2014 Favourites: Part Two

Part two of my 2014 favourites includes skincare, haircare, and bodycare products (you can see my makeup favourites here). I'm probably missing something, but the ones above are the ones currently in my collection. I've given the full prices, but, aside from the Lush products, I've never paid them! They're on offer more times than not.

The Body Shop's Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (£12) and Silky Cleansing Oil (£10) have become my favourite cleansers. They remove makeup so well and leave my skin feeling incredibly soft. I find they both do the same job; they're just different formulas. The Silky Cleansing Oil is quicker to dispense, but the Sumptuous Cleansing Butter won't leak if you were to travel with it.

The other cleanser I've been loving is Lush's Ultrabland Facial Cleanser (£7.25/45g or £11.50/100g). Like the others, this is my second repurchase, and it won't be my last. Again, it removes my makeup well, and I can open my eyes without it stinging. It leaves my skin feeling moisturised, and my combination-oily skin would be fine if I didn't use anything else. It makes my skin feel moisturised in an ever so slightly tacky way, like I have actually just moisturised.

Another Lush favourite of mine is the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner (£16.50). This second pot was a gift I asked for, for Christmas, because it's expensive. It''s amazing, though. You put it on and wash it off in the shower, and you're left with moisturised skin, just like you would be with a body butter. It makes moisturising in the winter so easy (and a lot less cold!).

Another body product I've enjoyed using is the Imperial Leather Foamburst Luxurious Body Wash in Bewitching Blackberry & Wild Fig (£2.99-£3.15). I've tried all the scents, and this one's my favourite. I just love foam shower gels, and think these are a great alternative to the Rituals ones.

In terms of hair, the TRESemme Platinum Strength Shampoo (£4.99) really impressed me last year. I find most shampoos do the same thing, and as long as they clean my hair and don't dry it out, I'm happy. This did those things, but also made it feel incredibly soft, without weighing it down or making it greasy. The conditioner was also good, but I didn't even need it with this. I now have an entire draw of this range, which should last me through 2015!

The Naked Rescue Intensive Care Conditioner (£4.39) is still a favourite of mine. It smells great and conditions my hair like no other. The shampoo is also good, but can be a little too clarifying at times. The brand no longer has a website or social media accounts, but can still be found in Boots. I really hope they stay there!

Well, this is no surprise. The Superdrug Colour Effects Wash In Wash Out Conditioning Colours (£1.49) have been favourites of mine for years. Some of my most popular posts are of these, and they're included in nearly every Empties post. They just give my auburn hair that extra vibrancy, which I'm regularly complimented on. They've gone up in price to £1.49, but were recently on offer for 3 for £3, so I bought another 9 to add to my stock.

2014 saw me find a new appreciation for hand creams. My absolute favourites so far are the Figs & Rouge ones (£3.95/20ml or £6.95-£7.95/80ml), particularly the Cherry Blossom and Mango & Mandarin scents. I also love The Body Shop Hand Creams (£3.50), with Mango, Frosted Cranberry, and Vanilla Brulee being my favourites.

Finally, I'm never without a pack of Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets. They absorb any excess oil without disturbing your makeup, and I normally use these at lunchtime to freshen up. I don't think they're available in Boots or Superdrug anymore (I think they were discontinued), but you can get them on eBay and Amazon. I bought 5 packs for £3.49 including delivery (they used to be £2-3 individually).

Do you love any of these products?

Lush Sale Haul

It was the early morning of Boxing Day, and I found myself dreaming of the Lush sale. You'd think I was a mad fan of the brand, but I'm not. Anyway, this dream woke me and I couldn't get back to sleep, so up I got, thinking the sale would have just started. Hours passed and still no sale. Then, when it did start, there were difficulties with the site. Most of the Christmas products I wanted didn't even show up, so I settled with four items (three of which were from the permanent line).

I bought a large bottle of Snow Fairy for £5.97, which is still overpriced for a shower gel. I like the pear drop and cotton candy scent, though, and it's one of the few that actually lingers on my skin. I had my last bottle for about 10 months before I started using it, and it still smelt the same as when I first bought it.

I then added an Each Peach (And Two's A Pair) massage bar to my basket for £2.97. I already have and love this, and it's still smelling great after all this time, so thought I may as well get another while it's half price!

I received two shampoo bars for Christmas, but that didn't stop me buying two more. How could I resist when they were down to £2.87 each? I'm going to keep the ones I'm not using in a vacuum bag to ensure they stay fresh! I've already owned Squeaky Green in the past, but am most excited to use one of the new additions; Honey I Washed My Hair. I believe my first introduction to Lush was a set gifted to me on my birthday many years ago. If I remember correctly, it contained a Butterball bath bomb and a chunk of Honey I Washed The Kids soap. The sweet scent now brings back memories and I find it comforting. They just need to bring out a Comforter smelling shampoo bar now!

Did you manage to pick anything up in the sale? I couldn't get to a store because of work, but will hopefully have more luck next time!

