Empties / October

Another month - another empties post!
October went super fast for me: it was my birthday, then my sister came to visit... my time was pretty much absorbed by the training at work... luckily, Christmas is approaching fast and I have already started buying presents... exciting! :)
Btw, can anybody recommend a good curling iron? I'm looking for a big barrel one, for beach waves more than spiral curls... something reasonable priced, too... much appreciated as always, girls!! xx

Anyway, this month offering:

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub: pretty pissed off at Soap & Glory! I used to like the scrub which came with a blue lid but then they repackaged and reformulated it, I guess... This smells exactly like the previous one but it's thicker and impossible to use on dry skin (how I like it!) - too sticky.

Also, the jar is smaller but more expensive.

Repurchase: never!

Boots Natural Collection Shower Gel: actually, these were from a Christmas set that I bought in December 2011 - took advantage of 3for2 offer - but only got around to use them recently... God, 7 months later... I told you I don't use up stuff quickly!!! ;)

Anyway, they have lovely fruity scents so turned out to be perfect for the summer.

Only problem is the packaging: I can't be bother to fiddle with a screw top in the shower.

Repurchase: why not - although I have plenty of body washes to finish up, first!

L'Occitane Cocoa Flower Lip Balm: I really like this lip balm; not sticky, smells lovely of cocoa and very nourishing. Repurchase: definitely, I love the formula and there are new limited edition flavours every year!
The Body Shop SpaFit Toning Concentrate: I really disliked this body product. It leaves a oily residue on the skin and the pump is really hard to use.
It was quite expensive for the amount provided and I didn't notice any improvement on my skin.
Repurchase: no.
Gatineau Strategie Jeunesse Throat Gel Firming: quite a random product, I must admit. I got it in a swap, mainly because I wanted to try something from Gatineau. I used it up and I can't really say I saw any magic happening to my jawline but on the other hand, It's not like a have great concerns - thank God!
I would say it has more like a temporary tightening effect like a film, than a longterm effect but I did enjoy using it as it's very fresh on the skin and smells lovely.
Repurchase: maybe in 10 years time.
Talika Lipocils Expert: I got to say, I think this works! I didn't have high hopes but still wanted to give it a go and used it every night. I definitely have more lashes and they are longer! It was actually a nice surprise!
Repurchase: although, I can heartly recommend it - it's not a must have for now. I will consider buying it, If I see any promotion around.

More Beauty Swaps

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

I'm not too bothered with hair products; I like a mask here and there but I don't have one that I swear by and I always try a different one (usually, what's on offer in Boots).

Then, I heard that the Elasticizer was originally created for Audrey Hepburn so I HAD to try it.

This is pre-shampoo treatment with improves elasticity and shine and provides UV protection.

I love it! It will, definitely, become a staple in my hair routine (in fact, I noticed it's on the 'wish-list' on buyapowa and looking forward to buy a full size!!).

I swapped with the gorgeous Emily @ peoniesandsweetpeas.blogspot.com

Trind Nail Repair

This is a treatment supposed to straighten your nails - you need to apply it everyday for 2 weeks but remove the previous coat before (which I thought was a pain plus using acetone everyday... surely can't do any good). I really didn't see any improvement on my nails appearance but I liked the shiny finish so I will just use it up as a top coat.

The Balm Frat Boy Blush

This is such a gorgeous colour!!! It has no shimmer, not too over-powering but easy buildable and so cream - it's a joy to apply. Definitely, one of my fave blusher of all time. <3

Both of the above, traded with the talented Katie @ Facebook.com/heartbeads


Gatineau Strategie Jeuness Throat Gel

Gatineau Defi Lift 3D Mask has been on my wish-list for a long time (and probably stay there for a bit longer) - apparently, it's a red carpet must have... so when I saw this product, I jumped at the chance of trying the brand and hopefully banish the double chin, before the big day!! ;)
So far so good - I'm loving this gel: it's very fresh and light, lovely smell and it has definitely a tensor effect. I would expect this to be very expensive so I don't think I'm gonna buy again but I'm definitely enjoying this tube.

Elizabeth Arden All-Over Cellulite Skin Treatment with Green Tea

I didn't really enjoy this product - It smelled funny and it didn't do anything for my cellulite, to be honest. Also, it was a bit sticky and It didn't even firm my skin. I think it has been discontinued now and I understand why.

Biotherm Body Resculpt Svelt 

Biotherm is one of my favourite body cream on the market - sure, they're on the expensive side but I like how they perform and I usually stock up when they are on offer (they regularly run 3for2 in Boots)... and this one didn't disappoint either. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it on the market in Uk - they have probably replaced it with their S & D code but it's still available to buy in Europe.

Last three creams got from Martina Smith.

This Works Clean Skin Daily Wash

Since receiving my Clarisonic at Christmas, I have been trying all different cleansers with it. This one is, definitely, in the top 3: It works very well with the Clarisonic but it fairs well also 'manually'.
It gets rid of make up easily and the olive oil performs as a moisturiser too. It never dries my skin or make me break out. I'll definitely consider buy the full size.
Swapped with Dorothy @ http://dorothyinbeauty.blogspot.com/

Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask

I'm a huge fan of this brand - and you can read me raving about their body stuff here & here.
Unfortunately, the face mask didnt live up to my expectations; it really didn't do anything for me. :(
I received this from Charlotte Johnson.

Are you a fellow swapper?? :)