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.

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!