Empty Products- the October Edition.

It's that time of the month again, empties time!! I've racked up a total of 13 empty products this month, which is pretty good going for me. They're a mixture of skincare, haircare, nails, makeup and fragrance! Read on to see what I think of each. :-)

Bioderma Crealine h2O Solution Micellaire- I really enjoy using miscellar waters, I think they're great because they remove face/base makeup effectively and are gentle enough for all skin types. Bioderma was the first I purchased and probably remains my favourite of them all. It's unscented and I notice an improvement in my skin when I remove my makeup with it before cleansing my face, rather than just using a cleanser on it's own to remove my makeup as well as clean my skin. Bioderma isn't readily available in the UK (though I heard miniatures are on sale in Harrods now) so I use an eBay seller, I think this 500ml bottle cost me between £12-£15. There is something so simple yet tactile about the bottle too, I just love it.
Will I buy this again?
I've got an Etat Pur one to use now but I'm certain I'll buy this again in the future.

YSL Top Secrets Pro Removers Eye Makeup Remover- This 30ml bottle came free with a selection of YSL products in a makeup bag that I was given last Christmas after spending so much on the counter! I absolutely loved this, it removed eye makeup instantly and gently, without irritating my sensitive eyes.
Will I buy this again?
I've got a full sized eye makeup remover still unopened, but I would buy this full sized.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish- Another month, another empty Cleanse & Polish! This is my go-to fail safe cleanser of the moment, it cleanses really well and gently removes any excess makeup. I think it's price is so reasonable for the quality, it contains gorgeous natural ingredients such as chamomile, cocoa butter and eucalyptus oil.
Will I buy this again?
Already have.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light moisturiser- This claims to offer 48 hour hydration and is targeted towards those with sensitive skin. The consistency of this is quite fluid and it takes quite a long time to absorb. For once, a Vichy product left me quite opinionless.
Will I buy this again?
No.

L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream- This was a sample given to me after my boyfriend spent £22 on a body wash for my birthday. I absolutely adored this, while I only used it once I noticed how quickly it absorbed for such a rich cream that contains 25% Shea Butter. It softened my legs and elbows, and the nourished effects could still be felt in these areas days later, after further showering.

Will I buy this?

I would love to have this full size, it'd be a perfect winter moisturiser.

Kiehls 'Creme De Corps' All Over Body moisturiser- This was a favourite of mine and was featured in my May favourites. Luxurious, soft, and doesn't take too long to absorb, it's ideal if you're looking for an unscented intensive body moisturiser. This is technically Ben's, so he used it up and I thought I'd include it in the post, I only used it sporadically but I always enjoyed it when I did.
Will I buy this again?
I'm sure Ben will ;-)

Lee Stafford Hot Shots 4 Blondes- I used to use these religiously when I had white bleached hair when I was younger. This time around, they don't seem to have done much though girls at work keep commenting that I seem to be blonder and blonder each week so perhaps it has been working more than I know noticed. It's a purple treatment that you lather into shampooed hair, before conditioning. You're meant to leave it on for 2 minutes but I always try and do 5, it eliminates brassy, yellow tones to colour treated hair to create a more pure blonde.
Will I buy this again?
This was a repurchase but this time I'm undecided. I think I will try another purple treatment first.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in 'Cherry'- This will probably appear every month. You can read what I think here.
Will I buy this again?
Already have.

17 Miracle Matte pressed powder in 'Ivory Porcelain'- While this was nice n' pale, it was too powdery and heavy on the skin no matter how little I used. The entire product lasted me about two months, but it did shatter when it was near empty and I lost a lot of product when I subsequently opened it!
Will I buy this again?
No.

Nails Inc 'Harley Street' ridge filler- Though this isn't technically empty, it has died a death. The brush no longer reaches the product unless tipped and the product is a gloopy mess. This has served me well as a base coat and I've used it so much over the last year. It smoothes the base of the nail well and doesn't take very long to dry.
Will I buy this again?
I've got another basecoat to use up at the moment, but it doesn't even compare to this one. I will buy this again when I've got a spare tenner.

