The Body Shop Blueberry Shower Gel
As soon as The Body Shop announced that they were going to be releasing a limited edition blueberry range, I was all over it faster than you can say "blueberry"! I loved the scent of this shower gel so much - so fresh, not synthetic at all (To be honest, The Body Shop usually do well to avoid synthetic smelling fragrances) and it foamed really well. I was surprised to find that Martin liked it too.
Repurchase? If it comes back next year, yes.[bxA]
The Body Shop Early-Harvest Raspberry Shower Gel
Another limited edition range - although I believe you can still buy the standard raspberry version - this too was a pleasure to use and was used up far too quickly for my liking (I'm pretty sure my mum nicked some!) It reminded me a little bit of raspberry jam, but managed to avoid being too sickly sweet. It's hard to choose between this and the blueberry as to which was my favourite scent, so I'll go with both!
Repurchase? If it comes back next year, yes.
Boozi Bodycare Cheeky Woo Woo Body Wash*
I won this as part of a set with a matching bubble bath from the Blog Yorkshire event earlier in the year. I didn't think I'd like this as I don't usually like the smell of peach, but it was fairly pleasant in the end. It didn't wow me with the scent, nor did it do anything special - a pretty average shower gel if I'm honest.
Repurchase? No.
Rituals Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Body Cream*
This was included in the goody bag from the Zatchels event I went to in York, and having already used the foaming shower gel in the same fragrance, I was really pleased to be able to give this a go! The texture was really unusual - really light and fluffy - but incredibly smooth and creamy, it felt very luxurious. I loved it, but the steep price tag puts me off a bit - the only downside to Rituals products.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Rituals Moisture Recovery Night Cream*
Another sample from the Zatchels goody bag, and I didn't have any high expectations of this. I figured that a night cream is a night cream, they can't all be that different, right? Wrong! This felt lovely on my skin, and again the texture was really unusual - not dissimilar to the body cream. My skin definitely saw an improvement after using it for a few nights, leaving it soft and glowing the next morning.
Repurchase? Yes.
As soon as The Body Shop announced that they were going to be releasing a limited edition blueberry range, I was all over it faster than you can say "blueberry"! I loved the scent of this shower gel so much - so fresh, not synthetic at all (To be honest, The Body Shop usually do well to avoid synthetic smelling fragrances) and it foamed really well. I was surprised to find that Martin liked it too.
Repurchase? If it comes back next year, yes.[bxA]
The Body Shop Early-Harvest Raspberry Shower Gel
Another limited edition range - although I believe you can still buy the standard raspberry version - this too was a pleasure to use and was used up far too quickly for my liking (I'm pretty sure my mum nicked some!) It reminded me a little bit of raspberry jam, but managed to avoid being too sickly sweet. It's hard to choose between this and the blueberry as to which was my favourite scent, so I'll go with both!
Repurchase? If it comes back next year, yes.
Boozi Bodycare Cheeky Woo Woo Body Wash*
I won this as part of a set with a matching bubble bath from the Blog Yorkshire event earlier in the year. I didn't think I'd like this as I don't usually like the smell of peach, but it was fairly pleasant in the end. It didn't wow me with the scent, nor did it do anything special - a pretty average shower gel if I'm honest.
Repurchase? No.
Rituals Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Body Cream*
This was included in the goody bag from the Zatchels event I went to in York, and having already used the foaming shower gel in the same fragrance, I was really pleased to be able to give this a go! The texture was really unusual - really light and fluffy - but incredibly smooth and creamy, it felt very luxurious. I loved it, but the steep price tag puts me off a bit - the only downside to Rituals products.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Rituals Moisture Recovery Night Cream*
Another sample from the Zatchels goody bag, and I didn't have any high expectations of this. I figured that a night cream is a night cream, they can't all be that different, right? Wrong! This felt lovely on my skin, and again the texture was really unusual - not dissimilar to the body cream. My skin definitely saw an improvement after using it for a few nights, leaving it soft and glowing the next morning.
Repurchase? Yes.
L'Oreal Elnett Satin Diamond Hold Hairspray
I've heard from many a blogger that this is the hairspray to use if you want ultimate hold for your hair, yet doesn't leave your hair feeling crispy nor is it a pain in the backside to brush out. Did I agree? Yes! This it the best hairspray that I have found to set my curls so far - nothing else has even come close and even from the post alone, you can tell that I've tried a fair few. I doubt that anything will beat it!
Repurchase? Yes - already have.
Lee Stafford Argan Oil Flexible Hold Hairspray*
I had high hopes for this hairspray, with the long-winded jargon on the front of the can and promises of flexible hold that still leaves your hair feeling touchable. Well, whilst it felt fine on my hair, it really didn't do a good job of holding my curls at all. Within a couple of hours they had pretty much all gone, no matter how much I used. If this can't be used for setting curls then I don't know what it's good for!
Repurchase? No.
