August Empties

I haven't used as much as usual this month! Here are my August empties -

LP Skin Therapy Overnight Replenish Cream 15ml - this came in a Latest in Beauty box and was really nice to use.  Would maybe purchase.

bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Body Moisturiser 40ml - one of my favourite bodhi scents.  See my review here.

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 250ml - have loved all of the Therapie products I've tried and I'll definitely buy this again. A great morning wake up call.  See my review here.

Kerastase Bain Satin 1 Shampoo 250ml - one of my favourite shampoos. See my review here. Will pick this up again.

Accorelle Day Cream 2ml - hard to tell if I liked it as it was such a small sample. Nice enough but probably wouldn't buy.

Nuxe Body Fondant Shower Gel 30ml - this was nice to use and left the skin clean and fresh. I've a few more of these to use up.

Bohemian Naturals Perfume Samples - see my review here. I'll maybe pick up Amber Rose which was my favourite.

Bamford Botanical Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - one of my favourite bath oils ever!  Have a few of these to use up that I got in swaps.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel 50ml - my favourite Abahna scent. Sure to buy this again at some point.

Caudalie Vinexpert Serum Eyes & Lips 1.5ml - nice to use and I'd maybe purchase full size.

Creme de la Mer The Eyebalm Intense 3ml - gorgeous! Would love full size!

Aurelia Revitalise & Glow Serum sample* - an amazing product and one I'll definitely buy when I reduce my stash.  See my review here.

Gielly Green Repair Shampoo 50ml - one of my favourite shampoos. Will buy again at some point.

Gielly Green Classic Conditioner 50ml - nice to use but probably would buy the repair version.

Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinty Toner 50ml - a gorgeous (if pricey) toner. See my mini review here.  I'd probably only purchase this again if it came in an offer.

Lucy Annabella Organics Argan & Bergamot Organic Treatment Oil 10ml - this came in my August Amarya box. Have since bought the full size.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30ml - nice to use I think this came from a Latest in Beauty box.  Got another to use - I'd maybe purchase.

Taaj Eau Micellaire de L'Himalaya Water 500ml - a huge bottle I bought from Joliebox.  I had a love/hate relationship with this one as sometimes it stung my eyes and other times it didn't. I've got a smaller bottle to use up but I wouldn't buy again.

Dr Bronner's Magic Soap 18-in-1 Castile Soap Almond 59ml - this was nice to use but Peppermint is my favourite scent so wouldn't buy this.

Korres Guava Body Butter 50ml - love this fruity scented body butter. Would buy again.

Oh! Organics Rose Moisturiser 60ml* - I really enjoyed using this.  See my review here.

What have you been using this month?

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash - Spending Ban Week 4

These are the products I've been reaching for this week:

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask 75ml - one of my favourite masks. This contains ground walnut shell to exfoliate, kaolin clay to rid the skin of impurities and fruit acid complex for radiance.  It smells pretty good too! You can see my full review here.

Elemis Evening Blooms Dry Body Oil 50ml - this came in the Christmas Elemis TSV from QVC.  You can see the contents here.  This is lovely really pampering.  You can see my mini review here.

Myroo Starflower & Orange Blossom Facial Cleanser 26g - a lovely pampering cleanser which smells absolutely gorgeous.  You can see my review here.

TAAJ Hand Cream 30ml - this came in January's Birchbox.  Lovely hand cream - it smells great and super moisturising.

Sweet Cecily's Mojito Lip Balm 10ml - a gorgeous little lip balm flavoured with mint and lime - just like a Mojito.  Full review to follow.

L'Occitane Dry Skin Foot Cream 10ml - love this rich foot cream packed full of moisturising shea butter along with lavender essential oil and lavender.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - A sheer lip colour which feels moisturising on the lips.

Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil No.8 - a grey shade, very wearable. The pencil comes with a smudger.

Have you been shopping your stash this week?  Have you used any of these products?

Birchbox Review - January 2013

As you will probably be aware Birchbox which are based in New York recently took over Joliebox.

I received my first box yesterday.  It arrived in a bright pink box.  Inside is a brown box with pink detailing.  Also included is a Birchbox magazine.  The bag inside is bright pink too - makes a change from the Joliebox black!

And what's inside?

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF15 2.2g - already love this super moisturising lip treat.  You can see my review here.