Hugo Boss 'Orange' EDT-  I've had this for a loong time and for a while it was my favourite but then I felt that it didn't last very long on my skin and stopped wearing it as often. I think my tastes have changed (working next to the perfume department hasn't helped!) so I won't buy this again even though it is a gorgeous scent. I remember an old friend of mine telling me 'if I was a girl, I'd want to smell like that' when I hugged him, and I was wearing this at the time. That sounds quite funny written down, but it was a nice compliment all the same.
Will I buy this again?
No.

Dolce and Gabbana 'Pour Femme' EDP- This was a 2ml sample size of the new fragrance. I've never really liked D&G perfumes and this one was no exception; it's overly sweet, heavy and unoriginal.
Will I buy this?
No.

Marc Jacobs 'Daisy' EDT- Another sample. This is a pretty, feminine and playful scent that I imagine would appeal to a large age range. It's fresh and floral, a lovely day scent or for the summer.
Will I buy this?
No- I don't love the scent enough, and I don't like the bottle!

Do you use any of these products, if so what do you think of them? Please link me to your empties posts too, they're my favourite to read!

Empty Products- the August Edition.

I've not done one of these before but found myself really enjoying other people's posts on what they've used up so am giving it a bash myself. Grab yourself a cup 'o tea, I hope you enjoy!

 17 Photo Flawless primer 

Since becoming a DoubleWear convert I have strayed away from using primers as I haven't found it completely necessary to use one due to the 15hr staying power of the foundation. I've owned this product for a while and repurchased many times as I found this primer to be of excellent quality particularly for the price and I noticed no difference between this one's performance and the infamous Smashbox Photo Finish primer. If you're looking for a cheap silicone based primer that will mattify the surface of your skin and absorb excess oils aswell as minimise the appearance of pores, then give this one a go!

Will I buy this again?

Oneday I'm sure I will, but I don't need it right now.

17 BB Blemish Balm, All In One Magic Makeup, SPF15.

I was so impressed by this, as always the quality of 17 makeup seems to surpass it's pricetag. In hindsight it was too deep for my skin but I did enjoy mixing it in with Illamasqua's Skin Base foundation for a while. The SPF15 is quite low considering this is meant to be a BB cream and while I didn't notice particular skincare benefits, it offers a great coverage and leaves the skin looking so fresh and healthy. Full review here.

Will I buy this again?

Whilst I recommend this, it's not a product I need or want at the moment so I probably wouldn't.

Revlon Colorstay Makeup in 'Ivory'

In a bid to use stuff up before I moved house, I used up the last few drops of foundation after it sitting at the back of the drawer for a few months. This was a foundation I absolutely loved last year, despite it's initial stench of emulsion paint this foundation offers medium, buildable coverage and lasts really well. Pretty much a DoubleWear 'dupe' on the highstreet, plus it comes in really pale shades- wahoo!

Will I buy this again?

I will certainly buy this again, it's a good foundation to have 'just in case'. 

CHANEL Poudre Universelle Libre AKA Natural Finish Loose Powder  

A full review can be found here if you wish to know more detail however I'll state a couple of points about it. I love how fine this setting powder is (it's like dust!) and the amount you get is so generous that this product lasted me 6 fabulous months. The grate that controls the product can be a little wasteful at times and the packaging is huuuge and bulky!- Definitely one you want to depot if going away for the weekend! 

Will I buy this again? 

For now, no. I do think there are better powders out there for perhaps a cheaper price. I did love having a bit of Chanel luxury on my face everyday, though and it was a great match!

MAC bronzer in 'Bronze'

Yeah this is a pretty good bronzer, it's matte, fairly soft and not too dramatic on fair skin. You get a fair amount of product and don't need to use much, but I haven't felt the need to use bronzer much and so just used up the last scraps of it this month.

