Empties / July-August

This is my first empties post; I've never done it before because I don't finish stuff that quickly - especially if I'm trying new products and I have a few on the go - but it seems to be a very popular  type of post... and if people enjoy them, I'm happy to start writing them! :)

I can't guarantee that I'll be able to produce a post every month, more likely every couple... but I'm, definitely, started keeping track of my empty bottles - especially since I really want to finish things up now (I have no more space!!!)
 

 

Figs & Rouge Balm 100% organic in Sweet Geranium: I got this in a beauty box months ago; been mainly using it as a cuticle treatment, before bedtime. Not particularly impressed as it's very oily (hence why I've only been using it before bedtime); also, not used as a lip balm as I really dislike the smell.

Repurchase: maybe because the tins are cute... but in another scent.

L'oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Fresh Feel Gel: actually, I don't use self-tan regularly - let's say 2/3 times, in the summer, before an holiday or a special event. 

I still got a bit left of this but it's 2 years old, I believe, and I know I won't be using it in the coming weeks. This one was pretty good - gel is very fresh on the skin and it develops in a nice subtle brown colour; it does smell a bit of biscuits but I'm not bothered by that. Good price too.

Repurchase: maybe.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: all time favourite - definitely a staple for me and many others... I know you have read endless reviews about this cleanser so I just refer you my original review as my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: already have a back up :)

Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream: this was ok - I wasn't blown away... it has the tipical clinique non-smell but with a hint of mint. Consistency is towards a mild scrub: very creamy with not enough beads, in my opinion.

Repurchase: probably not, I can get better scrubs AND cheaper (plus, I think it's discontinued now).

Kiehl's Abyssine Cream: I LOOOOVE this cream! Honestly, what a great performer!

I saw such an improvement in the texture of my skin in a matter of days.

It looks thick in the jar but it absorbs beautifully in the skin and you don't feel it at all.

Also, you need a tiny amount.

Repurchase: Most definitely yes! And it really makes me want to try more from this brand.

 Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck - Professional Body Shaper: I always use anti-cellulite or firming creams on my body - twice daily. I do think (some of them) make a difference... but you really need to be consistent because as soon as you stop with your routine, the dreadful bumps return. :(

Anyways, this product was useless! It's a shame as I liked the consistency: easily absorbed and smells quite nice too.

Repurchase: nope.

So, that's it for now... please, let me know if you think I should continue with the empties posts.
Many Thanks!! :)
xxx

Month's collection of mag freebies/swaps/samples

Red Magazine with Ren Trio

I was really looking forward to get my hands on this! Initially, I thought you had to choose One of the three but - in actual facts - you get a mini set... even better ;)

The trio contains: Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream, Vetiver v7 Hand and Body Cream, Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel.

I've already started using these as I've been waiting for somE time to try this brand... so far so good, I haven't seen any major improvment but I'm liking how they feel on the skin.

 Talika Lipocils Expert
I swapped this with Sandra from Beauty Balm - she is the sweetest gal ever! Look how pretty wrapped was the packaging. :)
At the moment, I have no beauty boxes subscription but still want to try some products... I've been using this every day, twice a day... hopefully, I'll see an improvement to my eyelashes.

She, also, sent me a Balance Me sample as she knew I wanted to try more from this brand... I told you, she is THE sweetest!!! :)

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in light

Again, another product I'm looking forward to try as I've seen some promising reviews online.

I got this through the post from Boots, I believe...

L'Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum

Free sample that you can request on the L'Oreal website.

This is quite nice but I consider it more like a primer than a serum, honestly.

It has a pearlessence to it which helps illuminate but it appears to be only a temporary effect and not a long-term benefit.

L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair BB Cream in medium tinted

HATED HATED HATED!

This just makes you shine... all in the wrong places! Usually, I don't have these problems on my chin but I had to powder constantly while wearing this product.

Apart that the shade was totally wrong for me - my husband actually asked me if I'd been using fake tan - it, also, broke me out pretty badly!

Another swap arranged on Beauty Box Swappers on Facebook, including Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream and Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck Professional Body Shaper; both a chance to discover Clinique & Avon body products that I have never tried before.

Finally, Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser that I'm really looking forward to try as I'm a fan of AHA exfoliant... also, another opportunity for Murad to wow me (which has always failed so far!).

Glamour with Balance Me

You can choose between 4 different items with August issue - I picked up a Pure Skin Face Wash and Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve.

So far, not too sure about the lip salve - the smell is putting me off... you know, I really really want to like/love all these new brands with natural ethic but they really need to sort out the herbaly scents!

Enough with the lavender, rosemary and geranium!