Beauty Rehab

Gooooooooooood morning! 

Today's post is so well overdue that I can't believe I didn't overflow my house with empties. This is in fact not even all of them as some were doubled or tripled or even more and I couldn't possibly photograph them all! I've also tried out a new photo idea but I'm not sure it's going to work out, so let's get to it and I promise I'll try harder next time...!

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation and Setting Powder*

Hey All

A few weeks ago L and I were sent some the Vichy Dermablend Corrective foundation and Setting Powder to try out. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it as it's been a firm favourite of L's for a while now but one I've not gotten around to trying. You can see L's original post on the foundation and how it looks on the skin here.

Since then the packaging has changed from black to white which I think looks better. And plus messy foundation fingers don't look as bad on it. I also love that it's in a squeezy bottle. Something about glass foundation bottles does look better but practicality wise a this is better for controlling how much foundation you want and getting every last drop out.

L already knew she was the shade Opal so I went for this too as we are pretty similar in colours. I think I could probably do with picking up the new shade porcelain to mix the two in as I get paler over the winter. If you are pale this is a great foundation to try! There are 8 shades in the range and they do have a mixture of shades from light to dark.

As soon as L gave me it I couldn't wait to get it on my face! So far I'm absolutely loving it and find myself reaching for it most days. I find with this I need less foundation then other products as a little goes a long way. It seems to blend with every brush I've tried including traditional foundation, real techniques expert face and buffing brush. It leaves my skin looking like skin but perfected. Considering it's a more full coverage foundation I love that my skin doesn't feel masked or looked caked on. I should have listened to L's recommendation sooner!

The setting powder is also right up my street. I prefer loose powders lately and I know some people don't like the mess but I find it gives my skin a better finish. This one comes with a puff in the top which I do like as it means it's one I can take with me and use on the go. The first thing I have to say about this is how amazing the texture is. It's the lightest, softest texture ever!!! If you've felt the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder it really reminds me of that. It buffs into the skin and doesn't make the skin look super powdering or disturb the foundation under it. It just makes the make up last look and controls my shine!

I'm totally sold on both of these and my beloved Laura Mercier Mineral Powder foundation has definitely been replaced with the setting powder!

Have you tried Dermablend or Vichy products?

Love M

xxx

As M has mentioned I have been a long standing fan of Vichy's Dermablend Corrective Foundation and couldn't tell you how many I have bought over the last few years. I just love the finish it gives my skin and the pigmentation is so good it covers really well - even some of my acne scars just disappear.

Another factor I love about it is the SPF 35 it contains, I don't need to apply many layers of products as I know this will cater to my needs and leave my skin looking flawless for the whole day.

I have been using the foundation for a while however I was yet to try the Setting Powder, and I was not disappointed. As M said it's very similar in texture and finish to an extremely well known powder that's received rave reviews - and I can tell you now that it is completely comparable. I love the finish and it really sets my face for the day, and I am 100% impressed.

The Fluid Corrective Foundation costs £18, and the Setting Powder is £16. Both are worth every penny and both will be staying firmly on my purchase list for a very long time.

Maybe a primer will be the next product on the books??


L xxx

Beauty Rehab

Hey all!

I've got my first Beauty Rehab since moving out - it's been a weird kind of obsession keeping all my empties whilst I've moved and decorated but I've succeeded. What's annoyed me even more was the fact I no longer have my lovely white desk at my parents house, so nowhere to photograph them. hmmmph.

So instead I've taken some pretty awful photos on a dark rainy evening on top of a super old blanket chest in my living room - with boxes full of stuff to sort in the background. It's not ideal but it was time to sort through them all!

Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation - I loved this when i purchased it as my skin must have been a lot better. Nowadays I'm always tired so need a lot more!
Estee Lauder Double Wear - loved this, would definitely repurchase
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish - hated this, keeping the bottle for Back 2 Mac. The finish was awful!
Vichy Dermablend - also love this, it's a long term staple in my make up bag and I have another 2 as back ups!
Rimmel Stay Matte powder - love this too, why pay more when this powder is as good as Mac if not better

Dr Bronner's Citrus Orange Soap - love the smell of this so much, I'd repurchase from TK Maxx or similar as it's much cheaper
Aussie products - love love love Aussie and would repurchase always!

Batiste Dry Shampoo - love this stuff, saves me on a weekly basis when there just isn't enough time for washing hair! Always buy them in bulk in every scent, and especially the dark one
Aussie Dry Shampoo - to be honest this was pretty awful. it was like a well scented hairspray, but stickier, it wasn't a dry shampoo at all which was disappointing
L'Occitane Conditioner - considering this is quite expensive for a conditioner it was pretty average. I'm not fussy with hair products at all but it took me forever to use it up as it made my hair feel like straw
Nip and Fab Detox Blend Body Wash - this was also pretty average which was a shame as I love their skincare line

Nip and Fab Deep Cleansing Fix - talking of Nip and Fab, this is a great buy! Even better when it's on offer, its a cleanser mask etc etc wonder product!
Vaseline deodorant - I wouldn't normally bother sharing my deodorant but I always find these cans disappointing, supposedly compressed but realistically I don't think they are at all
Boots Nail Polish Remover - this was great, full of acetone so not ideal but worked a treat on glitter!
Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion - I'm embarrassed to think how old this bottle is, look at that old packaging! Still a favourite with me though, the best tanning moisturiser

Good Things Argan Oil Facial Serum - this tube disappeared overnight, I need to buy this in massive tubs!
Origins Drink Up mask - this is great, I'd repurchase purely for the smell but the effects on my skin are pretty awesome
Lacura Aqua Complete Serum - a super buy for the £3.99 price tag from Aldi, definitely worth slapping on and I have a few variations of it in my drawer
Elemis Pro-Radiance Cleanser - this was a lovely product to try as I'd never used Elemis before, a great cleanser and I'd love a full size if I could afford it!
No7 Facial Wipes - always in my stash somewhere for saving me when the day has been so long

Effaclar Duo - already repurchased during my trip to Paris, an absolute essential!
Lacura Beautifying Serum - on my second bottle, enough said!
Tigi BedHead Some Like it Hot - not sure if this serum really works but it was a lovely serum that didn't coat the hair and leave it feeling plastic or dry
Gilchrist and Soames Shower Gel - wasn't a fan of this smell, wouldn't repurchase

Soap and Glory Thick and Fast mascara - pretty good mascara but I still find Rimmel the best for the price
Benefit Roller Lash - i love Benefit mascaras, they are definitely the best for me and I'm one of those people that likes both this and They're Real, unfortunately just cannot justify buying it at the moment - this makes me very sad and I'm saving up Boots points
Models Own Nail Polish - I loved this champagne gold colour and cannot believe it's dried up! Will need to buy another
Benefit Porefessional - love this and have kept my minis for travelling so I can get through airports without hassle!
Real Techniques Expert Face brush - sadly this one has died on me and the bristles have started to fall out as you can see. Not much point in keeping it now! Will repurchase another when I'm feeling spendy

So what do you think of my empties? Have you been using up lots or have you been hoarding like I used to?

I think with all of my empty foundation bottles I'm due a treat of a new one don't you think???

L xxx

Beauty Rehab

Hey everyone!

It's that time again when I've almost filled another bag full of empties and need to share them with you. Again I've been pretty good but my stash just isn't going down, facial skincare seems to take up so much of it and you just can't pile it on or use it up like you can others like body moisturiser!

So without further ado here's my recent empties:

Clarins Cleansing Cream  - quite a good sample to try though I'm not sure I'd purchase the full size,felt a bit greasy which is surprising as my skin is on the dry side now
Vichy Densifying Care - honestly, I'm not sure what this is but I used it as a moisturiser. It was quite nice but I've never seen anything like it in the shops!
Benefit Porefessional - another travel size used up, I'll need to stock up somehow for my future travels! It's a great primer for all round
Rimmel Brow This Way - the high street version of Benefit's Gimme Brow, admittedly not as good but for my minimal budget whilst I'm saving it has been great. I've bought another to keep me going!