Will I buy this again?

Unlikely.

Avene Very High Protection Cream Factor 50.

I have given this a full review here and stated my love for this product. I believe it is a must have for everyone, but especially fair skinned ladies such as myself. It absorbs well and keeps me completely protected and burn free on those sunny days.

Will I buy this again?

Already have, haven't I!

Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish

I'm always a little bit sad when this runs out as I do think it is a brilliant cleanser, and it has done wonders for my skin. I've recently been using Vichy's 3in1 cleanser instead, however I don't like not having one of these in a drawer somewhere as a 'back up.'

Will I buy this again?

Absolutely, it's a must have!

Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist

I've been using this for a long time as I think it does the job alright for the price. As I've said numerous times before, I'm terrible at hair and don't really know much about it or what it needs, but yeah, this seems good.

Will I buy this again?

Most probably, plus I like the sweet musky smell!

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover

This is my standard, go-to nail polish remover. After the disaster that was Sally Hansen Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover I slapped myself on the wrist for even daring to try another. This works and does the job efficiently, and doesn't smell too bad.

Will I buy this again?

I'll never betray you again, Cutex. (Already repurchased)

Elie Saab 'Le Parfum'

I've actually got through several samples of this as the 5ml tubes do not last me long considering I like to soak myself in the stuff! This is such a me scent at the moment, I could literally bathe in the stuff and I'm hoping to have a full sized bottle in my possession ASAP! Elegant, feminine, floral. Lovely.

Will I buy this agin? 

Yes please!

 

If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned, you can leave a comment below or tweet me @emilydimplesxo. Do you use any of these?

Springtime Nude Look #FOTD

Hiya girlies!

Apologies for a short absence, I been busy and the like. But I'm back with a spring nude inspired Face of the Day for you. 

According to Illamasqua's twitter yesterday it was National No Make Up Day, now this is a beauty blog so it would completely defeat the object to show you my face with no makeup on (I wouldn't subject you to that either, ha!) but I thought why not try a naked inspired look...

 

As strange as it may sound, I have real problems wearing a nude look, I'm always seen with a bold colour on my lips, or eyes, or cheeks. Or all. What can I say, I love makeup! I struggled to create a nude look and physically had to stop myself from reaching for the bold colours, it's become habit. However, I'm a strong believer that it's good to mix up your look and experiment and lately I have been gaining interest in nude lips. I don't own many nude, or natural- type lip colours in my collection so plumped for M.A.C 'Blankety' which is a sort of brown toned nude beige colour, I popped some Laura Mercier lip gloss on top to make it a bit more jazzy and to neutralise the brown tones a bit. I've just ordered Creme d'Nude so we'll see how I fair with that- will keep you posted!

I got to admit, I couldn't help but add a bright cheek colour...to make it a bit more exciting, Illamasqua powder blusher in 'Lover' is a strong fave of mine though would probably terrify most other people....I've got a post coming up on my Illamasqua blushers in a couple of weeks time, it's not showing up too strong in these pictures. I threw in a strong brow in for good measure, or I would have felt completely naked!

FOTD:

17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 'Shell'

Bare Minerals Matte Powder in 'C10 Fair'

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in 'Lover'

Benefit Hervana Blusher

M.A.C. Bronzing Powder in 'Matte Bronze'

Eyes:

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eyelid Primer

NARS Eyeshadow in 'Abyssinia' all over lid

17 Eyeshadow in 'Fanfare' in crease

M.A.C Eyeshadow in 'Showstopper' in crease and underneath eye, and used to define and fill brows

Maybelline Gel Eyeliner

Rimmel Eye Pencil in 'Pure White' on waterline

Benefit High Brow

M.A.C. Cream Colour Base in 'Pearl' on brow bone

Yves Saint Laurent 'Shocking' Mascara

M.A.C 'Blankety' (amplified) and Laura Mercier Lip Gloss in 'Nude Lilac'

What new makeup looks are you going to be trying this spring?