KMS California Add Volume Volumizing Spray 30ml - I love the quick blow dry spray from this brand and my hair always needs volume so happy to try this out.  Although the product does seem a little thick in the bottle for a spray product.

Taaj Creme Mains Delhicates Hand Cream 30ml - I love the Taaj Micellar Water so happy to try another item from the brand. A shea-enriched hand cream - which I've tried it out a couple of times and it is deeply moisturising with a light floral scent. I like it!

WEI White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend 2ml - from a brand I've heard of but not tried any products.  Contains moisture-binding white lotus flower extracts wtih skin-firming peptides.  Looking forward to trying this out.

Teapigs Tummy Tonic Peppermint Leaves single use tea bag - already love and buy this tea.

I was pleased with my first Birchbox.  Did you get this box or an alternative mix? What are your thoughts?

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?

September Empties

It's that time of the month again! Empties.  I look as if I have got through loads - but the vast majority is samples (from my sample challenge).

And for a closer look..

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter - a pot of absolute gorgeous-ness scented with tangerine.  Super moisturising.  I will definitely purchase this again (you can see the other scents available here.)

Le Labo Tuberuse 40  EDP vial - exclusive to Liberty in the UK.  I picked up this sample at Luckyscent.  Gorgeous I'd love the full size.  Notes include tuberose, rose, orange blossom, neroli, citron, mandarin, mimosa, oakmoss and sandalwood.  

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne 1.5ml vial - one of my favourite Jo Malone scents.  I'll definitely pick up this full size again at some point.

Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Relief Treatment sample vial - this was gorgeous with notes of linden blossom and rose otto.  I'd probably not purchase as it is very expensive at £64 for 5ml but it was nice to try.  I picked up the sample at Naturisimo.

Lavera Faces Intensive Cream 1ml sachet - hated this, thought it smelt quite artificial and I didn't like the feel of it on my skin.  

L'Occitane Milk Concentrate Body Lotion 8ml - this was really nice.  I'd consider buying it in the future.  Love all L'Occitane products though.

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this was lovely would definitely purchase full size.  Gentle scent with green florals and mellow woods. I got this in a Sampler Set.  Noble Isle are now offering free P&P if you buy this set.

Lacoste Pour Femme Body Lotion 50ml - this was light and flowery and nice to use.  Great for use in the summer.

L'Occitane Exfoliating Gel 5ml sachet - loved this.  Would definitely like to purchase at some point.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner sachets - love these but would never pay the full size prices.

NEOM Restore Bath Oil 5ml - probably liked this scent the least out of the mini bottles.

RMK Cleansing Oil 3ml - love this cleansing oil scented with rose and mint.  Will definitely pick up a full size bottle at some point.

Annick Goutal Mandagore 25ml EDT - this was from December's Feel Unique Box - oh how I miss Feel Unique still!  Love this fruity and minty scent.  Recently bought one from a blog sale and got one in a swap (thanks Michelle and Karen).

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - got this in the Latest in Beauty YOU - In-Flight Travel Kit.  I loved this mist lightly scented with roses.  I'll definitely buy this full size  at some point. A real feel good product and my skin loved it.

Jo Malone Bluebell Cologne 1.5ml vial - A gorgeous scent.  I own the Bluebell body cream and love it.

Green People Moisturising Shower/Bath Gel - Neroli & Marshmallow - 200ml - loved this.  It smelt amazing and I enjoyed showering with it.  I reviewed it here.  I'd definitely re-purchase.

TAAJ Eau Micellaire 100ml - this came from February's Joliebox.  I loved it and would re-purchase.

Rituals Mei Dao - White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren Body Cream - got this free with a magazine.  This is the third body lotion used up in my Project Pan.  Not sure if I'd re-purchase but I did enjoy using it.

Dior The New Nude Foundation 1.5ml sachet - liked this would maybe purchase full size.

Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Ageing & Anti-Wrinkle Light Texture Cream 1.5ml sachet - loved this but only got a couple of uses out the sachet.  Would like to buy full size or try a bigger trial size.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructing Shampoo/Hair Reconstructor 10ml sachets - love these.  Especially the reconstructor.  Will probably buy at some point.

Biotherm Aqua source 24hr moisturiser 1ml sachet - another really nice moisturiser.  Would buy full size.

Dr Bronner 18-in-1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap pillow - loved this.  Will pick up full size at some point.  Really refreshing and zingy in the shower.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml - love this.  Have just treated myself to the Limited Edition Rose & Lavender edition.

