum - 5ml - this was a GWP size, nice product and felt quite cooling on the eye area not sure if I'd re-purchase or not.

Bath House Relaxing White Tea & Rose Bath Salts 60g - £3.99.  This smelt better in the sachet than in the bath so won't repurchase.

No.7 Sumptuous Bath Soak 200ml - nice enough product, bought with a Boots £5 off voucher.  Wouldn't buy at full price as just didn't like it enough.

Pure Age Defiance Wipes - 2 packs for £1 Poundland - Lucy Brown (of Beauty Box Swaps on Facebook) recommended these wipes and they are great - they don't sting at all and are so cheap.  I don't use them all the time but sometimes only a wipe will do!

Dr Hauschka Revitalising Mask 2.5ml sachet - quite liked this product, felt nice on the skin, may purchase when I need a face mask.

Avon Hand Wash - Great price and does the job.

Armani Light Master Primer 30ml - great product and lasts for absolutely ages. May re-purchase in the future.

L'Occitane Verbena Shampoo & Conditioner each 30ml - received in a gift set, nice products and enjoyed using but unsure if I'd purchase.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml - quality product but had quite a strange smell so don't think I'd purchase again.

NEOM Real Luxury Organic Body Lotion 50ml - this came in the Amarya October box.  Liked the lotion but not the scent.  Would possibly re-purchase in a different scent.

Bamford Botanics Trio - Geranium Bath Oil (30ml), Geranium Body Wash (50ml) & Geranium Body Lotion (50ml) - £5  Luxury samples from Latest in Beauty.  Would buy the bath oil again but not the body wash or lotion as they smelt too herbal (they also contain oils of peppermint and lavender). Although I'd be keen to try them in a different scent as they were good quality products.

Goldwell Rich Repair Shampoo 250ml & Rich Repair 60sec Treatment 200ml - bought at the hairdresser at special price.  Think it was £8 for both.  Nice and lasted ages.  Would re-purchase.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait - Lipid Replenishing Body Milk 15ml - quite a nice product would consider purchasing full size especially for dry skin. (this was bought in a sample pack of 32 assorted samples for £10 from http://www.escentual.com/ in the try B4 you buy section - they also send you a voucher code by email for £10 off a product from the range, so you are getting the samples for free, and I also bought when they were offering free postage).

Champneys Wild Rose Bathing Oil with Turkish Rose Otto 75ml - bought this in a 3 for 2 offer at Boots.  Smells lightly of rose and goes milky on hitting the bathwater.  Definitely one I'd re-purchase.

Would you buy any of these/or do you use any of them already?  What did you use up in October?