Do you struggle to wear a nude look, or is this what you wear everyday?

Can you recommend any great nude lip colours?

 

17 'Instant Glow' Bronzer Review & Instagram!!

 17 Instant Glow Powder Bronzer in 'Medium Bronze', £4.59 for 10g

17 are my favourite line for cheap cosmetics products, it's very rare their products disappoint me and items such as their eyeshadow or their BB Cream are more often than not incorporated into my daily makeup. Granted, I've not tried every product in the range, but the fact that they are constantly revamping and creating new products to sell is pretty refreshing and exciting.

They've released a new bronzer which is part of the Instant Glow range and it comes in two shades, I opted for medium bronze.

The packaging is palm- sized and circular, with black and clear plastic casing. The lid lifts easily and clicks shut into place, you are able to see the product through the packaging. When new, the pan has a shooting stars style embellishment. You get a whopping 10g of product!

I really like the fact that this product is matte, and in terms of it's texture, shade and consistency it reminds me so much of the ever famous Benefit 'Hoola'. Similarly to 'Hoola' it doesn't seem to contain any orange pigmentation- a definite plus +++++ !!

The powder picks up onto my brushes really well and I find it blends pretty well as it's soft, but it is better to start with a little and build this one up. It's suitable for an all over sun kissed look or as a contour powder. I find that it doesn't tend to look muddy, which so many bronzers can do (though this is usually due to bad application, over application etc) and the medium shade isn't too dark for my pale skin.

Overall I am really impressed with this product, I've used it a lot over the past couple of weeks. Some factors I like the most are that it is matte, it gives a natural finish and that it is so cheap. I would recommend this!


I joined Instagram this week (username is emilylaurenbethxo), I've only had it a few days but I'm really enjoying it so far, I just need more people's photos to look at, so if you have it give me a follow and I'll follow you straight back! Here's some pics I've posted so far;

Follow me! emilylaurenbethxo

Those seeking RED #Illamasqua #Sleek #17 #M.A.C.

My Favourite Red Lipsticks

I thought I'd do a post on my top 4 red lipsticks, they're all different brands & different prices to suit all budgets and tastes They're my favourite ones I own, the ones I'm most impressed with and the ones I wear the most. I'm hoping there'll be a red for everyone in the selection, let me know which one you would choose or already own!

 

Left to right; Illamasqua 'Drench', Sleek 'Vixon', 17 'Hot Chilli' and M.A.C. 'Russian Red'.

 

Illamasqua Matte Lipstick 'Drench' £15.50 for 4g

The newest red to make it into my collection is Drench. A flattering raspberry pink matte red that has cool undertones. It's ever so slightly softer than an intense red like Russian Red (review below). It takes a couple of coats to achieve an even, opaque finish but this formula lasts a good amount of time! I'd recommend this to people who like/always wear pink lipsticks, as it still has that pink 'element' to it.

Sleek True Colour Lipstick 'Vixon' £3.99 for 3.5g

This is a beautiful true red that can lean a little orange depending on the light. Vixon is the perfect red for those who haven't ever worn a red and don't want to break the bank doing so. It's the best option for girls who shy away from mattes as this one is shiny- almost glossy in finish. Considering it's cheap and has a shine, the lasting power of this is great. It contains Vitamin E which is an added bonus for nourished lips! I think it's a flaterring, vibrant colour.

17 Lasting Fix Lipstick 'Hot Chilli' £4.29.

I always get lots of compliments when I wear this. It's a neon- esque orange pigmented red lipstick, something I would call, a 'bright orange red' and is a shade somewhere between M.A.C's 'So Chaud' and 'Morange'. It's completely different to anything else I own and I love it, the pictures below don't do it justice! Formula wise, it is smooth and non drying providing a near matte finish.

To some it may be more of a spring/ summer colour but it has brightened up my winter face! I'd recommend it to girls who want a variation of a red, want to stand out or want to look like they're wearing a M.A.C. lipstick, haha!