What I Got For Christmas

For Christmas this year, we knew most of the presents we were getting from one another in my family. It wasn't as 'exciting', but we all received things we really wanted this way. I decided to choose things I wouldn't normally buy myself. For example, I couldn't justify buying the Topshop Dressing Gown (so soft!), Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner (love, but expensive) or Lindt Lindor Maxi Ball for myself, so asked my parents for them. They also bought me Lush's Montalbano and Braziliant Shampoo Bars, Accessorize Koala Slippers, and a tin of sweets (mostly for the tin to store my baking bits in!).

From my sister, I received the Clintons Heart Print Diary (great quality pages), Paperchase List Book and Pen (love the print), battenberg shaped tin with recipe notes (we used to eat these on the way home from school - makes me feel sick just thinking about it now!), Next Apricot Blossom LED Candles, Next Apricot Blossom Reed Diffuser (had the smaller one previously and loved it), a pretty Next glass for milkshakes, and some sweet treats.

I just wanted to show you the things I chose, instead of everything I received. I had to include the Debenhams Fox Slippers my friend got me, though, because they're so cute!

I hope you had a good Christmas!

Empties #10

Mitchum Pure Fresh Deodorant Stick, £3.20-£3.35/41g, Boots or Superdrug

I rarely talk about deodorant on here because there's not much to say about it, but thought I'd mention this one because it's my new favourite. It comes in a stick formula, which is my favourite, it smells fresh (and also sherbety?), and keeps me dry and smelling clean. They're usually on offer for 2 for £4, too.

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave In Conditioner, £4.49/250ml, Boots or Superdrug

A classic. I've been through bottles and bottles of this stuff. It smells incredible and leaves your hair feeling soft.

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes, £7/30 wipes, Boots

I would never, ever pay £7 for these, and I don't think anyone does. They're usually the product people pick up when the £5 off vouchers are floating around (which is regularly). They removed all my makeup easily enough and didn't dry my skin out, but then my Simple Baby Moisturising Wipes don't either (and they're a lot cheaper!). I've already bought another pack of these because I can get them for 42p with staff discount, but I wouldn't recommend them over any others.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara, £7.99/9ml, Boots or Superdrug

One of my all time favourite mascaras. It darkens and lengthens my lashes, and doesn't clump, which is all I look for in a mascara.

Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly, £3.50/100g, Lush

I used to be a Lush Mystery Shopper, so bought this with the credit they gave me. It smells very fresh, which I love, but it's not something I'd buy again. It's expensive for what it is, and you end up wasting a lot of it. I can appreciate the gimmick, though, and think it's worth trying at least once!

Superdrug Face & Bikini Wax Strips, £4.29/20, Superdrug, review here

They remove the hair I want without irritating my skin, and that's all I can ask for! My hair grows so fast that I have to use these every couple of weeks, but I don't mind for the price. I usually buy them when they're on offer for 2 for £5 (which is now!)

Imperial Leather Foamburst Luxurious Body Wash in Moisturising Honey & Almond Milk, £3.15/200ml, Boots or Superdrug, review here and here

I love these body washes. I prefer the fruitier scents, but still enjoyed this one. It's slightly sweet, but still neutral, so I can see many people liking it. I usually buy them when they're on offer for £2, but definitely think they're worth the price.

Have you tried any of these products?

Empties #09

It used to take me months to gather enough products for an empties post, but that doesn't seem to be the case these days. In fact, I'm having to split this post in two because there's just too much to talk about!

Figs & Rouge Mango and Mandarin Hand Cream, £3.95/20ml, Feel Unique, review here

The packaging, scent, and formula were all beautiful and made this the perfect handbag product. It wasn't greasy in the slightest, but still left my hands feeling soft and moisturised. I don't think I'd pay the full price of £3.95 for 20ml, but will certainly repurchase when there's a discount or code.

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara, £9.99, Boots or Superdrug

Initially, I wasn't a fan of this. I just found it too clumpy for my liking. Then, once it'd dried out a little, it was perfect for a few weeks. Then it became too dry and clumpy again. For those few weeks, it separated my lashes and gave them length and volume, but I wouldn't repurchase because of the times either side.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, £12/90ml, review here

The camomile cleansers from The Body Shop have become my all time favourites. My other cleansers don't compare, and I'm thinking about getting rid of them and just stocking up on this and the oil. They remove makeup so well and leave your skin incredibly soft. Even after months, I still get that same baby soft skin after using them every night. I love them both equally, but would recommend the butter if you travel.

Lush Mask of Magnaminty, £5.50/125g

First of all, I managed to get 20 uses out of this small pot, which is about 28p a time. So cheap. It also left my skin feeling thoroughly cleansed. I'm not sure if it helped with blemishes, but my sister thinks it helped hers. She's even bought her own pot, and she's not a fan of Lush!

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser, £2.63/5g Boots or £2.59/5g Superdrug (currently just £1.28, though!)

This is the best lip balm I've ever used, and the first I've actually finished. I apply it at night, and wake up with incredibly moisturised lips. It doesn't just moisturise the top layer of skin, like so many others do. Repurchase? Already have!

