Product Empties 6 | Part 1 | Hair, Body & Skincare

Today I am bringing you my empties. I have tons this time. I have so many products that I have used up already that I need to do this post just so I can empty a very full bag. A lot of it is sample sized items so I am going to do the empties in 2 parts because whilst there is not a great amount in each category there would have to  be a post of over 20 items if I did just the 1!! 

Part 1 as you can see from the title is hair , body & skincare. Part 2 ( coming tomorrow if you wanted to know!)  will bring you the make-up & samples.

On we go with ( in no real order) ....

 

Soap & Glory | Pulp Friction Foamy Fruity Body Scrub - this was OK. I did find it irritated my skin for a little bit afterwards. I am not sure if that was purely down to it working or where my skin really did not like it. Also it is not the lovely scent I love from Soap & Glory so I probably wouldn't buy it again as I think it is quite expensive when there are just as good things out there that do the same job ( with less irritation.) I think I may have a small bottle in my stash but I may end up giving that away as it was quite annoying to itch afterwards!

Dove | Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant - I know you know I love this brand & I was not going to include it but I had not used this scent before I don;t think so decided to include after all. It was a lovely fresh scent. It did not over power but did keep me smelling nice all day long! perfect!

Body Shop | Moringa Body Mist - I am sad to have used this up. I like this scent. I don't generally go for anything that is too floral but I find this a nice subtle scent. Lasts a while too which is perfect for long days out. I don't actually own many body sprays/ mists so may well treat myself again very soon ,although I do have the Morning EDT right now so I can use that for the time being anyway. But next Body Shop purchase....!

Toni & Guy | Deep Conditioning Mask For Brunette Hair - I spoke about this in my last favourites. I found for the 1st few uses it did nothing to help my hair at all. In the end though it has been amazing. My hair feels so clean & soft after using this. I can go 2/3 days sometimes without having to wash my hair again. I have already re-purchased as I love it so much.

Wilkinson | Fruity Blackcurrant Handwash - Smells OK & seems to clean OK. I do have a couple more as I bought them in a 3 for 2 deal or something back in October / November. I doubt I would buy them again though once they are used up. Not that exciting. Great cheap hand soap though if you don't have the money to spend on something a little nicer.

Body Shop | Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion - LOVED THIS!! It is only a small bottle & as I have quite bad hard skin I did use it really quickly. I like it though, it did a fantastic job & I would definitely buy it again soon .

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Now we come to the skincare

Boots | No 7 Cleansing Water - It was OK. I think I have said before that I don't think these types of product are really for me. I did feel it left my skin a little sticky after use. I don't really know what else to say. I do have another 1 so will use that in time but I don't think I would buy it again. maybe time to admit defeat with cleansing waters!

LUSH - The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask - I did not like this. I am not sure if my skin just found it too much but I found after only the 2nd use ( about 2 days after I opened it) that my skin burnt slightly for a while afterwards. I decided to just throw the rest of the product away which as I had only used it twice was a shame but I can't use anything i think my not be good for my skin. 

Clinique | Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - This is the "new" formula. I do love this stuff & would re-purchase when the times arises for me to do so.However I cannot say I noticed it did anything different than before that changed it.

Clarins | Extra-Firming Neck Anti-Wrinkle  Rejuvenating Cream - The scent is divine. I really think Clarins need to make this a room scent or a car air freshener thing. I would love that. Such a calming aroma! Another product that has featured in a previous favourites. I was skeptical, I will be honest as do we really need a separate cream for the neck? For some maybe not but actually I thought this was amazing!! Which is good as it wasn't cheap!!I swear my skin feels softer around the neck & decollete area. I usually apply this at night only so it works whilst I am asleep. As you know from a recent haul I have another pot of this already.

So, there we have the end of Part 1. Tomorrow I will bring the 2nd & last one. 

Link me to you're empties videos or blog posts. I love to read them. If you comment leave your blog address anyway as I like to check new ones out all the time.

Thanks Amanda x

Current Go To Make-Up.

First of all I want to apologise for this terrible photo. I have absolutely no editing skills & so find it hard to get photos to go on here using the extra large setting as I find it then over runs the page. I am planning on doing some proper research into making better edited pics as I think they would make all the difference to most of my blog posts.

Today anyway I am bringing you my daily make-up. This is a winter edition though as come the warmer months you can forget foundations & bronzers. I will do an updated one for the summer anyway.

So the base for my face right now is done with Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in Nude (150.) I loved this when I 1st got it but not so much now. It does cover really well but think the shade is maybe not so right for me atm. However, there is not a huge amount left so thought I would get it used up.

Then I use the Light shade ( 2) concealer from Collection. Love this. I use under my eyes as well as any parts of my face that could do with a little help. It blends in perfectly. 

Then to go on top I am loving Rimmel Stay Matte powder in Warm Beige ( 006.)

Next I do my eyes. Starting with the Rimmel eye shadow primer. After this dries I will pop on my eye shadow. usually from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. Mascara of choice right now is Thick & Fast Super Volume from Soap & Glory.

