June's Empties

Ojon Revitalizing Mist Original £20.50

Thoughts

The price of this is really high, but I absolutely love it. I spray it through wet hair and can instantly comb it. It detangles, nourishes my dry ends and doesn't make my hair heavy or greasy.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Oriental £2.99

Thoughts

The scent of this is amazing and not too sickly or overpowering like other Batiste scents I've bought.

Would I repurchase?

Yes.

Ojon Full Detox Rub-Out Dry Shampoo £19 (Full Size)

Thoughts

This was rubbish. I used it once and then the gas all evaporated. What a waste of money! I didn't like the scent either, it was very heavy and lingered in my hair too long.

Pro:voke Touch of Silver Dry Shampoo from £2.09
Thoughts
I think I prefer this to the Batiste dry shampoo as it doesn't feel as powdery in my scalp and brushes through my hair easier. I can't find it on the Boot website at the moment though which is strange.

Would I repurchase?
Yes, I already have around six spare bottles!

L'Oreal Ever Riche Nourishing & Flowing Shampoo for Dry Fine Hair £5.99
Thoughts
I've been using this for quite some time now and I really like it. During winter though, it's not nourishing enough for my dry hair, but now the warmer weather has arrived, I'll be using this more often again.

Would I repurchase?
I already have around another 3 bottles of this stashed away which I picked up on offer.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores £23

Thoughts

I love this stuff; it really helps to clear my pores and skin when I have a breakout.

Would I repurchase?

Already have three more tubes for when I run out!

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm £22

Thoughts

Another firm favourite of mine which I adore. It works wonders for my skin and I've not noticed as many breakouts along my jaw whilst I've been using this.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, yes, yes. I already have!

No 7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make-up Remover £8.50

Thoughts

With my £5 off No 7 voucher, this wasn't a bad little purchase. But it doesn't come close to my Clinique Take the Day Off for Lids & Lips.

Would I repurchase?

If I was on a strict budget and couldn't afford the lovely Clinique option, yes.

Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution for Sensitive Dehydrated Skin £9.99

Thoughts

I use this as my morning cleanser as I hate getting my face and baby hairs around my face wet, especially as I have my showers in the evening. Since using it, I am pretty sure my skin and acne is so much better.

Would I repurchase?

Yes. I picked up another one when Escentuals had their 1/3rd off French Pharmacy.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief £34

Thoughts

This was a nice gel/cream type moisturiser. It added the much needed hydration to my skin and didn't break me out.

Would I repurchase?

Not sure. I think there are better, cheaper alternatives out there. Currently, I am love the La Roche Posay moisturisers for my dry, dehydrated skin.

Botanics All Bright Hydrating Day Cream

You can read my full review here.

Lacura Aqua-Complete Multi Intensive Serum £3.49

Thoughts

This sits beautifully under my daytime moisturisers and adds some nice moisture to my skin. It contains the famous Hyaluronic Acid and personally, I feel it works better than other higher end serums.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have and keep a few in my stash.

Botanics Facial Oil

Thoughts

This is the second bottle of this that I have used, but I am just not sure whether it really does anything for my skin. I much prefer to splash out and buy the gorgeous Clarin's Facial Oils.

Would I repurchase?

Probably not. I would say it's better suited to normal skin types.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair £43

Thoughts

I quite enjoy using this and it definitely feels like a luxury product! But whether it's actually done anything to my skin is beyond me. I haven't noticed any great difference in my skin or skin texture. I would say that possibly my acne scars have faded a little quicker when using the Advanced Night Repair, but this could be down to other factors too.

Would I repurchase?

I already have two bottles of the original, first version in my stash which I am using up. For the price, I can't say I would repurchase though and think I would prefer to buy something a little easier on the pocket, or something that showed visible results.

Laura xx

     

What I Have Used in March

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Oriental. Boots, £2.99.

Thoughts

The scent of this is amazing and not too sickly or overpowering like other Batiste scents I've bought.

Would I repurchase?

Yes.

Boots Hairspray in Firm Hold. Boots, £1.79.

Thoughts

I really like this hairspray and actually found it better than more expensive ones such as Elnett, although it didn't brush out as easily as Elnett and left a residue in my hair.

Would I repurchase?

Unsure. I'd probably try other brands first.

Argania Hair Oil Light. Boots, £14.99.

Thoughts

I can't believe I actually paid £14.99 for this! It claims to have a whole array of different benefits, but even the light version made my hair greasy and lank. In the end, I used it as an overnight treatment. Again, not really sure I noticed any benefits from this.

Would I repurchase?