Nelsons Pure & Clear Blemish Gel, £7.40/10g, Feel Unique

This used to be sold in Boots, but I can't find it on the website any more. I managed to buy a tube on clearance for less than £2 a month or so ago, so I'm guessing they were removing it from the shelves. Anyway, I've always been unsure as to whether blemish gels work, but I can definitely see a difference when I use this. It just seems to calm and reduce spots. I prefer it over Lush's Grease Lightning, and the tube lasts for ages. This is another product that I've already repurchased.

Witch Anti Blemish Skin Clearing Primer, £6.99/30ml, Boots

I've used and loved this before, but stopped using it to try others. Then I found it in Superdrug heavily reduced (I think they were discontinuing it), so picked up two bottles for just 87p each. My skin's so used to this now that the effects have become the norm. I don't remember what makeup applies like without it, but I do remember thinking this made it apply smoother when I first started using it. It also reduced the amount of creasing around my eyes. I won't be running out to repurchase another bottle just yet because I've been loving the blur effect primers recently, but it's something I can see myself going back to in the future.

Have you tried any of these products?

Empties #07

Although it's been a couple months since my last Empties post, it still feels like it's rolled around quickly! Let's jump straight in.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash - £6.50, review here

I actually have a small amount of this left, but thought I'd include it here so it won't be sat in my empty products bag for a couple months. I love the scent of this, and the packaging is pretty nice too. It's more expensive than I usually spend on shower gels, though, so will only be repurchasing when it's on some kind of offer.

The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Shower Gel - £4, review here

I've already been through a couple of these bottles, and have another stashed away, so I'm obviously a fan! It just smells so juicy. I don't find the scent to linger, but I'm okay with that.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil - £10, review here

I've been using this every day for a few months, and it still has that smooth, softening effect on my skin. I really do love it, and have already started on another bottle.

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - £15.95, review here

I don't find this as moisturising as when I first started using it, but still like it. It's too expensive for my liking, though, so it'll be something to add to my Christmas/birthday wish lists.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub - £8.50, review here

I don't really use body scrubs (prefer exfoliating gloves), and if I do, I like them to be thick, so I'm surprised I like this! The scent is refreshing, and when I really rub it into my skin, it feels soft afterwards. I'm not sure if I'd repurchase any time soon, but I wouldn't rule it out.

Superdrug Colour Effects Wash In, Wash Out Conditioning Colour in True Chestnut - £1.49, review here

I've spoken about these so many times. They make my hair more rich and vibrant for a short period of time. If you want to know more, just read my review!

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara - £7.99, review here

Darkens, doesn't clump, looks natural. Favourite mascara and I already have back ups.

The Body Shop All In One Face Base in 02 - £14

This gives you a little coverage and a velvety, matte finish without looking cakey. Combine this with one of The Body Shop's famous discount codes, and it's a winner all round! I already have another one of these in my draw.

Have you tried any of these products?

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

I've been using Lush's Ultrabland Facial Cleanser for a few weeks now, so thought I'd let you know how I've been getting on with it. I've never used a cleanser like this before, and was intrigued by its texture and claims. After reading countless mixed reviews, I decided to just see for myself. Initially, I couldn't detect the waxy scent, so was unsure as to why people disliked it. It was only when I started using it that I knew what they were talking about. It's not the worst scent, but it's not pleasant, either. To be honest, I'm not fussed with scents when it comes to facial products because I'm more interested in the results. The only scent I cannot stand is lavender because it makes me feel physically sick. The texture's also like that of wax, and feels very alien at first, even when it melts into the skin. It removes makeup well, though, with the help of a cloth. It just melts everything away. It also doesn't sting your eyes at all, so you can open them when you're convinced someone's going to murder you in the shower! This is particularly useful when I'm home alone and all kinds of paranoid. After wiping off, you're left with a little, moisturising residue. From reviews, I was expecting a heavy, uncomfortable film, but this isn't the case. Even my combination oily skin appreciates it. I go very easy on the moisturiser after, though, sometimes skipping altogether. Overall, it's a great little cleanser, and has made it into my favourites. I don't know if I'll be rushing out to repurchase when it runs out, though, because I love trying different ones, and have a couple from The Body Shop Camomile range to use next. It's also more expensive than my usual (Superdrug's Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser).

Ultrabland is £6.95/45g and £10.95/100g. Have you tried it?

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner is a moisturiser you apply and wash off in the shower. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, so thought it was about time I shared my thoughts! At £15.95, it's expensive, and even with store credit, I was apprehensive about purchasing. I'd read tons of positive reviews, though, so decided to give it a go. The scent is like their Rose Jam Bubble Bar, which I love. However, this is a lot stronger, and I was initially overwhelmed. This could be because I prefer fruity scents and am only just dipping my toe into florals. The scent it leaves on your skin is subtle, though, and this is when I love it. So, when I first used this, I was shocked at how moisturised it left my skin. I was expecting it to be better than Nivea's In Shower Body Moisturiser (a product I wasn't impressed with), but not this much better. My skin is used to it now, so it doesn't feel as moisturised as that first time, but it still feels like I've whipped the body lotion out. I think I'm going to stop using it for a while, and then return to it, so I can appreciate the full effect! The photo above shows two weeks of use, which is not bad going. This is partly because you don't need much at all, and partly because I'm very aware of the price! It could perform even better if I used more, but I don't think my skin needs it, to be honest. 

