February Empties

Here's what I've been using up in February:

Lavera Lavender Bath Salts (single use pack) - these make for a relaxing soak and I'd buy them again.

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger and Ylang Ylang Incensa Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml each - unusual to finish two of these beauties in one month! I love both these scents and will buy again.

Aromatherapy Associates Support Equilibrium and Deep Relax Bath & Shower oils - again, love both of these. Will buy again.

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 500g - a staple - these are always in my stash. I'll be stocking up when Cult Beauty offer their goody bag with purchase next month.

Balm Balm Balance All Over Balm 30ml - with peppermint and lavender. This was lovely and uplifting as well as deeply nourishing. Would buy again.

Balm Balm Balance Bath & Shower Oil 5ml - this lavender scented oil made for a relaxing bath. 

Bodhi & Birch Flora Paradiso De-Stress Massage & Body Oil 30ml - a beautiful oil which I'd definitely buy again. It's perfect for pampering.

Make Skincare Face Smooth 15ml* - I recently reviewed this fab moisturiser (link). I'll definitely buy when I use up some of my stash.

Isla Apothecary Blood Orange & Vanilla Sugar Scrub 220g - this scrub had the perfect scrubbiness and the scent is amazing. One I'll definitely buy next time I need a scrub. See my initial thoughts HERE.

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood and Rosa Absolute Bath & Shower Gel (both 30ml) - I love these scents. Sure to pick up full sizes at some point.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo 50ml - loved this and will buy full size soon.

Cowshed Knackered Cow Shampoo & Conditioner 10ml sachets - I got two uses from each of these. Very nice. Added to the wishlist.

Redken High Rise Volume Shampoo & Conditioner 5ml sachets - nice to use but not really sure they improved volume.

Neom Daily De-Stress Burst Capsule - these are amazing! I wish they sold them in a full size jar!

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

September Empties

I think this must be the smallest amount of empties...ever!

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes - I initially found these very highly perfumed but the scent grew on me. I only occasionally use wipes. I'd buy these or one of the other varieties again.

Pinks Boutique Lemongrass Camellia Moisturiser* - I simply loved this delicious scented moisturiser. It's one I'd consider buying full size.  See my review here.

Redken Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo 200ml - one of my favourite detox shampoos. Sure to buy again.  See my review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - this is my favourite bath oil ever. I received this personalised bottle last Christmas - sad to finish it!  Will definitely buy again (or drop hints to hubby).

beatitude Peace Body Oil 100ml* - a real luxe body oil. See my review here. I'd like to try this in "Joy" next after really enjoying the bath oil sample.

bodhi & birch Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - love this light zesty ginger scent. Full size firmly on the wishlist.  See my review here.

Rosemira Sweet Coconut Body Butter* - this came in August's Petit Vour box and I loved it. Full size on the wishlist! See my review here.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil:Summer 7.4ml - this came in the super cute summer get away kit.  It smelled beautiful and left the body nourished and delicately scented. Loved it!

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant - a staple which I buy again and again.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 3ml* - my favourite Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil.  See my review here.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml - one of my favourite pre-shampoo conditioners. Leaves my hair looking like I've just stepped out of the salon!  Will buy again.

beatitude Peace & Joy Bath Oil samples* - these were lovely. I especially liked the sunny scent of Joy.  See my review here.

Bee Yummy Skin Food* - sad to see this finished! See my review here. I've still got a tiny sample to use but would buy.

L'Occitane Relaxing Body Cream 50ml - this was lovely to use just before bed. Would buy full size.  See my review here.

Have you tried any of these?  If you've done an empties post link me up.

*PR samples

A Closer Look: Shampoo & Conditioner

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts. These are my current Shampoos and rinse out Conditioners in my stash.

NHP Natural Haircare Programme Nourish Hair Bath 250ml* and Nourish Hair Mask 300ml* - these are really nice products.  See my review here. Ones I'd definitely consider buying.