Antipodes Reincarnation Exfoliator - I have really liked every product I've tried from Antipodes but this one did feel a bit on the safe side, as a scrub it had more of a powder texture so was a very light scrub. Wouldn't repurchase but does smell amazing!
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask - I need this in my life again, I must repurchase it but I'm using it as an incentive to use up all my other hydration masks and oils!
Rimmel Stay Matte - still the best powder out there for me, works a charm and doesn't break the bank, winning.
Models Own 4 way Nail Block - Can never go wrong with one of these blocks, makes me have natural looking manicured nails, perfect for work.

Sachet central this month!
Bb Color Minded Shampoo and Conditioner - really liked these and have miniature versions to try soon!
Rodial Stem Cell Facial Oil - REALLY liked this, shame about the £60/30ml price tag which means that I will never be able to afford it :(
Kiehls Cucumber Toner - as someone who can take or leave toner I was surprised how refreshing this felt though I can't say I would purchase the full size
Philosophy Keep the Peace cream - can't say this was for me, felt too perfumed and my skin didn't have a positive reaction
Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream - Really liked this when I had a full pot of it, the minis are great for travelling
StriVectin Antioxidant Defence Lotion - this was a lovely sachet too and my skin drank it up, haven't tried much from Strivectin before so would like to try more

Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum - this was a nice serum and my skin seemed to drink it up but the tester was really stingy. Not sure I'd purchase this
Jurlique Rosewater Mist - not a toner fan but I can't say this did anything for me
REN Global Protection Day Cream - not a fan, my skin didn't like this as it felt greasy and brought me out in a few spots
Vichy Dermablend - love this foundation, looks so natural on my skin and I have already repurchased

White Company Shampoo and Conditioner - these were from a set of testers given to me, I still stand by my statement that shampoo and conditioner need not be expensive
Stile One Step Primer - really liked this but it's expensive for the effects that it has, I've used cheaper with the same effects so I wouldn't repurchase right now
Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense - this was light and didn't weigh my hair down but didn't feel any positive effects either!
Nip and Fab No Needle Fix Serum - full post coming on this one soon but I personally prefer the Dragon's Blood serum from N&F

No7 Brush Cleaner - This was sometimes useful but tended to leave a film on the brushes so I gave up in the end, made them far too oily
St Tropez Body Moisturiser - lovely moisturiser pre tanning as it's so light, would buy this if it wasn't more expensive than other moisturisers that do a similar job
Aussie Color Mate Shampoo - Aussie is my favourite hair brand, their 3 min miracle is my favourite conditioner and this shampoo is also on my repurchase list
SachaJuan Hair Repair - this was a lovely conditioner but nothing on the 3 min miracle mentioned above, wouldn't repurchase

JPG MaDame perfume - I have 2 bottles in the sidelines, favourite scent EVER
S&G Slimwear - Not sure this does anything at all to help reduce cellulite but extra moisturisation can never be a bad thing
Nioxin Scalp Treatment Spray - I think has gone off courtesy of the weird smell, can't comment on the effects of this one
Nip and Fab Cleansing Oil - after finding out this has mineral oil in I've been avoiding using it on my skin so it's just going to go in the bin now

Nars Creamy Concealer - new fave concealer, hydrating and good coverage, already repurchased
Nip and Fab Viper Venom Eye Roll On - really liked this, would repurchase when I finish some others in my stash
Caudalie Polyphenol Protect Fluid - not sure if this was a serum or not but it was lovely and hydrating, as an extra step with SPF I'd consider buying this
Caudalie Polyphenol Anti Wrinkle Defense Serum - another lush serum, my skin drank it up and felt really hydrated, would consider purchasing this

I have definitely been a busy bee finishing these up. As a quick life update I've just bought a house this week (SO SCARED AND EXCITED!!!!) so now using up my stash has become a huge priority so that I don't have to lug it all with me when I move all my stuff out!