If you want to be left with effortlessly soft, beautiful smelling skin, I'd recommend this. I would even consider purchasing it again! Even if I don't, I think I'll be adding it to my birthday/Christmas wishlists. Have you tried this before?

New Favourites #04

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - £15.95/225g

An in shower body moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling great. I found the rose scent overwhelming at first, but have gotten used to it now. It's expensive, and I don't think I'd have bought it if I didn't have credit to use, but it's impressed me. I think it'll be going on future birthday/Christmas lists! I'm reviewing this in the next couple of days, so look out for a more in depth review!

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser - £6.95/45g

Removes all of my makeup, doesn't sting my eyes (so I can open them when I'm convinced someone's about to murder me in the shower!), and leaves my skin really moisturised. From other reviews, I was expecting to be left with a heavy film, but this isn't the case. Because I have combination oily skin, I go easy on the moisturiser after, sometimes skipping altogether (don't shoot me!). 

Naked Smooth Silky Conditioner for Straight/Longer Hair - £4.19/250ml

I've mentioned Naked conditioners in a few Empties now, but don't think they've featured in a Favourites before. Anyway, I love them. They seem to condition much better than other conditioners I've tried. I think my hair's becoming too used to them, though, so will stop using for a while, and then return.

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butters in Juicy Papaya and Wild Watermelon - £7.99 each - Wild Watermelon swatch and review here

Love! These are my first Lip Butters, and wish I'd bought them sooner. Juicy Papaya is a peachy shade, and looks surprisingly natural. It goes really well with my colouring. Wild Watermelon is a little more out of my comfort zone, but I've been loving this summery, juicy red. I'll be swatching and reviewing Juicy Papaya soon, so look out for that!

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Dixie - £18 - Swatch and review here

Creamy, pigmented, and blends well. On the cheeks, this translates as a peachy pink, and gives you a warm glow. It's not quite as creamy as my beloved NYX ones, but it's still up there. I paid £6.75 for this in the sale, and can't wait to pick up a couple more in the next!

What products have entered your Favourites recently?

Lush Goodies

If you didn't know, I was a mystery shopper for Lush, but they decided to end the scheme last month, and as a good gesture, they added some extra credit to our accounts. I previously bought smaller items because I still couldn't bring myself to spend over £10 on one product. This time, though, I decided to buy a few more expensive things. I've tried most of their cheaper items anyway, and didn't want to buy any more of their bath products because I don't even have baths. I use them in foot soaks, but it's still not enough to use it all before it becomes old.

I spent hours and hours researching these products, and just when I'd made up my mind about getting one, I'd stumble across a negative review, which would make me doubt myself. In the end, I decided to just go for it! The majority of the reviews were positive anyway. Usually, though, when a product is so hyped, I'm left disappointed because my expectations were too high. I can see the same thing happening with these, so I'm not starting off with high hopes.

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner £15.95/225g - This is so expensive! And I can't help but think that I could've got a couple other products for the same price (even though there wasn't anything else I wanted). This is a moisturiser that you put on and wash off in the shower. Similar to the Nivea one's claims, but I'm hoping this actually works! I also bought this because it's described as smelling like their Rose Jam bubble bar, which I love. It does, but it's a lot stronger than I thought, and something I'm going to have to get used to. I'm still getting used to floral scents.

Ultrabland Facial Cleanser £6.95/45g - The pot looks small, but I can see this lasting a while. This is the product that had mixed reviews. People liked how it removed makeup, but they didn't like the smell, texture, or residue it left on their skin. I don't know what smell they're referring to, because I can hardly smell a thing, and same goes for my mum and sister. I can slightly smell bees wax, but it's ever so slightly, and not horrible. The greasy texture's going to be difficult to get used to, but I don't think I'll mind the residue it leaves. I cleanse in the shower in the evenings, and this will hopefully moisturise overnight, too.

Mask of Magnaminty £5.25/125g - I'm skeptical about this product because I've never come across a mask that's completely wowed me. We'll see. You get a lot of product for your money, though, especially if you compare it to the £1 sachets.

Dark Angels Face and Body Cleanser sample (£6.35/100g) - When asked what samples I'd like (I ordered over the phone), I only asked for Dark Angels, and now I'm kicking myself. It's because I was put on the spot and my mind went blank! Anyway, this was the other product I was considering getting, and am intrigued to try it.

On another note, I ordered on Tuesday with standard delivery, and it arrived Wednesday! Impressive. Have you bought anything from Lush recently?

