My Empties

So here is my first empties post, an array of products I've been squeezing the dear life out of over the past month or so. I can safely say I have been loving all of the above products and here's why...

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Leave in Spray 200ml (£3.59) - I bought this product back in summer and I have only just got the bottom of the bottle, serious value for money here. It's a leave in conditioner to be sprayed on wet or dry hair and as I don't condition my hair in the shower, this was a great and easy product to apply to my hair before de-tangling and styling. I can honestly say it kept my hair in great condition preventing dry ends, especially in the summer months.  The smell is also amazing, it reminds me of hot summer days and cocktails!

Would I repurchase? YES - I am, however, currently trialing Boots own version of this.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution 200ml (£3.33) - I purchased this when I had finished my beloved Bioderma Sensibio H20 as a possible alternative. At a miniscule of the price, this Loreal micellar works just the same. I feel it isn't as kind on the eyes (Loreal have since released a gentle eye make up remover in a similar range) but removes make up with ease and doesn't feel as if you are applying anything to your face at all.

Would I repurchase? YES

Lush Big Shampoo 330g (£11.50) - Now, this was a splurge! I'm usually one to pick up the cheapest shampoo on offer but when I impulsively had my locks chopped earlier this year I felt I needed some 'oomph' and in turn went for this Lush shampoo. The texture is exactly what it says on the tin pot - coarse lumps of rock salt - which is weird at first but this product certainly lathers up and once dried my hair felt voluminous yet soft. It's not an everyday shampoo but worth the money if you save it for nights out.

Would I repurchase? YES

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector 30ml (£5.00) - I won't go on about this product as I think every woman on earth has had their hands on this cream. A classic Body Shop hand cream that doesn't smell too good but really does sort out dry hands. Often on offer too - score!

Would I repurchase? NO... only because I wish to spread my hand cream wings...

Wilkinsons Fruity Citrus Instant Hand Sanitiser - I go through these like there's no tomorrow. Dries quick and isn't sticky, not much more you can ask for from a hand sanitiser. 

Would I repurchase? YES, battle that bacteria!

Mac Powder Sheertone Shimmer Blush in 'Peachtwist' (£18.00) - Very much a 'going out' blush here... almost a bronzer with a deep, shimmery peach tone. My view is that this product can work as a bronzer, blush and highlighter all in one and it brightens up the face with even the smallest amount of product.
Would I repurchase? NO, I tend to steer towards more affordable blushers on the highstreet. Sorry MAC!

Rimmel Scandaleyes LYCRA Flex Mascara in '001 black' - This is my all time favourite mascara!! I am really fussy about how my eyelashes look and this lycra flex mascara can be layered and layered without any clumps in sight. It's large brush is fantastic at separating lashes and giving a wide eyed fluttery look. In fact, the whole scandaleyes range is uhh-mazing!

Would I repurchase? YES (as soon as I get through these other mediocre ones I have on the go ;))

Haircare Routine

I love my make up, I do! ...but when it comes to haircare I am a little less enthusiastic. I hardly ever get it cut (slap's wrist) and I find washing my thick bonce such a chore! That in mind, I can safely say my haircare routine is slightly limited and most certainly 'low-end' - however, it works for me and my lazy attitude.

This whole routine totals up to around £20, and can be completed in approx 15 minutes! A lazy girls dream.

My routine consists of 5 stages:

1. Get into the shower as quickly as possible to avoid frost bite and lather up my scalp with The Body Shop's Ginger anti-dandruff Shampoo (sorry tmi). I find really fruity sweet shampoos just play havoc with my scalp so a plain 'does the job' shampoo like this is ideal.

2. Apply a dollop of Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Mask to the ends of my hair, well I never you may say, and continue with the rest of my shower business while the mask works its magic. Rinse and we're done.

3. Once I have gathered a bit of warmth and courage to continue, I spray the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-in Spray all over my hair, no methodology here just spray and enjoy the beautiful scent! I tend to not condition my hair so this is my simple alternative that keeps my locks smooth and healthy.

4. Now before drying, what must we all do? PROTECT! - I use my trusty Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray which has lasted my way over a year now... again spraying this willy-nilly all over my hair and combing through with a large toothed comb.

5. At this point my routine can go one of two ways; a) scruffy hair, don't care ie. up in a bun and worry about more important things or b) a good straighten and style. If option a wins the day, then these bands are great as they don't damage or kink your hair and come in all fancy designs.

If unfortunately I have to look presentable and option b needs to commence, I like to smooth down my ends with the Sexy Hair Healthy Soy Renewal Nourishing Treatment. I got my mini version in a event goodie bag and I love it, it certainly leaves your hair feeling silky smooth and doesn't leave any residue once you have smoothed it into your hair.

Is anyone else as lazy as I am when it comes to hair?

Is there any dreamy products I am missing in my life which will ultimately change this view forever?

The Body Shop Tea Tree

The Body Shop is one of those places that once you've step foot inside you ain't leaving empty handed, and of course little old me fell right into the trap. Having suffered from break outs for months and nothing helping, I popped into The Body Shop (or should I say I intended to pop in!) and was guided straight to their Tea Tree range.

This range is developed for blemish prone skin, the natural tea tree is ideal for balancing the skin plus it's antibacterial nature sure does clear up spots. Now, in my opinion these products have the potential to work wonders. They leave your skin feeling super super clean and fresh but, and this is a bigger than average but, this range is definitely aimed at oily skin types - the tea tree dries up blemishes and reduces them in size. If, like me, your skin is slightly on the dryer side these products aren't ideal - especially in winter! Much to my disappointment they completely dried out my skin, leaving it feeling drained of moisture.

As a result, have completely set aside the foaming cleanser and facial toner from my skin care routine. As for the night lotion, I still use this but then apply a thicker, more moisturising night cream afterwards. I find the pore minimiser primer works okay, I use it every now and again when my skin is feeling extra uneven and porous. Now, the squeaky clean scrub I love - just the right amount of exfoliation, even when skin is feeling blemished and sore. I use it about 3 times a week and apply a moisturising mask afterwards to avoid over-drying the skin.

I don't regret buy these products - I'll certainly reach straight for them if my skin becomes oily in the future. For now, I will continue the pursuit of a magical product to rid my dry skin of spots forever!