October Empties

It's empties time! Here is what I've been using up this month:

Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator 15ml - received this a while back in a Latest in Beauty Box.  I initially really liked it but then found it stung my skin a little so gave up using it.

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner Mini pot - love this gorgeous rose scented product.  I reviewed it here.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - love the gooseberry, orange blossom, moss and fresh cut grass scent of this.  I'll pick up a full size at some point though it is quite expensive.

A'kin Rose de Mai Day Cream 1.5ml sachet - tiny sachet but loved the scent and feel of this on my skin.  Would love to buy full size.

Dr Bronner's Citrus Orange Castile Soap pillow - nice and enjoyed using it but slightly prefer the peppermint scented one.

Matis Response Corps Miceur 5ml - this smelt lovely and I liked the gel like texture.  Too small a sample though.

Freyaluna Regain your Balance Facial Tonic 100ml - I loved this rose scented toner when I received it in my Freyaluna Selection Box.  I felt the full size just wasn't the same as the sample size.  I found it too heavily scented and couldn't actually finish the product.

Lolita Lempicka L'Eau en Blanc sample vial - didn't really like this scent it was too powdery for me so wouldn't buy it.  The first empty in my perfume sample challenge.

L'Occitane Divine Cream - small pot - love this cream but don't love the scent of it.  Probably wouldn't buy.

Suti Fabulous Foot Balm - small sample pot - love this.  You can see my review here.

STEAMCREAM 75g pot - this came in a Carmine box - I don't really know what all the fuss is about this cream! I quite liked it but wouldn't purchase.  Like the cute tin though!

Bamford Botanic Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - one of my favourite bath oils.  I will get round to buying the full size at some point.

Philosophy Miracle Worker Anti-Age Concentrate 29.6ml - this was a Beauty Bible testing product.  Nice to use but probably wouldn't buy.

Clinique Turnaround Overnight 7ml - a magazine freebie.  Really like this would consider buying.

Sk:n Hand Cream 3ml sachet - would consider buying this as I thought it was a brilliant hand cream.

Ole Henriksen sachets - Invigorating Night Gel, Sheer Transformation and Truth Serum Collagen Booster - didn't like the scent of these so would not purchase.

Dr Brandt Lineless Lines no more sachet - didn't see any difference in my skin.  Wouldn't purchase.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner 70ml - loved this.  Will definitely purchase full size at some point.

Giorgio Armani Regenessence Eye Serum 15ml - this was a nice eye serum and I liked the cooling tip to apply but didn't really see any major improvement in the eye area apart from hydrating.  Wouldn't re-purchase.

Mythic Oil vial - really like this, will purchase at some point but I've got loads of hair oils to use up.

Vichy Idealia/Idealia Pro both 3ml - liked the Idealia.  Will purchase at some point.  You can see my review here.

Comoshambhala Invigorate Shower Gel 50ml - love this eucalyptus scented shower gel.  Have a few to use still from swaps.

Rodial Glamtox Active Daily Moisturiser 2ml sachet - really liked this.  Would like to try more Rodial products.

Hyaluronan Hydrating Sheet Mask - love sheet masks and this one was especially moisturising.

Vaseline Essential Moisture Clean Feeling Lotion 50ml - nice to use but probably wouldn't buy as I've got so many body lotions to use.

Origins Ginger Burst Body Wash 100ml - this was a present last Christmas!  Love the Ginger range and this is a really nice body wash.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum 2ml - love Caudalie products and this was nice to use.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil 20ml - this was in the Selfridges Advent Calendar last Christmas. I found it a bit greasy on my skin and it contains mineral oil.

TRESemme Split Remedy Sachets 3 x 10ml - shampoo, conditioner, leave in treatment - I liked the shampoo and conditioner and would maybe purchase.  The treatment didn't suit my hair type.

Ancienne Ambiance Bath Salts in Amundula, Jasminum and Rosa.  You can read my post about the salts here.  I'd purchase the Rosa ones as they were my favourite.

Pai Kukui & Jojoba Bead Exfoliator 4ml - loved this gentle exfoliator would purchase.

Caudalie Vinexpert Eyes & Lip Serum 1.5ml - love this would perhaps purchase.

Thalgo Thalgomince Cream 5ml - from Latest in Beauty box.  Quite nice probably wouldn't purchase.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water 35ml - this came from Latest in Beauty as a luxury sample.  Quite effective at removing make up would perhaps re-purchase.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair 1.5ml - like this product, have bought in the past.  Would maybe buy again.

Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint sample vial - love this scent and will buy full size in the future.

Alqvimia Rosewater Facial Tonic 6ml - a lovely toner scented lightly with roses.  Would maybe purchase as it was refreshing on the skin.

What have you been using up this month?  Have you used any of these products?

Body Lotion Update

I first blogged about my body lotion spending ban here.  The following are the ones I have managed to use up so far and my thoughts on whether I'd buy again.