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub - £8.25/330g

I remember trying this out in store a few years ago and being left with a surprisingly soft arm. However, I didn't end up purchasing because it was too expensive for my liking. I had a gift card to use a few months ago, though, so decided to add Rub Rub Rub to my basket. Let me just say that I don't really use body scrubs. I prefer to just use exfoliating gloves or shower puffs. I also prefer them to be quite abrasive.

I love the scent of Rub Rub Rub. It's described as having a blend of 'mimosa absolute, jasmine absolute and oil, and orange blossom', but I'd just describe it as being fresh. The consistency is rather runny, and I was a little sceptical at first because I prefer my scrubs to be heavy duty, but this does the job well. You can mix it with water to make it gentle on the skin, or just apply it straight on, which is what I do. I'm left with notably soft skin. It smooths like a pair of exfoliating gloves do, but the oils leave you feeling slightly moisturised, too. I'm nearing the end of my pot, and would consider buying it in the future. I won't be running out to repurchase straight away, though, because I'm still not sure if body scrubs have a firm place in my routine. I'm tempted to try another, though, and see how I get on. A Soap & Glory one, maybe?

Lush Haul!

Apologies for the photo not being aesthetically pleasing, but I've had to keep the products in their wrappers because a lot of them are presents! So, I placed an order with Lush this week, and stuck with the classic soaps, bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts. Granted, they're overpriced, but I don't think they're too bad when you're giving them as gifts. Also, a treat once in a while is allowed! Let me talk you through what I bought. 

The pink and white one on the far left is Candy Mountain (£2.65), and is one of my favourite Christmas bubble bars because it's oh so sweet. The pink chunk of soap next to it is Rock Star (£3.40/100g), and I bought this for my mum for Christmas because she loved the chunk I bought her last year. In front of that you have the You've Been Mangoed bath melt (£3.25). This is one of my favourite products from Lush, and I love using a third of it in a foot soak to make my tootsies soft. Next to that you have the Christmas Penguin (£2.95), which is a new Christmas bubble bar. From the packet, he smells slightly citrus-y, which is right up my street. 

Behind is the yellow and orange Happy Pill bath bomb (£3.75), which is huge! I remember this bath bomb from when a Lush store first opened in Plymouth, but then it was discontinued. It's now available to buy online again, so thought I'd give it a go. The yellow half smells like grapefruit, and the orange half smells like mandarin. I don't have baths, but will be breaking this up for foot soaks. Next to it is the Snowman bath bomb (£2.50), which is the Butterball bath bomb in snowman form. Then, in front of that little guy is the yellow and white Bombardino bath bomb (£2.50). This smells so comforting to me. It has lemon in, but reminds me of a creamy, hot drink. Then you have the big yellow chunk of soap called Sunny Citrus (£4.95/100g), which contains all kinds of citrus oils - Yum! 

Next to that is the Pineapple Grunt soap (£3.95/100g), which smells of sweet pineapple! This is another product only available online and in Lush's Poole shop. In front of that, we have the Melting Snowman bath melt (£2.25). I've never tried this little guy before because I thought he was similar in scent to the Snowcake soap, which I don't like. However, from what I can smell from the packet, he smells really nice! I'll have to pick a couple up for myself during the Christmas sale. 

The two little chunks of soap at the very front were samples, and are Banana Moon (£4.20/100g) and Orange Jelly (£3.40/100g). Banana Moon is another exclusive soap that is not available in most stores, and contains banana and yoghurt. From what I can smell, it smells good! Orange Jelly simply smells of orange, so I already love it.

Have you bought anything from Lush recently? Are you planning on picking anything up during the Christmas sale?

Empties #002

Why I chose to number these with three digits, I do not know. I'm unlikely to even get to 10! I'm always unsure whether to post about my empties because on one hand: It's useful to see what products I actually use and love, but on the other: I think the products I use are boring, and it's obvious that I like them if I've used them up!

The first product I remembered to save for this post was the TRESemme Naturals Smooth Shampoo. I've bought this countless times because it just works for my hair! Repurchase? Already have!

Superdrug's Raspberry & Macadamia Nut Conditioner - I added this to my online basket on a whim because it was like 99p, and I'm glad I did. It smells so good! It's sweet, almost sherbet-y. I also like that it has a pump. In terms of conditioning, it worked well, too. Very impressed. Repurchase? Yes.

Superdrug's Coconut & Sweet Almond Intensive Conditioner - I bought this the same time as the raspberry one because it was 2 for £1.49. I've used this before and loved it. It smells amazing, and leaves my hair feeling really soft. Repurchase? Yes!

Aussie's Miracle Hair Insurance Leave In Conditioner - Another bottle down! Again, it smells amazing and leaves my hair soft. See? I told you my empties are boring! Repurchase? Already have :)

Liz Earle's Gentle Face Exfoliator - I was sent this some time last year, and actually finished it ages ago, but saved it for this post. It exfoliated quite well, and left my skin feeling soft because it's based in a cream similar to the Hot Cloth Cleanser. I wouldn't repurchase it, though, because it's more expensive than what I'd like to pay for an exfoliator, and I now use exfoliating gloves, sugar, or a flannel to rid me of dry skin (will do a post on this at some point).