I'll be starting working my way through more samples so the volume of products can be reduced as much as possible, big efforts are needed!

What have you been using up recently? Have you been getting through products at this rate?

L xxx

FOTD

Good morning loves!

Now i have dark hair again I've been experimenting with my make up. I had no idea it would make such a difference to have my highlights dyed over and my hair is now back to my natural colour but has seemed to have made my 'normal' make up look like I've got nothing on!

I've had to change everything up so I've taken a few photos to show what I've swapped my products for, you can see how dark my hair is in the photo below:

I've always been a fan of Vichy Dermablend but recently it has really been a favourite of mine for its great coverage but natural finish. However in my usual Opal colour it has looked a little pale so I've been mixing in Rimmel's Wake Me Up to give it a bot more colour.

I've stuck with my favourite concealer though, now I've tried Nars I just don't want to use any other concealer as nothing works the same way as that does!

After setting my base with Rimmel's Stay Matte powder I've been using my Bourjois bronzer - never fails to make me look more contoured and also never seems to go down either! For blush I've been trying to finish off my old Coralista - I hit pan and panic bought another but that seems silly now that months later I've still got it!
It's still one of my favourite blushes though so I'll still be using it for years.

For brows I've been using Naked Basics' Faint eyeshadow for a little while now - its the perfect dark brown for my black brows. Doesn't look like I've sharpied them on and also isn't a weird red toned brown that some brands have suggested I use.

As for eyes I've been using some of my eyeliners recently and blending them in together for a different look. I've got a post coming up about it and how using eyeliners is a great easy way to change up looks!
These are a selection from Urban Decay, their 24/7 eye liner pencils are the best I've ever tried and I really recommend them if you're looking for a smooth pencil with great pigmentation.
This look includes Mugshot, Moonspoon and Glitter Rock.

And of course the wonderful Perversion - the ultimate black liner - along the lower waterline.

For mascara I've been using Benefit's They're Real recently, I've been saving it up as it's my last full size mascara but it is one of the best that I've tried for my lashes both length and volume.

This is a look that I wear on weekends, for me applying eye make up is something done in a haphazard way during the weekdays as my time is limited. But on weekends I definitely make more of an effort to wear different products and try different things.

Do you do the same and try to use different products? What do you think of changing your hair colour, has it had an effect on your regular products used?

L xxx

FOTD: Neutrals and Coral

Morning lovelies!

I've got a Face of the Day post today as I've had a bit of time to fuss around and take pictures in the morning recently. i always think it's nice to know what people REALLY use on their face despite reviews they've produced.

Here's my FOTD before I had my hair dyed back to its natural colour:

It's quite a simple every day look, there was minimal fuss and I kept with my neutral eye colours and used a few summery coral colours to keep in the with sun that had actually arrived in the sky!

The Benefit Groovy Kind of Love set was bought last Christmas in their seasonal collection. It had a bit of everything that I couldn't resist and contained a few neutral eyeshadows that I needed to test out! Plus it's a great travel kit as it has almost everything you need.

Everything else used is shown below; Beauty blender, Vichy Dermablend in Opal, Lasting Perfection concealer in 1, Bourjois Chocolate bronzer, Inika Mineral Blush in 04 Peachy Keen, MAC Studio Fix powder, UD 24/7 Liner in Smoke, They're Real mascara and Gimme Brow styling gel.

I've been using my beauty blender a lot recently, it's a new addition to my stash and it took some getting used to but now I'm hooked!
It gives such a perfect finish (after a bit of work) and I love how natural and even the coverage is from it. You can see below in the super close picture of my forehead how even and flawless this is.

After using the blender to apply Dermablend and the concealer i dusted on the Studio Fix. It's quite a heavy powder but I've been using it recently to use it up; it's looking a bit tired and I want to get my next Back to Mac lipstick asap!