I then usually do my lips as I tend to use lip colours that need to dry before I can put on the top coat. I alternate between  Maybelline Superstay 24 hours in Forever Heather & Avon Plump & Stay in Rosey Resistance.

Whilst waiting for my lips to dry I will apply a bronzer, blusher & illuminator. My choices of the moment are Estee Lauder 5 Tone Shimmer Powder, Nars Blush in Orgasm & MUA shimmer kisses. This is meant to be a blusher but I tend to use it  as an illuminator.

Then apply the top coat to my lipstick & use a fixing spray to my face. I use several so I am not including those.

That's all then folks. As I say later this year I will if wanted an updates version for the summer months , along with skincare & bath stuff if they have changed much by then.

Amanda x

Wednesday Wishlist | Valentine Special

It is coming up to that time of year again. Men cowering at the thought of having to get that just right present for their other half for the most romantic day of the year. I don't in all honesty buy into it anyway. Personally for me Rob shows his love in other ways every day. He has had to look after me & the children many times over the years when my Crohns has been really bad & that will always win over a box of chocolates. That aside though I have come across some things that i would not complain about receiving on Valentine's Days!

WAITROSE | DIDIER'S PATISSERIE 7 BOX MACAROONS. £6.80.  ACCESSORIZE | POLKA DOT BACK BOW CLOCHE. £19. BOOTS | TWO FACED SWEETHEART BLUSH. £24. JOHN LEWIS | TAITTINGER  HOLLOGRAPHIC ROSE CHAMPAGNE GIFT BOX. £45 FOR 75CL. LA SENZA | PUSH UP BRA BEYOND SEXY £35 & MATCHING THONG. £10. JOHN LEWIS | JOHN LEWIS TOTE CANVAS BAG. £4.50. JOHN LEWIS | LOVE HEARTS COOKIE CUTTER SET. £8. ALEXANDER HOUSE | AFTERNOON TEA/ SPA DAYS / SPA WEEKENDS & MORE . PRICES FROM £45. DEBENHAMS | GUESS SILVER CUT OUT NECKLACE. £45. NEXT | JUST PINK EDP 75ML. £12. BOOTS | SANCTUARY BATHTIME BLISS. £18.

So that is it for another month. There are so many more things out there but these are just a few of my favourite things I saw in my searches!

Thanks for reading

Amanda x

Pet Peeves

 So, call me a Grumpy Old Woman if you wish but I thought I would share with you this week my Pet Peeves. 

This is meant as a light-hearted post so please take it as such ( even if most of what I will mention drive me to distraction!!)

There seems a lot of driving ones which tells you the person I become when behind the wheel of my car ( yes it is ALWAYS the other drivers! lol.)

1 - Drivers who do not indicate. Why??? It is actually quite helpful when I am trying to pull out of a junction or at a roundabout if you give me some idea where you are going. Seems to be a lot of new cars so maybe they are not fitted with them? Who knows. Seriously guys, it takes a split second do put your indicator one. 

2 - This should probably be 1st actually but drivers who TALK ON THEIR PHONES WHILST DRIVING!!! 1st & foremost it is bloody dangerous but usually I will see someone who can't seem to drive for toffee & then I clock them on their phone. If it is that important then please pull up when safe on the side of the road & CALL THEM BACK! 

My blood pressure is rising ....

3 - Last driving one. Drivers who do not say thank you. I live down a road where there are lots of cars parked & thus you spend a lot of time either pulling in to let other cars through & visa versa. Guys whether it is your right of way or not please be polite & say thanks. How rude are you? Takes seconds to do so!!!

4 - Robin Thicke. Don't get the attraction! Idiot! I hate his "music" public please stop buying it!

5 - Shop staff who talk to a colleague whilst serving you. No just NO!! had this many times. One time in New Look being served at the till & the shop girl was just chatting to her friend about what they were up to that night. She barely told me how much I owed & a please & thank you was non existent. It was so busy in there that I could not be bothered to complain. But did move away with a little snarky comment which they couldn't fail to hear - I wasn't being over sensitive either as I was with my mum who also thought they were really rude! Did no one teach these "kids" manners? 

lastly we have 6 - Justin Bieber . What does the annoying little twerp actually DO?? I have nothing else to say because I do not understand the attraction anymore than some people don't get why I like the things I do.

There we are at the end of this post. As I say I am talking about these things very much tongue in cheek because whilst they do annoy the heck out of me , I am also hoping I am saying these in a way that comes across as in humour.

Thanks for reading. Pet Peeves of your own in the comments please!!! 

Amanda x

January 2014 | Random Favourites | Just A Small One!

There are not many non beauty related items this month. 

My obsession with Yankee Candles continues. I am loving all 4 that I am burning right now ( not all at once I might add) but I have picked out just 2 for this post. Pink Lady Slippers smells just like Parma Violet sweets so can't go wrong at all in my eyes. Then Champaca Blossom is a subtle smelling floral fragrance from the new releases. Both make me very happy!

Loving my fox scarf from New Look. I got mine in the sale & it is out of stock online. You may find one in store though if you look hard enough. I can't promise though.

Lastly this weekly planner pad.. bought from eBay off THIS SELLER. It is perfect for a list make like me :-). There are many designs ( I wanted Owls really but it was out of stock.)