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion - love this.  First blogged about it here.  One of my favourite cheaper lotions.  The second one in the photo is Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Souffle Body Creme which is gorgeous! Rich creamy and smells of sweet vanilla and sugar - one that's definitely going on my wishlist.

Elemis Pro-Collage Body Cream.  You can read my post here.  Another one I love! Would maybe get it again at a Harvey Nichols shopping evening when they offer a discount (their Spring party is approaching!)

Garnier Intensive 7 days Soothing Lotion - Calming Honey - another cheaper body lotion which I love!  Still got the mango version to use.  Would buy again.

I also have used a small 50ml size of Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream (love) and the small Temple Spa Face and Body Balm (wouldn't purchase) Still got a long way to go on the body lotion challenge! (have also acquired a few more!)

Origins Ginger

I received this Origins Ginger Gift set at Christmas.  I always hint for a set as I love the scent and the products - usually I am lucky!

I used a couple of the small ones recently.  Included in the set is 3 x 50ml Travel Size, 2 x 100ml and 1 x 200ml.

Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash - 50ml/100ml - a rich gel scented with ginger, lemon, lime and bergamot - a very uplifting scent.

Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub - 50ml/100ml - with sea salts, ginger scent, macademia, soyabean, kuki nut and sweet almond oil. Smells amazing and works well.  Its gritty enough without being too harsh.

Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream - 50ml/200ml - light and fluffy and super moisturising, leaving your skin delicately scented.

Also comes with a small see through wash bag (ideal for flights/holidays).  Do you use any Origins products?

March Empties

I don't think I've got through so many empties this month!

Sheet Mask - Birds Nest Collagen Hydrating Mask - love this, I got this in the box Maria made me from Hong Kong.  Super moisturising. You can view the full contents here. I've still got the other three to use.

Avon Care Gentle Hand Wash 200ml - was okay product but wouldn't repurchase.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler 236ml - great for detangling and reducing static, would repurchase as this size lasts for ages.

Crabtree & Evelyn sample Avocado Body Lotion - nice enough, wasn't keen on the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 55ml - love this, smells of turkish delight.  Only negative is its hard to get out the bottle - the tube version is much more runnier but same product?!  Would still repurchase.

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - from Carmine box.  Love this would purchase full size.  It really does what it says it will. (using another one from a swap).

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil - a real favourite, got a stock of these from swaps and blog sales.

Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner sachet - as above a favourite and got a supply.

Philosophy Peppermint Bark Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 60ml - love the scent of this, good enough to eat! But found the scent disappeared quite quickly and was non existent in a bubble bath so wouldn't repurchase.

RMK Cleansing Oil 3ml sachet - love this and would consider buying full size.

L'Oreal Mythic Oil 3ml vial - nice product, would maybe consider purchasing.

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash 50ml - love this scent and would definitely re-purchase.

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream 50ml - this and the wash were from my Christmas box.  Love.  Still got the larger sizes to use.

L'Occitane Shea butter soap - lovely light scented soap with great lather would repurchase.

Dove Soap - love the scent of this soap will repurchase at some point (I'd just about finished this last month and hubby sometimes uses!)

Inlight facial oil sachet - this was with Amarya box - lovely vanilla scented oil would consider purchasing.

Radox muscle soak bubble bath - a cheapie but it works.  Definitely repurchase.

Temple Spa Peace be Still Face & Body Balm - got this as a hotel room freebie - nice to use but probably wouldn't purchase.

Vaseline Active Fresh Deodorant - a staple!

Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser 15ml - got a sachet of this in an Amarya box and loved it so much I bought this size and purchased another.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream for Hands, Knees, Elbows and Feet 60g - both me and hubby love this! Addicted to the scent! Have already repurchased.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream 200ml - loved using this, total spa product but expensive.  Would maybe repurchase.

L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream 30ml - loved this and love L'Occitane hand creams - this one was a magazine freebie.

Phyto Phytobaume Express Conditioner 20ml - from Feel Unique.  Loved this and would purchase full size.

Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Hand & Body Wash 100ml - another from Feel Unique.  Would repurchase (once I use up my supply of body washes!)

What have you been using up this month?

Body Lotion Spending Ban!

I've put myself on a body lotion/butter/oil spending ban (and all other beauty products apart from Carmine, She Said Beauty and Joliebox.  Amarya (I have until September as I paid this for a year) and any essentials I may need).


I was a bit cheeky yesterday and bought L'Occitane Cherry Princess Silky Body Gel - like I need another body lotion - when you see the photo below! A limited edition scented with cherries and floral notes - (I recently received a free sample instore and fell in love).  Its got a light silky texture and melts into the skin leaving the skin delicately scented.  There is an extra-special Limited Edition set available containing 50ml EDT, 250ml Shower Cream, 75ml  Body Gel and 30ml Hand Cream all for £39.  You can see the set here.