Next I applied the bronzer and blush to my cheeks to attempt some mild sculpting of my face and then ran Gimme Brow through my unruly brows. I've found mine have got a lot more temperamental recently!

Then I used all 4 of the colours in the Benefit palette building up from the lightest all over the lid, the middle two colours blended into the crease with the gold shimmer in the centre of the lid. Then I used the darkest colour to line underneath the eye and the outer corner of the upper lid.

I love using the 24/7 liner in Smoke on my lower waterline as it is a perfect alternative to black for every day wear; I find it can be too heavy sometimes and I like to change it up. I bought Smoke as part of a set but I can honestly say I use it a lot more than I thought I would and I really love it.

Here I also applied two coats of They're Real mascara, I think it's one of the best out there but i do begrudge paying the £19.50 for it as I'm a mascara germ phobe and throw them out after 6-10 weeks. However you can often get them in deals or minis in magazines which I always pick up!

One thing that i seem to have completely forgotten to take a photo of is Cha Cha tint from Benefit. I used this on my lips for a natural looking stain which lasts a few hours. I never use these as much as I should and need to get into using the minis i have of them as the colours are lovely and can be built up from a wash to a strong coloured stain.

What do you think of my FOTD? 

It's a general every day look for me and I love switching between neutral palettes to mix things up. Which is your favourite palette of the moment? Do you use the stains from Benefit?

L xxx

Beauty Rehab

Hi there!

I'm back with another instalment of my quest for space and freedom. My stash has got to the point where I am overwhelmed and although I'm clearly addicted and have cut my spending down dramatically, I still have drawers, cupboards and suitcases full of products. It's quite frankly ridiculous and I've cleared out crappy stuff that I've hoarded for no reason, got rid of doubles to family members and powered my way through tonnes of amazing products (which you can see following this link).

It's still an overwhelming amount of stuff but it has been cut down from its original size, here's my latest load of empties for you to browse!

Aussie 3 Min Miracle - 100% love this product, continuously repurchasing!
Scrub of Your Life - Another good one from S&G, would repurchase on a 3 for 2 deal
Burt's Bees Buttermilk Lotion - Weird smell, nice and moisturising but wouldn't repurchase
Origins Modern Friction - So much love for this stuff! Expensive but lasts a long time and works wonders

Murad Refreshing Cleanser - Lovely cleanser but didn't always cleanse all my make up off
Origins Make a Difference Serum - Lovely but just doesn't last long enough for me
Vichy Normaderm Promat - Mattifying but seems to have disappeared off shelves?
Clarins Bath and Shower Concentrate - Not a fan of the smell but was very concentrate so lasted well, wouldn't repurchase though
Una Brennan Rose Miracle Facial Oil - Nice product, removes make up well but needs a few pumps of oil to remove everything and is too expensive for such a small bottle for me personally.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream - Super thick and hydrating, but £35 for 50ml might be too much for me at the moment
Philosophy Snow Angel - Lovely smell but it was just a gift, wouldn't repurchase
Redken Color Extend - this was a sample and not big enough really to know long term colour protection effects, but was light and I barely noticed it on my hair so wasn't crispy or sticky
Sally Hansen InstaDri Top Coat - This is a pretty good topcoat, I'd consider repurchasing when my Essie one has run out

Origins Checks and Balances Cleanser - This is my 3rd tube and I've bought a 4th! Enough said.
GHD Heat Protector - Not sure if these truly work but any protection is better than none! Have repurchased a cheaper one
Ted Baker Body Lotion - This was so thick it was hard to get out the tube and hard to absorb too, wouldn't repurchase
Alpha H Liquid Gold - This definitely works and I'm a bit gutted to have finished it, would repurchase if I can find a deal!