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial 2ml - loved this, smelt amazing.  Keen to try some more products from Sarah Chapman.

Sisleya Global Anti-Age Cream 5ml - love this, have one left from swaps.  Gorgeous cream but wouldn't buy as it costs a fortune!

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub 60g - love this scrub.  Made skin super soft and it was nicely scented.  Would buy full size.

REN Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel 5ml - nice and effective product but didn't love the scent so wouldn't buy.

Gielly Green Repair Shampoo 30ml - really like this and would buy again. Smells gorgeous and hair feels really clean.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, honey and coriander body lotion 37ml - this was a nice lotion, melted into the skin and lightly scented.  Probably wouldn't purchase as there are other lotions I want to try more.

Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 5ml - I reviewed the face oil here.  Love this and have since bought the full size bottle.  It's my holy grail skincare product.

Alison Claire Vanilla & Coconut Body Butter - sample size - I was sent this to review.  The cream had a nice texture but I didn't like the artificial scent.  I'd have preferred it to smell more strongly of coconut and vanilla.  Would maybe try it in another scent as the body butter feels nice on the skin.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo 70ml - a lovely shampoo.  I'd definitely consider re-purchasing.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask sachet - a great mask.  Perfect for brightening the skin.  It made my skin look radiant.  It is quite expensive and I've got a load of masks to use up so probably won't purchase.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation sachet in Golden Beige - not quite my colour but the foundation blended well and felt nice on the skin so would maybe look at a different colour.

Naked Revitalising Hair Treatment 20ml - loved this.  Will definitely pick this mask up again as it left my hair so healthy looking (and I got two uses from the sachet).

Beatitude Peace Bath Oil Sample - gorgeous! I reviewed it here.  I'd definitely purchase and I'm fancying trying the Joy bath oil next.

sk:n Cleanse 3ml sachet - this was nice.  Made my skin feel really clean. Got a load of cleansers to use up at the moment.  I may purchase in the future.

Sanctuary Liquid Soap 250ml - like the scent of this and it works well.  I usually pick them up in 3 for 2 deals.

Fudge OOMF Conditioner 7ml sachet - hated the banana scent but the product was good.  Wouldn't buy as I just hated the scent.

Alison Claire Lemongrass Shower Gel 50ml - another product sent to test.  I quite enjoyed using this especially for my morning shower.  It had a nice lemongrass scent.

Vichy Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream 3ml - just love this cream.  It smells of raspberries and brightens the skin.  Definitely one I'd buy full size.

Angela Langford Perfect Pores Serum & Balanced and Beautiful Face Oil - you can read my review here.  These were lovely to use and smelled really nice.  I may purchase full size at some point.

Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this came from August's Amarya Box.  Really nice to use and light scent.  Would perhaps re-purchase.

Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt 4ml sachet - very effective product but hated the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Spa Mask - loved this! Would purchase. Signed up the their website and got a free one.  Lovely. Made skin feel radiant and loved the sea fresh scent.

L'Occitane Angelica Toner 50ml - this was a magazine freebie.  Really nice to use and I'd maybe pick it up again.

What have you been using up this month?

June Favourites

These are my June favourites:

I am still loving the Giorgio Armani Lipstick as featured in last month's favourites.  It's just such a wearable shade.

Clarins Eau Ressourcante Silky Smooth Body Cream - this is scented with sarsparilla, hibiscus, basil, iris and cedarwood.  It is said to helps promote wellbeing and relaxation.  A light textured cream which leaves your skin delicately scented.  Quite expensive at £28 for 200ml but tub will last ages.

A'kin 24hr Intensive Moisture Leave-in Conditioner - normal, dry and textured hair.  I picked this up at Naturisimo after reading Evelyn's review.  Made in Australia and it is free from sulphates, parabens, petrochemicals etc.  An absolute bargain at £8.40 delivered for 150ml.  Use on wet or dry hair - great for taming static/frizzy hair.

TAAJ Eau Micellaire de L'Himalaya Purifying & Revitalising Make Up Remover - got this in Joliebox.  Free from parabens and has a lemon scent.  Great at removing make up before cleansing.

Chanel Sycomore EDT - one of my favourite scents - you can read my review here.

What products have you been reaching for all month?

Current Cleansers

This is my current stash of cleansers.