Batiste Fresh Dry Shampoo*
Aaaah, Batiste; the be-all-and-end-all of dry shampoos. Or is it? Over time I have to say that I have fallen out of love with this dry shampoo - no matter what scent it is. The main problem that I've come across is that it leaves my scalp unbearable itchy, and an excessive amount of residue that can end up coming out all over dark clothes if I wasn't careful. There's better alternatives out there these days for a similar price.
Repurchase? No.
Insette Clubbers Extra Hold Hairspray
I've had these hairsprays for literally years - I remember buying a pack of four of them in the Bodycare store in Leicester when I was at university, which was at least 3 years ago! These are actually very good at holding a hairstyle in place and worked very well on my short hair that I had at the time, but I wouldn't recommend it for setting curls; it does leave hair feeling very crispy and generally a bit grim.
Repurchase? No.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
I've put this into an "All Used Up" post before (I believe that it might have even been the last one?), and I waxed lyrical about it then so I won't go on too much about it now. Hands down, the best texture spray that I've ever tried - I've tried many others, and nothing else is nearly as good as this one. If they could lower the price tag a little bit, I would buy this all the time and probably never run out of it.
Repurchase? Yes.
I've heard from many a blogger that this is the hairspray to use if you want ultimate hold for your hair, yet doesn't leave your hair feeling crispy nor is it a pain in the backside to brush out. Did I agree? Yes! This it the best hairspray that I have found to set my curls so far - nothing else has even come close and even from the post alone, you can tell that I've tried a fair few. I doubt that anything will beat it!
Repurchase? Yes - already have.
Lee Stafford Argan Oil Flexible Hold Hairspray*
I had high hopes for this hairspray, with the long-winded jargon on the front of the can and promises of flexible hold that still leaves your hair feeling touchable. Well, whilst it felt fine on my hair, it really didn't do a good job of holding my curls at all. Within a couple of hours they had pretty much all gone, no matter how much I used. If this can't be used for setting curls then I don't know what it's good for!
Repurchase? No.
Batiste Fresh Dry Shampoo*
Aaaah, Batiste; the be-all-and-end-all of dry shampoos. Or is it? Over time I have to say that I have fallen out of love with this dry shampoo - no matter what scent it is. The main problem that I've come across is that it leaves my scalp unbearable itchy, and an excessive amount of residue that can end up coming out all over dark clothes if I wasn't careful. There's better alternatives out there these days for a similar price.
Repurchase? No.
Insette Clubbers Extra Hold Hairspray
I've had these hairsprays for literally years - I remember buying a pack of four of them in the Bodycare store in Leicester when I was at university, which was at least 3 years ago! These are actually very good at holding a hairstyle in place and worked very well on my short hair that I had at the time, but I wouldn't recommend it for setting curls; it does leave hair feeling very crispy and generally a bit grim.
Repurchase? No.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
I've put this into an "All Used Up" post before (I believe that it might have even been the last one?), and I waxed lyrical about it then so I won't go on too much about it now. Hands down, the best texture spray that I've ever tried - I've tried many others, and nothing else is nearly as good as this one. If they could lower the price tag a little bit, I would buy this all the time and probably never run out of it.
Repurchase? Yes.
L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution
I've gone through a few bottles of these in the past, and for good reason; it's does its job, and does it well. It's also very cheap, and often on offer at Boots or somewhere similar so why would I look for anything else? Granted, I don't use micellar waters much these days, reserving them for removing heavy eye make up or lipstick when needed, but I like to always have a bottle in my drawer on backup.
Repurchase? Yes.
Boots Botanics Gentle Cleansing Cream
I remember buying this as an alternative to my beloved Peaches & Clean (below). It was a lot cheaper, and claimed to have similar AHA properties to help with skin surface renewal. I was disappointed to find that I really didn't like this - it was very watery, so I needed to use more of it and it left my skin feeling dry and uncomfortable too. Not what I was expecting from a product that claims to be "gentle"!
Repurchase? No.
Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Cleanser
Again, I've gone on and on about this in the past so I won't bore you! I think I might have to call this my holy grail cleanser - it's everything I asked it to be and more. I use it on its own in the morning and as a second cleanse at night, and it always leaves my face soft, smooth and never dry or tight at all. My only complaint is the smell, which I'm not a massive fan of, but I've made my peace with it.
Repurchase? Yes, already have.
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter
Another holy grail product for me; my skin definitely notices when I'm not using it. I never expected much from a cleansing balm, as you do of course end up washing it off but this product is a miracle worker. It removes all of my make up off in one, even really stubborn mascara, and when removed with a flannel leaves no uncomfortable residue behind. Please never stop making this, The Body Shop!
Repurchase? Yes - always!
I've gone through a few bottles of these in the past, and for good reason; it's does its job, and does it well. It's also very cheap, and often on offer at Boots or somewhere similar so why would I look for anything else? Granted, I don't use micellar waters much these days, reserving them for removing heavy eye make up or lipstick when needed, but I like to always have a bottle in my drawer on backup.