No7 Face Wipes - Always buy these with the vouchers when they come around. I know face wipes aren't ideal but after a drunken night out its exactly what's necessary and for those times when you need to remove a few layers of product before washing your face properly.
Duac - Technically not a product you can buy as it's only on prescription but if any of you have skin problems I would 100% recommend you ask your doctor to try this. It's not a long term solution as it can thin your skin but it has permanently cured my acne.
Crabtree and Evelyn Hand Therapy - This is a lovely hand cream I would recommend for anyone with dry hands that need a little more than the average hand cream

Have you tried any of these products? Would you repurchase or give them a miss?

L xxx

What I Couldn't Live Without

Hey!

I was thinking the other day about my rather large stash and how well I'm going through it. I've been doing good but could do better. Then it got me thinking about which products I really couldn't live without now that I've found them and as I've mentioned before, I'm a bit of a list lover. So basically, without any more babble, here's my list of the products I couldn't live without at the moment!

1) Coconut Oil

I love cooking with coconut oil but it is fast becoming a staple in my beauty regime too. Not only is it a great moisturiser for your skin, but its also useful as a cuticle oil, hair mask, for hands and feet and as a lip balm. I tend to smother it all over before bed as a treat but this can take some time to get the oil to warm up. Still worth it tho!

Beauty Rehab

Good morning!

Another Beauty rehab update for you today. I've been ploughing through my stash and moving it around a lot to try and make space and encourage me to use more. It's a long and slow process but I've got into a sort of routine now and clearing things out regularly is a must do as there are always things you can give away and make more space,which is something I could definitely do with!

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream: Loved this and the pinky tone which is lovely, sad to finish it but have a sample one to use.
China Glaze Pool Party: One of my faves which was unfortunately not closed after its last use...its hard as a rock! Gutted, will repurchase in future.
Origins Drink Up Intensive mask: Love this, still have sample sizes from Christmas sets to keep me going.

Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer: This wasn't bad but for the price and size totally not worth it. I'd easily use one in a few small weeks and i find Revlon to be better
Vichy Dermablend: Super fave foundation, already repurchased 100% recommend.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid: Love this though I hate the smell, good coverage and thick enough to cover serious blemishes.
Benefit Hello Flawless: I can't make up my mind on this one, I love the brightening dewy effect it gives but it doesn't last long enough for me whatever primer i use.

NSpa Hot Cloth Polish: This was a great alternative to Liz Earle's original one and I'd definitely purchase this as it is very similar for a much smaller price.
Liz Earle Skin Tonic: This surprised me how much I liked the routine and the smell of the toner but to be honest I don't feel like it did a lot for me, but I'm not a toner lover anyway,
St Tropez Bronzing Mousse: Love this, hate the price but you get what you pay for! Love the colour and it lasts, already repurchased.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Love this, have a stock ALWAYS
Ojon Revitalizing Mist: Helps to condition hair and detangle it but I don't think its worth the price tag, there are cheaper alternatives in my opinion.
S&G Clean On Me: Absolute mammoth size shower gel, gorgeous smell and lasts a lifetime. I always feel like its an accomplishment to finish it! And I always seem to have another in the sidelines...

Collection Illuminating Concealer: Wasn't a huge fan, much prefer the Lasting Perfection one as its a lot thicker and I prefer the wand.
S&G Thick and Fast Mascara: Massive brush that reaches every lash, good for the price and even better when you get it in the Christmas set every year!
Revlon PhotoReady concealer: Loved how easy this was to apply, just draw onto your face! Blends easily and covers everything.

Powders are a it of a thing for me obviously!

Bourjois Mineral Powder: Contains a sponge for portable travel but i wasn't a fan and the smell was a little off putting (very powdery and old woman like!)
Rimmel Match Perfection Loose Powder: Loved this, first time I've used a loose powder and I'd definitely repurchase.
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder: Didn't finish this as it became coated after use and to be honest it wasn't good enough for me to try and scrape the top off and try again.

So there you have, this was what I managed to use up and get rid of this month.

What have you been using up? Do you agree with my views on some of these products?

L xxx