Make up Removers

Bliss Lid + Lash Wash Makeup Remover 30ml - I received this in my April Amitee box.  You can read my review here.  I am about half way through this mini and its one I'd buy full size.

TAAJ Eau Micellaire De L'Himalaya 100ml - Purifying & Revitalising Make-up Remover - I got this in my February Joliebox.  Great for taking your whole face off before cleansing or for gently cleansing the skin on non-make up days.  One I'd definitely purchase.

Melvita Eau fraiche Micellaire Fresh Micellar Water for face and eyes 35ml - got this in my recent Latest in Beauty box.  Really like this brand and I am enjoying using this to remove make up and it smells nice.

Hot Cloth Cleansers

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml - an award winning product.  I always have one of these in my collection just because it works and I love the scent.  I've picked up a lot of this size in beauty boxes recently (all complete with muslin cloths).

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml - I picked this up at £2.99 - an absolute steal and it works really well leaving the skin fresh and clean.

Cleansing Oils

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil - I got this mini in my Advent Calendar - love this, removes all make up, even heavy eye make up in an instant.  

Antonia Burrell Natural Glow Cleansing Oil - I picked this 10ml trial size up at Naturisimo for £2.95.  The scent is a bit over-powering and I found the oil didn't remove every trace of make up and left my skin feeling dry.  I'll finish it up but wouldn't purchase.

Rinse off Cleansers - Cream and Gel

Palmers Cocoa Butter Daily Cleansing Gel - Fragrance Free - 150ml - I first read about this cleanser on The Bristol Beauty Blog and its the one I tend to reach for most often in the shower.  I'd buy this again.

Eucerin Dermato CLEAN Refreshing Cleansing Gel normal/combination skin 200ml - read rave reviews about this one.  Nice cleanser at a good price.

L'Occitane D'Angelique Bio Cleansing Gel - 50ml - I picked this up with June's Glamour Magazine.  It seems really nice and a handy size for travelling.  L'Occitane is one of my favourite brands.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed for Normal or Combination Skin 75ml - a generous GWP size.  Foamy with a lovely scent.

Santaverde Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel 100ml - I got this in my June Amarya Box - only used it a couple of times so far but it seems a good product.

Cleansing Balms

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm 15ml - I love this.  First received it in Joliebox - you can read my review here.

Just Be Cleansed Cleansing Balm 60ml (comes with muslin cloth) - I first tried this product a little while before I went for my Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial.  A rich balm which is scented with Geranium Bourbon and Petigrain.  It cleanses deeply and smells divine.  You can view the online shop here.

AD Skin Synergy Essential Cleansing Balm 10ml trial size - I picked this up recently from Amarya in a travel kit - you can read my full review here.

Lastly, a mini 5g Botanicals Chamomile Cleansing Melt which I received in my latest Amitee box.  It seems an okay product but not one I would purchase.

Do you use any of these cleansers?  What's your favourite cleanser?

Joliebox - February

A long wait for this box as there was no January box.  Packaged slightly differently in a black drawstring bag with "Joliebox" logo on it and then packaged in the box as normal.  Not sure what I will do with all the bags I'll collect!

I'd seen a few spoilers and wasn't too impressed with the box but now I've got it I am quite pleased with it.

Here are the contents:

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink - "multi-purpose stain which adjusts its colour to your mood and temperature".  Love this! Pretty pink shade and very moisturising.

Macademia Deep Repair Masque - 30ml sachet - "ultra-conditioning hair masque will rebuild damaged hair for improved shine & elasticity".  Love the brand so looking forward to trying this out.  Reckon I'll get 2-3 uses.  

TAAJ Himalaya Micellar Water 100ml - a make up remover for face and eyes.  Can't wait to try this out.  This is the reason I like the boxes as I get to try brands I have never heard of.  I'd never have found Leonor Greyl if it hadn't been for Boudoir Prive!  Check out my Leonor Greyl posts here and here.

KIMIA Rejuvenating Facial System sample - facial oil and hydro activator.  Tried this before a few times via free samples (Love Lula/Naturisimo) so wish I'd got the alternative RMK cleansing oil scented with mint & Damascus Rose.

Lavera Basis Sensitive Organic Hand Cream 20ml - got this in Latest in Beauty box.  Not too excited by this, its an okay hand cream but there are others I prefer.

I am quite happy with this box, love seeing new brands and different products from brands I know and love.  I think I'll be keeping this subscription! 

What are your thoughts?  Did you love the box or hate it?