Below are the body products I want to use up this year.  I have nearly finished the Neutrogena Body Oil, Nivea lotion and Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream.

Other half doesn't understand why I need so many! I do like a choice (plus I have a few more hidden away - oops).  This post was inspired by The Bristol Beauty Blog and Cosmetic Cravings.

What beauty products do you have too many of?

Beauty Christmas Gifts

I got some really amazing beauty related Christmas gifts!  I love them all and can't wait to use them.

My hubby got me the Origins Ginger gift set (I sent him the link to the one I wanted!) and the gorgeous little Jo Malone set was a complete surprise!  I love it.

My mum and dad got me the Prada Candy Gift set - my favourite perfume of the moment.  It comes with 75ml of Shower gel and Body Lotion.

My sister and her family gave me a Sanctuary gift set.  Also the box is great for storing stuff.

One of my friends gave me a Lush gift set and Molton Brown handcream - which smells amazing.

My in-laws gave me a Lush gift card and a Boots gift card (I can't wait to hit the sales!)

November Empties

It's official! I am addicted to beauty products!  Here are my November empties.

Bareminerals Purifying Facial Cleanser and Purely Nourishing Moisturiser double sachet - for combination skin -  I really loved the moisturiser and may purchase this at some point.

Korres Lemon Body Milk - from the last Boudoir Prive box - loved this would re-purchase.

Vaseline Intensive Care Deodorant - like the fact that this one doesn't sting and a neutral scent.

Deep Steep Foaming Handwash - Tangerine & Melon 249ml - quite a nice handwash, a foam rather than a gel took a bit of getting used to but it smelt lovely and fruity (had just about finished this by end October).

Sanctuary Spa Relax Warming Body Oil 15ml x 1 - supposedly single use - this lasted me twice.  Would probably repurchase as nice product (and good gift - comes in set of five).

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk 30ml - this was part of a travel set of four (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body milk).  Nice product would re-purchase.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - my most favourite bath oil in the world!  Will definitely re-purchase.

Morroccanoil for fine & light coloured hair 25ml - bought the smaller size to try, loved it and have bought the full size since.  I'll keep the little bottle to decant from the larger one for travel.

Garnier BB Cream sachet - light - fab sample - love this product - will purchase full size at some point (when I finish up other foundations/tinted moisturisers).

Jimmy Choo Perfumed Shower Gel 150ml - lush product with the gorgeous scent of Jimmy Choo.  Was a birthday gift - would re-purchase (I also got the body lotion which was gorgeous too but finished it before I started blogging).

Elemis Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment for Neck and Bust 15ml - this was from the Breast Cancer Awareness Set in October - love this product.

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel 125ml - quite liked this product though it was a pain you can't use it on the eye area.  For this reason alone I probably wouldn't re-purchase, but other than that a really good product.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Body Wash 250ml - nice product with good scent (I love rose scents) and lather will re-purchase.  Dr Organic range can be bought at Holland & Barratt, in a range of scents.

Origins Incredible Spreadable Ginger Body Scrub 100ml - love this, its always on my Christmas Wish List - it smells divine.  Although I think this one was free with Grazia magazine.

Cetuem SCR Gold Creme de Lite 5ml - from Boudoir Prive - okay cream and smelt nice but didn't wow me.  Wouldn't purchase.


Molton Brown Parasdisiac Pink Peppercorn Bath and Shower Gel 100ml - love Molton Brown products (usually scent of choice is Heavenly Gingerlily) but decided to try another - okay scent but wouldn't repurchase though great quality product.

Giorgio Armani Regenessence Multi-corrective Rejuvenating Cream 3ml - lovely product but mega bucks.  £75 full size.  Smells amazing though and really feels like it works.

Body Shop Morroccan Rose Shower Gel 60ml/Body Lotion 60ml - lovely scent, would re-purchase.

Elemis Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir - De-stress Bath Soak 100ml - really nice product would re-purchase full size. Smells great and really relaxing after a stressful day.

Caudalie Cleansing Water 50ml - this was quite a nice product - would be good for holidays (and kept in the fridge).

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil 1.2ml sample - I'd always wanted to try this but wasn't really impressed, was ok product, scent was of lilies and I didn't really like it.  Though I'd like to try the lip balm in this range.

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 125ml - love this for use in the bath or neat as a body moisturiser for dry skin areas.  Normally pick this in GWP deals.

Palmolive Milk & Honey Handwash 300ml - picked this up in the supermarket for 60p - nice product.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml - love, love, love this cream!

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel 75ml - a good cleanser would probably re-purchase.


I also finished the Prada Candy EDP sample from Feel Unique box - a full size bottle is on my Christmas wish list, a Bamford Organics mini soap in Rose - smells beautiful and creates lots of lather.  What products have you been using up this month? x