Nope, not in a million years. There are so many better products on the market.

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion. Boots, £1.99.

Thoughts

I really liked this and was shocked that it was for all skin types as products for all skin types don't usually nourish my dry skin enough. This was extremely hydrating and nice to use. The scent was nice and not over powering.

Would I repurchase?

Nope, not in a million years. There are so many better products on the market.

Boots Extracts Cocoa Butter Body Wash, Boots, £4.50.

Thoughts

This was nice, creamy, it smelt great and cleansed my skin without stripping it. But for some reason, I just didn't love it. People on the Boots website said it left their skin smelling lovely all day long. Maybe I wasn't using enough?!

Would I repurchase?

I bought this in the half price sale in a set so have another to use up, but I don't think I'd purchase a full priced one.

No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Makeup Remover, Boots (see the pattern!), £8.50.

Thoughts

This was picked up with a £5 off skincare voucher. You can see my full review here.

Would I repurchase?

Possibly.

Schwarzkopf Blonde Brilliance Shampoo. Escentual, £7.90*.

Thoughts

This was pretty rubbish, especially for the money. I much prefer the Provoke Touch of Silver Twice Weekly Brightening Shampoo which is cheaper and does a better job.

Would I repurchase?

No

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Shine Deep Treatment. Boots, £4.99*.

Thoughts

I can't say I noticed a whole lot of difference when using this to the shine or condition of my hair. There are a lot better treatment masks on the market for my super dry and damaged hair.

Would I repurchase?

No.

L'Oreal Absolut Repair Cellular Lactic Acid Conditioner, Feel Unique, £9.35*.

Thoughts

This stuff is amazing! I have never used a conditioner before that is as nourishing as this one. The shampoo, unfortunately, was too heavy for my hair and made it greasy and lanky, but the conditioner was amazing. It helped to add a lot of moisture to my hair which constantly snaps and breaks.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, yes, yes!

Smashbox Studio Skin. Boots, £27.50.

Thoughts

This is my favourite foundation! As you can see, the pump is missing because I switched it onto my Estee Lauder Double Wear! See my full, fairly old review here.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have.

Benefit Her Glossiness Lipgloss. Discontinued.*

Thoughts

Many moons ago, I used to work for Benefit Cosmetics and this is a leftover gloss from then. There's a bit left in the tube, but seeing as it's ancient, I thought I'd better throw it out as it's probably full of bacteria. YUCK! 

Would I repurchase?

If it were still available, maybe. I liked the texture and the scent was amazing. It went on smoothly and wasn't a sticky, gunky mess.

Please take a look at what I used in January and February. 

Laura xx

     

February Empties - What I've Used in February

Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner from Boots

Thoughts

I love this stuff. It is fabulous and great for the money. It does contain alcohol though which has put me off a little bit, but other than that, I can't get enough of this!

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have.

Pro:voke Touch of Silver Dry Shampoo from £2.09 from John Lewis

Thoughts

I think I prefer this to the Batiste dry shampoo as it doesn't feel as powdery in my scalp and brushes through my hair easier.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have.

Clinique Take The Day Off Eye Makeup Remover from Boots

Thoughts

I love this stuff! Check out my full review and comparison here.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant from Aveda

Thoughts

Another product I love and just keep purchasing. Can you see the pattern here?!

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have.

Lush Ultrabland Cleanser from Lush

Thoughts

This is okay, it does a good job of removing makeup and left my skin very soft. It did leave a lot of residue though on my skin. See my full review here.

Would I repurchase?

Possibly. I'm using the Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover at the moment.

Please take a look at what I used in January. 

What have you been using in February? Do you find that everything you've used at the end of the month is mostly products you like?

Laura xx

     

December Empties - What I've Used in December

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash 

Thoughts

I always like Dove body washes as they're thick, feel hydrating on my skin and foam well (which I know isn't always good!). Plus, you're often able to pick them up for £1.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I already have, plus I received a Dove Gift Set for Christmas.

Ojon Volume Advance Thickening Spray | John Lewis | £20

Thoughts

I'm not 100% that this really adds any volume to my hair, but it does make it feel thicker. This was a smaller 55ml spray bottle.

Would I repurchase?

I already have purchased the larger, full size bottle.

Biotherm Biopur Pore Reducer Purifying Gel Cleanser

Thoughts

As a cleanser that I use in the shower after removing my makeup, it felt nice and smelt nice. I can't say I noticed any difference in the size of my pores; it just felt like using a standard £3 face wash to be honest.

Would I repurchase?

No. I don't think it's available anymore anyway.

