Wednesday, 16 April 2014

March 2014 Empties: Liz Earle, Caudalie, Rimmel London, Soap and Glory, Neom Organics

Hey loves!

I hope you're having a brill day so far :)

I've been trying really hard not to buy new beauty products and use up the ones I have already so for that reason, I have LOADS of empties this month!

Here are the products I used up...

Skincare:
Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water
I switch between using a hot cloth cleanser and a Micellar water to remove my make-up at the end of the day, but if I'm going through a Micellar water phase then this is absolutely one of my faves. It's so soft and gentle, it smells lovely and removes every trace of make-up.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner
I've had this for quite a while now but only got around to finishing it recently. It's light and fresh - a real delight to use! For a long time I didn't see the point of toner but I'm a complete convert now as it makes my skin squeaky clean.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
I've used this on and off for years - it's my go-to product for clearing up my skin after I've had a breakout. I used to think hot cloth cleansers were too much effort but I absolutely LOVE them now - it makes taking off my make-up a real treat and this Liz Earle one is definitely the best I've tried.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser
I generally turn my back on moisturisers that are labelled 'rich' or 'heavy' as they're just too thick for my oily/combination skin. This one is perfect as it's a light, non-oily moisturiser that soaks in instantly, hydrating my skin without feeling too thick or sticky.

No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator
I try to scrub my face two/three times a week as I just find it clears up my complexion and gets rid of all the oil/dirt that's on my face. This one has really tiny beads in it, almost like sand, so it only exfoliates gently but it still works really well! Definitely take a look at it if you see it in Boots - especially if you have a £5 off voucher.

Make-up:
Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory
I was really gutted when I ran out of this! It was my go-to foundation for months and I absolutely LOVED it. It's medium coverage but buildable - it conceals every one of my blemishes while still leaving my skin with a healthy, radiant glow. I would repurchase it in an instant!

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim
I was pretty loyal to my Soap and Glory Supercat Liner for years but then this came along and my loyalty was tested! I'm always applying my eye liner in a rush and this is just completely fool-proof - it makes doing winged eyeliner a breeze. The only thing I would say is that I've recently started noticing that it's been smudging / fading throughout the day which is a bit of a #fail.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Every time I use this, I wonder how I survived without using it! It's not too cakey for using under the eyes but also conceals spots / blemishes a treat. I would buy them in bulk if I could - they're only £2.99 or something a pop, it lasts for ages and it just really works. Has anyone else noticed that their tube has been leaking though? It might just be me, but I always find that my concealer ends up all over the rest of my make-up bag!

Hair:
Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair Intensive Mask
I use an intensive hair mask three times a week to make my hair really soft and glossy. I really like these tub masques because you can grab a load of it and smother it all over your hair! This one smells AMAZING and makes my hair feel lovely. I would definitely buy it again!

Beautiful Brunette Extra Moisturising Shampoo
I don't spend a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner because my hair is so long and thick it would cost me a fortune. This shampoo costs £1 from Poundland and works just as well as the leading brands. I always re-purchase them - cheap and cheerful!

Herbal Essences Deep Nourishing Intensive Mask
I'm not loyal to one particular hair mask as I just tend to buy what's on offer, as was the case here. It's a lovely, thick formula that leaves my hair soft and silky - but if I had to buy just one, I'd buy the Schwarzkopf one over this.

Body:
Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser
My life is one big rush so I don't find the time to properly moisturise my body from head to toe. This moisturising spray just makes life so much easier! It takes less than a minute to cover my whole body, smells like chocolate and sinks in quickly. So glad I found this!

Neom Organics Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose*
I've always been into candles but this year, I've got REALLY into candles. Neom in particular have the BEST scents, they last for ages and leave a beautiful aroma in the room. These travel sized ones aren't too expensive so I'll definitely be stocking up on some more!

Soap And Glory Flake Away Body Scrub
I've used this body scrub for years but recently got back into it when I received a big Soap and Glory gift set for Christmas. I think if I was to buy one body scrub for the rest of my life, this would be it. I am just in love with Soap and Glory products! The scent is delicious, they really work and leave my skin feeling soft and smooth. Holy Grail material for me!

What did you use up this month?
Love,
Sophia
xo

 

Saturday, 12 April 2014

March 2014 Favourites: Liz Earle, MAC, Schwarzkopf, Clinique, Soap and Glory

Hi guys,

I hope you're having a lovely day!

Here are the main beauty products I was loving in March...

Skincare:

Soap and Glory The Ultimelt Hot Cloth Cleanser
I've been pretty loyal to my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish over the years but I was trying to find something that worked in a similar way but at a fraction of the price. This certainly ticked that box! It had a lovely creamy consistency that melts into your skin almost like an oil once applied. I often do a double cleanse to remove every trace of eye make-up and to make my skin feel squeaky clean. I also really love the herby, lavender scent.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask
There's something about using Liz Earle products that just feels really indulgent. I love to use this on a Sunday afternoon, taking a few minutes to really let it sink in while I relax. The clay-like texture gives my skin a good, thorough cleanse and opens up my pores ready for extraction if needed.

Make-up:
MAC Eyebrows in Fling
I've been switching between using this and a clear brow gel recently but I reach for this when I want a bit more definition for my brows. I used this in the shade Lingering for years and loved it but bought it in the lighter shade which is more subtle for during the day. It applies evenly and stays in place all day.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair
I went a couple of months without using this but I picked it up in Wilko's recently and I haven't looked back - not sure how I managed to live without it! There's just no concealer like it - and for £2.99 as well?! Amazing. It conceals my dark circles as well as my spots and blemishes and I just think everyone needs one in their handbag.

Haircare:
Dove Leave-In Conditioning and Care Spray
I absolutely love this - I just spray it all over my hair after a shower but before blow-drying and it leaves my hair feeling so soft and silky. I'd definitely keep re-purchasing it.

Schwartzkopf Essence Ultime Diamond Colour Intensive Mask
I saw this advertised but wasn't really interested until I saw it was on offer in Wilkinsons (where I spend most of my life!). It's a lovely, creamy texture that I lather on the lengths and ends of my hair in the shower, leave on for a few minutes before washing out.

Body and other:
Yankee Candle Waikiki Melon
I've always been into candles but for the past couple of months, I've been REALLY into candles, to that point where I research the best selling candle brands and scents for hours on end! I absolutely love this scent - it's so fresh and fruity, perfect for summer.

Clinique Happy Fragrance
This is the perfume I keep in my handbag so I use it pretty much every day. I LOVE it - it's just a clean, fresh scent that lifts my mood and puts a smile on my face!

What did you love this month? Leave your monthly favourites links in the comments :)

Love,
Sophia
xo