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover - I've talked about this before, and still feel the same! It's my favourite nail polish remover, ever. It removes my polish well, and smells good for a remover. It may make my nails stronger and whiter, but I don't know for certain. Repurchase? Already have.

Lush's Ocean Salt Facial Scrub - I really liked this. Some say it's too rough, but I didn't think it was at all! I just had to close my mouth when rinsing it off because of the salt - Yuk! If I didn't use exfoliating gloves, sugar, and flannels to exfoliate, then I would repurchase this.

Superdrug's Colour Effects Conditioning Colour in Mahogany - I wrote a review on the Rich Red shade of this a few years ago (just search for it in the search bar to your left), and decided to use them again. This time I went for Mahogany, and I think I prefer it. It's still red, but it's much darker. It leaves my auburn locks with more intense red tones, which really come to life in the sun. Even with my long, thick hair, I got 3-4 uses out of this, and each use lasted around a week. Don't leave it on for 5 minutes like the bottle suggests, though. I leave mine on for 30 minutes, or 15 in the shower. Repurchase? Already have, but True Chestnut this time.

I hope that was of any use to you! My next empties post will probably be in a couple of months - I find it so hard to use things up! But a few products are already running out, so maybe I'll be posting sooner than expected. Enjoy your weekend!

Lush Haul

I recently received a Lush gift card, and used it as soon as I could! I wanted to branch out a little bit and buy things I wouldn't normally buy, but knew I'd get a lot of use from. I also repurchased a couple favourites.

Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter - £6.25/50g - I was initially drawn to this product because of the scent. I love the smell of fresh lemons. As well as your cuticles, you can use this on any part of your body. This should last ages if you only use it on dry patches (I would love to smother myself in the stuff, though!). The ingredients sound promising, too. They include shea butter, mango butter, and a load of oils.

Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub - £7.95/330g - This was used on my arm a couple of years ago, and I loved how soft my skin felt afterwards. I never purchased it, though, because the price put me off. This smells so fresh, and is a beautiful blue shade. I normally prefer to use exfoliating gloves with a shower gel, but I'll see how this goes.

Grease Lightning Spot Treatment - £5.95/45g - Up until recently, I didn't know if blemish gels worked/were worth the money. I never knew if the product was reducing the spot, or time was, and it was healing on its own. However, in the last couple of months, I've tried a couple, and have really noticed a difference. A spot treatment is easy to incorporate into your routine, and can be used whenever you like, so thought I'd give this a go.

Whoosh Shower Jelly - £3.50/100g - I bought this for the novelty, really. And the smell. It smells amazing! So citrusy. I was given a pot of the Sweetie Pie one a few years ago, and liked it, but it's a novelty over anything else. I'd rather buy a bottle of shower gel for £1-2, to be honest, but seeing as I wasn't paying for it, I added it to my basket!

Mmmelting Marshmallow Moment Bath Melt - £3.85/100g - This is a repurchase, and one of my favourite products from Lush. I like using chunks of bath melts in foot soaks to make my feet soft, soft, soft.

You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt - £3.10/30g - This is also a repurchase. I really hope Lush bring out some more mango scented products!

Rose Jam Bubbleroon (Bubble Bar) - £3.50/each - I had to add a bubble bar to my basket! I've been wanting to try this one for a while, so went for it. It smells so good! Lush describe it as a 'seductively sweet rose and coconut oil' scent. Beautiful.

And that's everything I bought! I can't wait to start using it all. Have you tried any of these products? Or bought anything from Lush recently?

How I Apply Dry Shampoo

My hair gets greasy quickly. I know people say that not washing your hair every day can help this, but it didn't work when I tried it. I had a few weeks off and wasn't doing much, so decided to give it a go. After a few weeks, nothing had changed. It may require longer than this, but I'm not doing it again because I refuse to even leave the house with greasy hair. So, although I wash my hair every evening, sometimes it needs some sprucing up in the mornings because I have a habit of playing with it. I don't like dry shampoo sprays because you don't get much product, and half of it ends up in the air. I prefer bottles, and am currently using Lush's Vanilla Puff Dusting Powder. After I've run out of this, I'm just going to refill it with cornflour because that's the main ingredient in it (and most dry shampoos/face powders). When I apply a dry shampoo directly to my roots, I find it goes on unevenly and a lot of product sticks to my scalp (so gross!). To get around this, I've been applying it with a powder brush. I simply tip some dry shampoo into the palm of my hand, pick some up on the brush, and apply to my hair. This makes it apply evenly, and ensures you're not left with white/grey marks.



Does anyone else do this?