M.A.C Matte Lipstick in 'Russian Red', £13.50 for 3g.

My oldest M.A.C Lipstick will always remain my favourite and most cherished, and this is the one. It's a matte finish blood red with blue undertones and is not for the faint hearted! It is a statement red, perfect for a retro or pin up look and is flattering as it is quite deep in tone. It's extremely long lasting and applies like a dream. I'd recommend Russian Red for those who know that they like red lips, that don't mind deeper- toned colour on their lips and want a long lasting finish. 

I'd always recommend applying a red lip liner before using red lipstick. I find it is sometimes the hardest colour to apply because it makes such a bold statement that the lines have to be perfect to avoid looking like a dogs dinner! Wear with simple flushed cheeks, and a fresh but flawless face. Blue toned lipsticks will be more flattering to the teeth, but at the end of the day it's about what red you feel most comfortable in, and what finish you prefer to wear.

17 Review #1 Nail Varnish

17 Fast Finish Nail Varnish in Ruby Gem £2.99

Left; With flash. Right; Without

The perfect autumnal shade, but also the perfect shade to take you into the upcoming CHRISTMAS SEASON!!! I can see this being 'jazzed up' with the Barry M 150 red glitter polish, or with some festive nail art, I'll post some photos nearer the time, I've got a couple of ideas. It's a deep, blood red, a stunning jewel colour that deepens and intensifies with every coat. I think this colour is versatile and will suit everyone. It dries pretty quickly too! 17 never fail to disappoint me actually, just a shame that this seems to chip after a day (even with base and top coat...sad face)

Three Coats

What colours are you wearing on your nails at the moment?

17 Review #1 BB Cream

17 Blemish Balm in Light, currently £5.99( in Boots) for 30ml 

I've been interested in using one of these for a while, I know that my Illamasqua Skin Base is 'based' on the concepts of a BB cream, but recently I've not been reaching for the Skin Base because I'm finding it increasingly harder to use. I know that the Garnier release went flying off the shelves, but I stopped myself from buying it so many times. Firstly the 'light' shade seemed too dark for my skin tone, it also seemed quite greasy and also quite expensive for something I wasn't sure I really wanted. There's been lot's of hype for BB creams, so read on to see what I think of 17's version...

Astounding results. I am honestly so impressed, surprised and happy with this product that I cannot sing its praises enough. The 'light' shade (there's currently 'light' and 'medium') matches me well, the consistency of the product is a soft liquid balm, perfect consistency as it is easily controllable, and not too thick that it's difficult to blend. A generous pea sized amount covers my face.

I've been having serious problems with my skin for the fist time in my life, recently (post coming up on that one) so was dubious as to whether even try this- wondering if it might make matters worse, and was also worried the coverage wouldn't be strong enough for a long day at work, there was no need for me to worry!

I've been using the 17 Blemish Balm for about 10 days now (I don't like to review before I've really used a product first), and it hasn't disturbed my skin, and it has been something I've chosen to pick up each day.

The coverage is a satisfactory medium, and also buildable once the first layer has dried. It covers my flaws without making me looking 'plastered on' or 'fake', it's flawless and perfect for my needs at the moment, it evens out my skintones wonderfully. I was expecting it to be weaker, considering it was a cheap product. An excellent day time coverage.

The coverage lasts all day, and doesn't dry out and cling to my pores by the end of the day like I find with some foundations. The SPF 25 is also an excellent bonus, particularly for us fair skinned girlies!

The packaging is a squeeze bottle which is handy and well designed. A simple black colour with silver writing is also a nice touch, I would say. It doesn't look like it was only £5.99!

Used all over face; Primer, BB Cream and a light dusting of loose mineral powder to seal.

All I can say is...go buy this! It's better than any cheap foundation, and is a bloody bargain. 

Thanks for reading, I'd love to know your opinions on this product? x