The Body Deli Living Hair Sprouted Mineral Greens Shampoo* & Conditioner* both 8oz - simply love these and will definitely buy when I run out.  See my review here.

EVOLVh Ultra Shine Moisture Shampoo* & Conditioner* both 75ml - these came in June's Petit Vour Beauty Box*. A brand I hadn't heard of before. These are Vegan, Gluten and Paraben free.  Handy size for travel and try me. Love how shiny and smooth they leave my hair looking and feeling.

John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair 30ml - this came in July's Love Lula Beauty Box. Huge fan of this brand and enjoying using this shampoo - in fact I've love every hair product I've tried.

Holy Lama Shampoo & Conditioner both 30ml - these came in July's Souk Souk Beauty Box. I've still to try these.

Redken Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo 200ml - I love this shampoo for getting rid of styling product build up and use it once a week. See my review here.

Palmers Coconut Repairing Shampoo 400ml and Conditioner 250ml - deliciously coconut scented products. Love that the shampoo is bigger than the conditioner as I always tend to finish shampoo before conditioner. See my review here.

Have you used any of these?  What's your favourite Shampoo & Conditioner?

Here are the links to previous Closer Look posts:

Serums & Face Oils, Bath Oils, Salts & Bubbles, Cleansers, Perfumes, Lip Balms, Eye Creams, Balms & Serums, Toners & Treatments, Body Butters, Body Oils, Shower Gels, Moisturisers and Hand Creams. 

*PR samples

October Empties

This has been a really quick month. I've hardly used up much. Here are my empties -

GLOW Skincare Rose & Macadamia Face Cream - sample pot - this came from my Souk Souk box. Seemed a nice cream but quite a small pot so hard to tell if it really suited my skin or not.

Naturally Nourished Exotic Body Balm 20g - simply love this exotic scented balm. Have since purchased full size.  See my review here.

Marie Veronique Organics Mist* - simply loved this! See my review here. Will definitely think about placing a MVO order in the New Year.

Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Hand & Nail Cream 100ml - simply love this super moisturising coconut scented hand cream. I've already bought another. I love all the Dr Organic hand creams.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 10ml - my favourite bath oil. Sure to buy it again. Already been dropping hints to hubby for Christmas.  I reviewed it here.

Naturally Nourished Rose Body Mousse 20g - I bought this at the same time as the Exotic Body Balm but I just didn't like it as much. I would have liked if it had been stronger scented.  Wouldn't buy again.

Botanicals Rose & Camellia Body Lotion 5g - simply gorgeous. One I'm adding it to my ever expanding wishlist.

Botanicals Lavender Balm 5g - this was nice to use too. If I bought it I'd maybe try a different scent. Nicely nourishing and easy to apply.

Marlenha Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen Beads Moisturising Face Cream 50ml* - this was really nice to use.  See my review here. I'd consider purchasing when I've depleted my stash.

REDKEN Color Extend Shampoo 50ml - this was nice enough to use (I've got a couple of other minis to use) but I doubt I'd buy it again as I found it quite drying.

Raw Gaia Organic Coconut Body Butter 15ml - simply gorgeous! Full size is on my to buy list..and soon.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 3.7ml - this came in the a beautiful world A/W '13 Sampler box. Simply loved it. Full size is on my wishlist.

Sephora Cotton Flowers single use Shower Gel - this was just the right amount for one shower. A friend picked a few up for me on holiday recently. Quite nice but I found the scent a little bit artificial.

this works really rich firming lotion 50ml - this had a glorious jasmine and fig scent. Was a rich lotion but didn't notice any firming action. Probably wouldn't buy - this was a magazine freebie.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Hand & Nail Cream 15ml - simply love this nourishing honey scented hand cream. Have since picked up a full size.

Aromatherapy Associates Relax Deep Bath & Shower Oil 3ml - one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates scents.  Sure to use again.

*PR samples

Bargains!