Lush The Brightside Bubble Bar Review

The Brightside is one of the limited edition products Lush has brought out for Easter, and I wish they'd make it permanent! It's the same design, size and price (£4.25) as The Comforter and Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds, but the colours and scent are different. The Brightside has a citrus fragrance and smells of natural, sharp oranges. Some products have multiple fragrance notes, so you can never pin point the true scent, but that is not the case with this bubble bar. It only smells of oranges, and I absolutely love it. Performance wise, it's also great. It produces lots of bubbles and leaves the water a deep orange shade. I don't have baths, but I do love a good foot soak, and use bubble bars in them. If you use bubble bars for baths, you can cut this into 6-8 pieces, making it worth the money (I know some people can even get about 10 uses out of it). It'll last even longer for me because foot soaks require much less water. Like the other varieties of this bubble bar, Lush say 'you can easily break it in two and save the second half for another day'. They really need to change that. You can get so many more uses out of it. I think using half at once is a waste.

Have you tried this bubble bar yet? Or any of the other Easter products?

Christmas Sale Purchases and More

I went shopping today! I felt like I hadn't been in ages, but it was probably just a few weeks. It was so quiet it town, considering the Christmas sales started yesterday. In fact, it was quieter than it normally is throughout the year! There was no one in Lush and there were no queues in Primark - Shocker! I'm always quite level headed when it comes to shopping, and the Christmas sales are no different. I feel so guilty at the thought of wasting money (so I try to justify everything haha). Quite a few of the items you see below are for birthdays, Mother's Day, even next Christmas! Here we go...

 

Of course Lush was on the agenda. They didn't have any of the Christmas bath bombs though, so I'm not sure what's going on there. They had loads of everything else. Anyway, I bought my first bottle of Snow Fairy shower gel for £3.12 (the prices I'm giving are after the 50% discount), 2 Magic Wand bubble bars which were around £2.50 each (these are for birthdays!), a Rocket bubble bar for £2.50ish (which smells like Parma Violets! I wish I bought another one now), a Santa's Sack bubble bar for £2.09ish and a 200g chunk of Mr Punch soap for £3.75. Once I got home, the Mr Punch soap smelt different to me, so I'm going to try and swap or sell it. 

I then went to The Body Shop. I think this was the first time I've bought stuff in store. I normally buy online because of all the amazing discount codes. I was buying my mum a bottle of the Vineyard Peach shower gel, which was half price at £2, and once I smelt it, I had to buy a bottle for myself. It smells delicious! The Ice Blue shampoo, Cranberry shower gel and Cranberry hand cream were also down to £2 and I bought them for my dad for his birthday. The Cranberry products... oh my. They smell good enough to eat. I may have to keep them!

 

I'm always underwhelmed by Boots' Christmas sale. I know people love it for the Soap & Glory products, but I've never tried or been interested in them. I do love Boots Extracts though, and thought this mango gift set was a bargain at just £5. One Christmas present for 2013 down ;)

 

I can't go shopping without visiting Primark. These two items were not in the sale, but they were cheap anyway. The large cosmetics bag was £4 and the slippers were £3. I also bought a pair of ugly moccasin slippers because I knew they were going to be super comfy. They also have a rubber sole, meaning they won't get disgustingly dirty on the bottom!

 

I spent a small fortune in H&M. I don't regret it though because they're items I always wear. The pink, mint green and yellow garments are cardigans and were £9.99 each. I think I have every colour of their cardigans now! The lilac garment is a lightweight jumper and was £14.99, which is pricey for what it is, but I bought it in the heat of the moment! The teal and black tops are scoop necked and long sleeved, and cost £7.99 each. Again, I have a variety of colours of these and wear them most days. The quality of them is amazing and they last so well.

 

After my sister and I got back from town, our dad informed us that he was going to Tesco. I couldn't pass up a trip to Tesco. I found these boots for just £15, and they weren't even in the sale. I love them. I really hope they last. My other boots from Tesco didn't last very long, but that's because the soles weren't durable. These soles are rubber and chunky, so finger's crossed!

 

I've also bought a couple things from the online sales, and they're all things I've had my eye on for months. The coat is from New Look and was £35 down from £55. I wanted a more formal coat, so I'm hoping this is nice enough to keep. From Superdrug, I bought the Remington Pearl hair dryer, which was £24.99 down from £38. I rarely blow dry my hair, but I do blow dry my dogs after I've bathed them, and a hair dryer is always useful to have. The one I currently use is really old and I'm always scared it's going to explode because it has sparked a couple of times! I chose the Remington Pearl one because I have the Remington Pearl straighteners and the Remington Pearl conical wand, and love them both. To receive free delivery, you needed to spend over £25, so I added a little chocolate truffle to my basket which cost 29p haha

This bedding was the first thing I bought in the sales. It's from BHS and cost £22.50, down from £45. It's not to everyone's taste and I'll admit that it's quite garish and in your face, but I'm drawn to it! I was looking at it months before the sales, so I think it was meant to be. If the design gets too much for me, I can flip it over and have a simple, floral pattern :) I also found a £5 off code which worked on sale items. To redeem it, you had to spend at least £25, so I also bought a mug.

I would love to see what you've bought in the sales, so link me up!