Botanics All Bright Day Cream SPF 15 | Boots | £3.89

Thoughts

Absolutely love this stuff. I rave and rant about it all the time and it's always popping up on my blog.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, yes, yes! I have a stash stored away for when I run out.

Ojon Rare Blend Oil | Boots | £30

Thoughts

This is very, very concentrated and you need the tiniest bit, especially for very fine hair like mine. I literally distribute a pea sized amount into damp hair. I love the smell of this and the texture of it. It makes my hair look and feel so much healthier after blow-drying and is so much richer than cheaper versions.

Would I repurchase?

I can't afford to repurchase at the moment.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment | Boots | Full Size £34

Thoughts
I really like this deep, nourishing mask. It really does make my hair feel amazing and hopefully, helps with my dry ends which constantly split. At £34 it's very, very expensive, especially as a student, but great for a nice treat.

Would I repurchase?
If I had £34 to spend on a mask, then yes! I bought one for my friend for Christmas along with the damage reverse shampoo and conditioner.

Boots Extracts Mango Sugar Scrub | Boots | £8

Thoughts

This smells AMAZING, like fresh mangos. It's very scrubby and feels great on my skin. It leaves a veil of moisture on my skin after using it and makes the shower extremely slippy (it should come with a huge warning on the front!). Because of this, I haven't used it up as quickly as I wanted to, as I had to give the shower a scrub after using it.

Repurchase?

Because it makes the shower so slippy after use, I don't think I could repurchase it. It's lethal and usually, after a shower, I can't be bothered to start scrubbing the shower!

Laura xx

     

November Empties - What I've been using in November

Lacura Aqua Complete Serum from Aldi £3.95

Thoughts

I absolutely love this product. It's a real pleasure to use and helps my dehydrated skin to feel more hydrated and smoother. I can't say I've noticed any improvements to fine lines, but for under £4, it makes my skin look and feel lovely. It also works really well under makeup as a base too.

Would I repurchase?
Yes, I already have

Pharmagel Botanical Tonique £24

Thoughts

I like that this product is alcohol free, although I can't really say I noticed a huge difference when using this toner to using a cheaper option from Boots. 

Would I repurchase?
For the price, no as I didn't see any real difference.

Clinique Take the Day off Eye Makeup Remover - £17

Thoughts

I have never found a better eye makeup remover than this one. It's fantastic at removing all waterproof eye and lip products and doesn't require you to scrub at your eyes. It's simple, easy to use and doesn't leave your skin feeling too greasy.

Would I repurchase?
Yes, I already have a few bottles stashed away.

Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Night Cream - On offer for £3.89

Thoughts

I go on and on about the Botanics All Bright range to everyone! I love the day cream, night cream and toner, all of which I repurchase and stock up on on a regular basis when they're on offer. I've tried and used creams from Estee Lauder, Clinique and Biotherm, all over the £30 mark, but always return to this. It doesn't break me out which a lot of the more expensive creams do, it moisturises and hydrates my dehydrated skin and leaves my face looking refreshed in the morning.

Would I repurchase?
Yes, I already have around three more jars of this.

Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecru - £27.50

Thoughts

I love that this stays on all day, I've even slept in it before (I know, naughty naughty!) and it's intact in the morning! It literally doesn't budge. It also covers ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's very drying, feels tight on my skin and can look too heavy for everyday wear. I get around this by mixing MAC Strobe Cream into it.

Would I repurchase?
Yes, I already have and I'm using my second bottle now.

Laura xx

October Empties - What I've been using in October

Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk

Thoughts

I didn't think this was going to be nourishing enough for my dry skin, but I was actually quite impressed. It wasn't as good as my Doublebase Gel from the Dr's, but did smell and feel lovely when putting in onto my skin.

Would I repurchase?

Maybe. If it was on offer or in a set then yes, but otherwise, I'm quite happy with my Doublebase Gel.

No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser

Thoughts

It did a good job at removing my makeup, especially with the muslin cloth, but it didn't feel luxurious enough. I felt like it would have been anything I was using, just a regular cheap cleanser. I liked the pump action though, although this did get a little bit messy. Didn't attempt to remove eye makeup with this as I much prefer a separate eye makeup remover.

Would I repurchase?

I brought it when I had some No 7 vouchers, so already have another one waiting to be used up!

Aveda Volumizing Tonic

Thoughts

This did give my fine thin hair a little boost, but not overly. It wasn't sticking and didn't leave any residue which I liked. Smelt lovely.

Would I repurchase?

Perhaps.