There! Told you it was short.

Thanks for reading.

Amanda x

January 2014 | Beauty Favourites

Time for another lot of beauty favourites. I found it quite easy this month & could have actually included twice the amount. I did however, manage to whittle it 10 items. 

Apologies for the small photo. My one thing this year is to learn how to make my photos look better both during the taking & the editing afterwards. If anyone has any tips on editing then let me know. ATM this photo is on the "large" setting as the extra large ( which is the better one) makes the photo go over the page too far into the links on the side.

Anyway, on-ward with the beauty faves.

Face & Body

The Body Shop | Cranberry Joy Shower Gel - Although this is more of a festive scent as I love it so much I am happy to continue using it until I use it up. Possibly because January can be that dark , cold & slow month so this keeps the memories of Xmas past alive. I don't think the smell lingers too much but it lathers really well & my skin feels soft afterwards too. I have put in an order recently with The Body Shop & added another to my basket to pop away for the winter months later this year.

Garnier | Daily Energising Gel Wash - with extracts of grapefruit, pomegranate & vit c. Bought mainly because I am fond of things that smell of Pink Grapefruit. I do like it though for what it does. My face feels amazing after use & I thin it really is helping me lately to have a better base for my make-up. I won't be buying it again though , at least not for a while as like most of my back ups I have several other facial washes etc to use. 

Soap & Glory | Peaches & Clean 4 in 1 Wash Off Deep Cleansing Milk - I got this in my special edition box at Xmas ( thanks Santa.) OMG love it! The peach smell is truly amazing. I am not sure it is as good as the Garnier gel wash but it still does a good job. Plus the peachy smell is nice & subtle to carry round for a while.

Clarins | One Step Facial Cleanser - with Orange Extracts. OMG!!! I love this! I love this!! They need to make this into a room re freshener. The smell of this is amazing! The Orange extract just mingles with THAT Clarins smell & I go to sleep so easily atm, that I am sure it is this helping!! Definite repurchase when used up even though I have other brands to use too. 

Hands & Feet

Caudalie | Hand & Nail Cream - I did not like this to start with. Interestingly though despite its herbally smell it gas started to grow on me as I decided it smells like Earl Grey tea & I love that stuff! Great job on the hands. Does takle a teeny bit longer than some to sink in but as I only use hand cream at bedtime this is not really too much of an issue. I won't be re-purchasing as I have tons of hand products for the next century! 

The Body Shop | Cooling Foot Lotion - Almost empty as it was only a small bottle. Despite smelling lovely ( I feel the worse the lotion smells the better job it does...) it does a great job  on my feet. As I have said before I do get bad dry cracked heels so any cream does have a helluva job to do. This is definitely up to it. No re-purchase at this stage as instead I bought the Foot rescue instead & I am currently using the Soap & Glory one - which DOES smell foul!

Ciate | Paint Pot in Pocket Money ( PP107 ) - I really love Ciate paint pots. I got this in a beauty box & really like it very much. Glides on the nails & quick to dry. To be honest they got me at the pretty little bottle!

Make-Up

Urban Decay | Naked 3 - A new edition to my collection. Whilst I actually prefer my Naked 2 I do think this is worthy of its place in my favourites. I am having fun playing around with all the new colours & slowly learning what looks better with what. Pretty colours that last ages.

MUA | Heaven & Earth Palette - A palette of brown "earthy" colours this is what I usually go for a day to day basis. Lots of colours that I love & prefect for the days when I don't want to pop too much on my eyes. At only £4 too it is a helluva lot of product for your money.

Estee Lauder - Pure Color Eyeshadow in Cyber Silver ( 04 ) - I bought this on a  whim as whilst I do like a grey eye look I was unsure whether I would get much use out of this to warrant spending so much for one eye-shadow. Needless to say it is worth it. Another that I like to wear on the days when I don't have so much time. I generally wear this on its own as I think it is so beautiful.

That brings us to the end of another favourites. I hope you have enjoyed reading this. Let me know your January faves. Link me to any blog posts or you tube videos of your favourites as I love to read/watch them all.

Amanda xxx

January 2014 Project Pan - The Result

Please read my original January Project Pan post & then my mid month update can be found by HERE

I'll be honest & say that I think I sucked at this project pan!

With only a couple of items used up to the mid month point including 1 item that broke on me anyway it really was a poor show.

I have just one more item to add to the empties for it. There was not much of this left anyway so it really was too easy for me to finish it up. 

I am not sure why this PP failed so badly. Maybe too soon after Xmas & thus lots of new goodies I was eager to try. Also I think with things like lipsticks & blushers included it was just a wee bit ambitious on my time scale.

I would like to have another go. I think this time I would like to do it over a longer period of time. Say for 3 months. Updates on a monthly basis. 

It would not be yet though as I am enjoying switching things around too much right now. maybe nearer Easter time I can have another look into doing it.

How did you get on with your own pp. Did you do it over a longer period of time? Or did you not really set a time scale? Do tell me as always interested in hearing your stories. 

Thanks for reading

Amanda xx