New Favourites

I thought I'd start writing 'New Favourites' posts instead of 'Current Favourites' or 'Monthly Favourites' because my favourites stay the same. These products are the products that have entered my 'favourite products' category. If you would like to see my other current favourites or monthly favourites, just read my previous posts :)

Treacle Moon - One Ginger Morning Shower Gel 500ml - £2.99 from Tesco

This smells like lime Starbursts! I love it so much. So much so that it's up there with the Original Source Lime Shower Gel - My all time favourite.

Palmers - Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion 200ml - £3.77 from Boots

I don't regularly moisturise my body, but when I do, I like an intense moisturiser. I normally prefer body butters, but this lotion is thick and moisturises just as well. The scent may be too sweet and heavy for the Summer months, but I still love it.

Exfoliating gloves - Mine were a couple of pounds from Superdrug, but you can get these from any Supermarket.

I've been using these to exfoliate my face a couple times a week and my face has never been so smooth and soft. Then, at night, I use an intense moisturiser or balm. It's doing wonders for my skin.

The Body Shop - Hand Cleanse Gels 60ml - £2.50 each

I've reviewed these here. Beautiful, true to name scents that are not alcoholic. Love them!

Lush - Vanilla Puff Dusting Powder 50g - £4.50

I've reviewed this here. I've mainly been using this as a dry shampoo, and it works brilliantly. The powder is fine, so it doesn't leave you with grey hair, and the scent is of a 'grown up' vanilla.

The Body Shop - Vitamin E Moisture Cream 50ml - £9

Every morning, before I apply my concealer, I use this under my eyes. It's light and sinks in well. I prefer using pots of moisturiser for some reason.

The Body Shop - Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream 50ml - £11

I've reviewed this here. You know I said I use an intense moisturiser just now? This is the one I've been using. It feels like silk, absorbs well and leaves your skin incredibly soft.

ELF - Small Mineral Booster 5.1g - £5

I've just checked their website and this has increased in price! The small pot used to be £3.50 and the large pot was £5, but now the small pot is £5 and the large pot is £7. This leaves my skin looking matte and feeling soft, but I don't know if I'm going to repurchase it now. I think I'll repurchase it when they have a code floating around.

Figs & Rouge Balms - Pomegranate 17ml and Rambling Rose 8ml - £4.95 and £3.50 from Super Smoocher (Feel Unique and Boots also sell them)

I've reviewed these here. Beautiful packaging, delicious scents and very moisturising. They are also 100% natural and organic.

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know!

Lush Vanilla Puff Dusting Powder

Puddin' investigating Vanilla Puff

Price: £4.50

Vanilla Puff is my new favourite product from Lush. Although the bottle looks small, it contains a lot of product and will last you ages. It's vanilla scented, so of course I was going to like it! It's a 'grown up' vanilla, though, and isn't too sweet. I use this for many purposes: on my skin to make it soft and scented, on my duvet and pillows to make them smell comforting as I drift off to sleep, and as a dry shampoo. The powder is very fine, so doesn't leave you with grey hair! Lush actually have a dry shampoo, called No Drought, but I'm happy with this for the time being. Vanilla Puff holds the same amount of product as Batiste's Nude dry shampoo, so if you like that, but would prefer a scented version, this is the product for you. I've also heard of people sprinkling this on their carpets, like Shake 'n' Vac, and then hoovering it up, leaving their home smelling divine.

This bottle is going to last me a while, so I think the price is great.

Have you tried Lush's Dusting Powders? I've got my eye on Silky Underwear now. Also, have you tried their No Drought dry shampoo? The scent sounds delicious!

Lush purchases

Squeaky Green shampoo bar £5 - I won my local Lush's Facebook competition, so I was allowed to choose a shampoo bar for free. Initially, the competition was to win a henna block, so I told them I didn't want a prize because I wouldn't use it, and just wanted to guess the figure they were after. They then said I could choose a shampoo bar instead, which was very nice of them. I've wanted to try one of their shampoo bars for a while. I was going to go with Seanik, but I didn't know if the salt would be too harsh on my hair, so settled with this one. It is made with freshly cut nettles, rosemary, and peppermint herbs, so no wonder it smells so fresh.

You've Been Mangoed bath melt £2.95 - I don't have baths, but I do like to soak my feet, and I think bath melts will make them incredibly soft. Because a foot soak doesn't require much water, I'm going to cut this in to 4 chunks. It smells amazing! I wish Lush would bring out more mango scented products... and lime ones, mmm.

Melting Marshmallow Moment £3.75 - This bath melt is more expensive because it's a lot bigger (100g!). I'm going to divide it in to about 6 chunks. Imagine the sweetest, girliest scent you can - This is that scent.

Vanilla Puff dusting powder £4.50 - The bottle looks very small, but it holds a lot of product, so this should last me ages. I wear vanilla perfume, so I think a sprinkle of this on my skin will compliment it well. I'm also going to use it as a dry shampoo.

My Each Peach massage bar also arrived from eBay, and I love it. It smells like sherbet. It retails for £5.25, but because of the £5 eBay voucher code that was going around the internet a few weeks ago, I only paid 75p, including delivery (technically, I didn't pay anything because I used my dad's account, hehe). I've been using it on my elbows and knees, and it works a treat!