Botanics All Bright Hydrating Day Cream SPF 15

Thoughts

Absolutely adore this face cream. It's probably the only face cream I seem to be able to apply that has a SPF in it that doesn't break me out in a rash. It soothes and nourishes my skin throughout the day, it doesn't break me out, it works great under makeup and it has an SPF. AMAZING!

Would I repurchase?

I already have another three of these sitting in my cupboard ready to be used up!

L'Oreal Mythic Oil

Thoughts

Certainly my favourite hair oil that I've used so far, although I think the packaging has changed now. I liked that it didn't weigh my fine hair down, or make it greasy. It added a little nourishment to the ends, without them looking like I'd had an oil bath.

Would I repurchase?

Yes.

Pro:Voke Touch of Silver Dry Shampoo

Thoughts

LOVE this product. It's amazing at refreshing my hair style. Smells great, doesn't leave that horrible, very powdery feel behind, brushes through easily and absorbs oil really well. Much better than Batiste which left my scalf itchy and powdery.

Would I repurchase?

Already have. Plus I have a few on backup in my cupboard.

Ojon Volume Advance Thickening Spray

Thoughts

Added a little bit of volume to my hair. Didn't make it sticky or oily. Makeup you don't apply too much though, otherwise it does leave a residue on your hair. Left my hair silky soft and bouncy.

Would I repurchase?

Already have as this was just a trial sized on that came in a set.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant

Thoughts

Another amazing, HG product. Can't get enough of this stuff. It's like a miracle liquid! Doesn't break me out, actually had the opposite effect and helped with my spots/acne. Didn't sting my skin or dry it out, despite it containing salicylic acid. I've been using this twice a day now for the last 4 - 6 weeks and love it.

Would I repurchase?

Already have.

Boots Clean Off Nail Polish Remover

Thoughts

Does the trick at removing nail polish, cheap and cheerful product. Does smell VERY strong, so I have to dispose of cotton wool in the bathroom bin otherwise my whole room smells of nail polish remover!

Would I repurchase?

Already have.

June's Empties

What have I used up in June? I've been trying really hard this month to use things up. My collection of products - makeup, skin care, body care etc is growing and growing and I keep buying more and more which is a complete waste! This mainly happens because I start using something and end up not really liking it, so I leave it in a draw somewhere. This usually means I end up with draws full of different products!

I got sent this from BzzAgent to test and review. I can't say this is something I would repurchase. It was nourishing enough for my dry skin. Should my skin have been less dry, this would have worked a treat.

This was one of those I don't have a lot of money but have ran out of moisturiser purchases. It actually turned out to be pretty good and a great base for my makeup and foundation. It was fairly hydrating without being too rich and making my makeup slide off my face. I would probably repurchase this if it was on offer.

I get through a tube of this almost every month. This looks horrible and very dirty because it's been thrown around a variety of different handbags!

I received this in a No 7 set at Christmas and wasn't really too sure what to do with it! It said it was for elbows, feet and dry areas of skin. Seeing as most of the skin on my body is dry, I just slathered it on all over. It didn't really smell of anything and was a bit like a very rich body butter in consistency. It did add moisture to my skin, but I felt as though it sat on top and didn't nourish deeper layers. I would not repurchase this.

This was another product that came in a Botanics set at Christmas. I'm always weary of new face creams because a lot seem to break me out at the moment, but this was amazing! Very, very good although not quite hydrating enough so I always made sure I used a decent hydrating primer underneath. I'm not sure if it brightened my skin, but it certainly made it feel amazing. This is something I will certainly repurchase.

I brought this at the airport in New Zealand as I needed something hydrating for my horrible dry and dehydrated skin. I remembered that the Clarins face oils were nice and I had used them before, so was confident they wouldn't break me out. I've enjoyed using this oil, especially the smell. There is a tiny amount left in the bottom which I'll use up over the next few days. I was surprised how long this lasted. I was using it every night for around 3 - 4 months. The smell takes me back to my time in New Zealand and The Cook Islands.

This is probably one of my all time favourite body lotions for my horrible dry skin, but I just can't get my head around the smell. It smells quite nutty and personally, the smell is one of those that make me go, urghh! But, it's a brilliant moisturiser, especially for the backs of my arms and my legs. It sinks in easily and gives lots of hydration. I may repurchase this, but at the moment, I've moved onto Double Base which is designed for skin conditions.

Soap and Glory is lovely - I adore their products and their scent. The hydrating hand cream was fairly hydrating and nourishing, but without leaving that horrible film on your hands which I get from Neutrogena and Dove. It's also a huge 125ml tube. I've had to cut the top off though as I couldn't get the last few bits out. Smells amazing too, just like other Soap and Glory products.