I took out a year's subscription to Joliebox last year and had accumulated some points from that and some extra ones.  I chose to buy TAAJ Himalaya Micellar Water which retails at £16 for 500ml in their shop.  I'd loved receiving it in a previous Joliebox.  It arrived yesterday with a free 100ml bottle.  After a disappointing Joliebox this month, these softened the blow!

My second bargain was Redken Detox Shampoo (200ml - £11.98) from Salon Skincare.  As I'd had my 500th! transaction with Paypal they gave me a £10 voucher to spend at a variety of online retailers.  I'm nearly finished my bottle of this shampoo which I reviewed here.  So an absolute bargain for £1.98.

Have you picked up any bargains recently?

Hair Care Products - Oils, Volumizers etc.

Following on from yesterday's post here is my styling products and other items.

OSiS+ Flatliner Flattening Iron Serum 200ml - you can see my review here.

Sebastian Shaper Fierce Ultra Firm Finishing Spray 50ml - I got this in my Pout Edinburgh goody bag recently.  Not used it yet.

Philip Kingsley Maximiser 60ml - got this in a swap.  Great product for body and volume. 

Percy & Reed Finishing Polish 100ml - was a magazine freebie and love this for reducing static.  It smells good too.

Moroccanoil Light 100ml - love this oil.  I've also got a small 10ml of the original one which is handy for travel.  Leaves the hair looking health and silky smooth.

KMS Freeshape Hot Flex Spray 30ml - this came in one of the beauty boxes.  Not really used it yet.

TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm 90ml - this came from last October's Feel Unique box - oh how I miss Feel Unique!

Batiste Tropical and Blush Dry Shampoos (120g & 30g) - the tropical one is my favourite. I love the coconut scent.

KMS Freeshape Quick Blow Dry 200ml - a small size of this came in last December's Carmine box.  Does what is says - halves the time of blow drying - great for my morning rush!

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother 10ml and Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair 10ml - these are nice products that I am enjoying using.

Philip B Styling Gel 15ml - picked this up in a blog sale - nice for smoothing down static.

Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist 150ml - this is nearly finished.  Got this a while back at the hairdressers, adds shine to the hair and also good for static.

Redken align12 straightening lotion 30ml - this came from Joliebox.  Seems a nice product - only used it a couple of times so far.

Mythic Oil vial - nice product will probably pick up full size at some point.

Simply Argan Organic Argan Oil 50ml - I got this in April`s Amarya box - like how it can be used on your skin or hair.

Have you used any of these products before?

Hair Care Products - Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatments

I seem to have accumulated masses of hair care products! I've divided it up into shampoo, conditioners and treatments which you can see below (tomorrow I'll show you my styling and miscellaneous products).

A'kin Lavender & Anthyllis Leave in Conditioner 150ml - this featured in my June Favourites.  A really lovely product it leaves hair conditioned and easy to style, it smells nice and is great value.

John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner 250ml - I reviewed these here.  Really enjoying using them and may purchase.

Louise Galvin Sacred Locks Shampoo &  Conditioner 100ml - my favourite shampoo and conditioner at the moment.  You can read my review here.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml - I got this in February's Feel Unique box and a friend at work just recently gave me some from her giant pot.  Love this product - give hair great shine and makes it look so healthy.

Goldwell Ultra Volume 60sec Gel Treatment 50ml - I got this in last November's Feel Unique box.  A product I don't use that often but like it when I do! Helps with volume and makes fine hair look fuller.

Neil George Intense Repair Mask 215ml - this smells amazing! It's scented with Indian Gooseberry.  A really lovely treatment.  You can read my review here.

Gielly Green Repair Mask 50ml - A fab range of products available for hair and body.  This repair mask is great and a handy size for travel/gym.  You can read my thoughts here.

Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner 40ml - I got this in a recent Editor's Picks box from Latest in Beauty.  I've not actually tried it yet!

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner 10ml - I bought these from a blog sale.  Nice products - they make hair look smooth.  

Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask 100ml - this was a Glamour magazine freebie which I've not actually tried yet!

Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo 50ml - from the Latest in Beauty Aveda box.  Still to test this out.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Overnight Repair Serum 50ml - I've used this a few times and a review will follow.

Redken Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo 200ml - I really like this shampoo and its one I'd re-purchase.  It's great for giving your hair a deep clean. You can read my review here.

Philip B Katira Hair Masque 69ml - this came in the Selfridges box.  Another one I've still to try.  Review will follow.

Leonor Greyl Huiles de Palme 25ml - I got loads of these in swaps and I'm still on my first one!  A great product.  You can see my review here.

Davines Balm 75ml - I received this in Joliebox.  I don't use it that often but enjoy using it when I do and like that it is multi-purpose.

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Reconstructuring Damage Remedy 40ml - used this once so far and it seems a good product.  Review will follow.

Phyto Phytobaume Express Conditioner 20ml - this came in January's Feel Unique box but I picked this one up on a swap.  Really effective and one I'd buy full size.

Do you use any of these products?

Joliebox Review - September

I received my September Joliebox yesterday and I'm loving it.  It is London Fashion Week themed box.

Included is:

A full size Raspberry Balmi Lip Balm worth £4.99.  I'm loving this cute little balm.  It has a SPF of 15.  You can attach it to your bag or keys.

A 30ml Redken align 12 Protective Straightening Lotion.  Love Redken so looking forward to trying this.

I love....Coconut Face Mask 15ml sachet - for all skin types - a peel off mask - a type which I adore.  Can't wait to try.  I also love coconut scents.

Two Twistband hair ties in orange and red.  They keep your ponytail secure but don't leave bumps in your hair when you pull them out.  I wear my hair tied back a lot so looking forward to testing them out.  It is basically a piece of knotted thickish elastic in a huge range of colours.

Two Dr Bragi Bio Marine Exfoliant sachets.  I tried this as a Latest in Beauty sample and found it too harsh for my skin.  It's an extra so I don't mind so much.

Did you get the box?  What are your thoughts?

Styling & Treatment Hair Products

Above are my current hair styling products collection.  I also have the four Percy & Reed products which came free with Glamour magazine.  I had to buy 4 magazines!  Reviews to follow.

I've been using the Moroccanoil Light for while now and its my top treatment.  It leaves the hair soft, moisturised and static free.  Huge 100ml, lasts for ages.  Pricey though at around £28.

I picked up the Macademia Healing Treatment Oil (10ml) in a swap.  Retails at around a fiver.  A bit thicker than the Moroccanoil Light but still one of my favourites, would buy this product.

Leonor Greyl Huiles de Palme 25ml - I got this in my Boudoir Prive box in October.  Absolutely love this product, so effective.  Have collected a few via swaps.  

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - received this in my December Carmine Box.  It really does what it says it will - reduce blow drying time - on my second via a swap but will definitely purchase this product - it works!

Tigi Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm 90ml - a full size product received in Feel Unique's October box (oh how I miss Feel Unique!). A great product and I'd buy it again.


Philip Kingsley Maximiser 60ml - received this in a swap - great product would buy again really gives great volume.


Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist 150ml - my hairdresser used and recommended this.  Gives really great shine and can also spray on palm and smooth down any frizzy bits.


Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish 100ml - great product, reduces static, leaves hair smooth and smells great - includes horse chestnut and sunflower wax in ingredients.


What products could you not live without?

Redken Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo

I read about this shampoo recently in Red Mag.  You can buy it from salons or online from Feel Unique for £9.99.

Sulphate and Paraben free with plant and marine extracts which helps remove build up from styling products.  Suitable for all hair types, even coloured.

Smells of the ocean, and contains sea algae, aloe vera and oceanic calone.  The range includes Radiant Sea Spray 100ml (£13), Refining Sea Polish 100ml (£13.85) and Cooling Deep Conditioner 125ml (£11.30).

My only negative is there is not much lather due to it being a more natural product which does feel a bit odd and takes a bit of getting used to but it  does leaves hair soft and shiny and smelling amazing. You can use it every day or once a week.