Repurchase? Yes.
Boots Botanics Gentle Cleansing Cream
I remember buying this as an alternative to my beloved Peaches & Clean (below). It was a lot cheaper, and claimed to have similar AHA properties to help with skin surface renewal. I was disappointed to find that I really didn't like this - it was very watery, so I needed to use more of it and it left my skin feeling dry and uncomfortable too. Not what I was expecting from a product that claims to be "gentle"!
Repurchase? No.
Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Cleanser
Again, I've gone on and on about this in the past so I won't bore you! I think I might have to call this my holy grail cleanser - it's everything I asked it to be and more. I use it on its own in the morning and as a second cleanse at night, and it always leaves my face soft, smooth and never dry or tight at all. My only complaint is the smell, which I'm not a massive fan of, but I've made my peace with it.
Repurchase? Yes, already have.
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter
Another holy grail product for me; my skin definitely notices when I'm not using it. I never expected much from a cleansing balm, as you do of course end up washing it off but this product is a miracle worker. It removes all of my make up off in one, even really stubborn mascara, and when removed with a flannel leaves no uncomfortable residue behind. Please never stop making this, The Body Shop!
Repurchase? Yes - always!
Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream
I got this free in a pack with The Porefessional quite a few months ago - and it's taken me quite a while to use up. I really like this at first, as it seemed to be making a visible difference to my dark circles; I definitely saw an improvement over the course of a few weeks. However, over time it started to irritate my eyes, making them sore, and I'm not sure why this is. It was also never quite moisturising enough for me, which is a shame as I came to dislike this product by the time I finished it.
Repurchase? No.
MAC Moisturiser*
I received this in a goody bag that was kindly gifted to me from the guys at Cohorted, which was full to the brim with exciting treats. Strangely however, no one knew what this was! The only clue was that it was from MAC, and had no description anywhere on the sample pot at all. It was a yellow cream, and felt nice enough on the skin, but I didn't find it to be anything special.
Repurchase? No.
Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream*
This was given to me and other fellow bloggers when we visited the Bobbi Brown counter at the Leeds House of Fraser store way back in February. It was a generous sample size, and it took me some weeks of regular use to get through the pot. I used this as a night cream as it was too heavy for me to use during the day, and it worked perfectly well for this purpose. It was a little thinner in consistency than I expected, but was still very nourishing and had a refreshing citrus scent that made it a joy to use.
Repurchase? For the price, no.
Surkran Gold Crystal Collagen Eye Masks*
I've had these for so long, that shamefully I can't remember where I got them from! I put off using these for so long as I thought that they would be uncomfortable; I've tried similar ones in the past and wanted to take them off after two minutes. However, these ones were much better - they're gel based all the way through, so much easier to wear so close to the eyes and I even found them to be quite soothing. I didn't see much of a difference to my eye area, but they definitely made my eyes feel less tired and puffy.
Repurchase? Yes.
Rituals Face No 1 Bamboo & Ginger Facial Cleanser*
The final sample product that I tried from the Zatchels goody bag, and the one I liked the least. I think that this cleanser is actually for men - the smell along with how it left my skin feeling was a testament to that. It had a pearl-like texture, and felt very creamy, but when applied to the skin it foamed - a big no-no for me. It left my skin feeling very dry and begging for moisturiser - I couldn't use one quick enough!
Repurchase? No.
Urban Veda Radiance Day Cream*
Another goody bag sample - I've done well with these, haven't I? I actually ended up with a few samples of the Urban Veda moisturisers and facial scrubs, and as a whole I generally like their products. This cream was perfectly nice to use, and was actually suitable for me to use during the day, which made a nice change. It was a little too heavily scented for me, but it didn't create an adverse effect on my skin.
Repurchase? No.
Boots Dry Eyes Vitamin A+E Eye Drops
With the contact lenses I have, which are called "extended wear", it means that I don't take them out when I go to sleep - crazy, I know. This means that when I wake up in the morning, I need some eye drops to give my eyes an extra boost of moisture - and for a while these did the trick just fine. However, I have since found some that are even better and these now pale in comparison!
Repurchase? No.
Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion
Most people gasp in horror when I tell them that I use a Clinique Clarifying Lotion - and then look confused when I tell them it's the mild one! This is a hidden gem in Clinique's skincare range that they never talk about; and as such, not many people are aware that it even exists! A toning lotion that is alcohol and fragrance free, and contains salicylic acid high on the ingredients list - it really helpts to keep my skin and check and I can't be without it these days. If you can ever find it at a Clinique counter, try it!
Repurchase? Yes - already have.
I got this free in a pack with The Porefessional quite a few months ago - and it's taken me quite a while to use up. I really like this at first, as it seemed to be making a visible difference to my dark circles; I definitely saw an improvement over the course of a few weeks. However, over time it started to irritate my eyes, making them sore, and I'm not sure why this is. It was also never quite moisturising enough for me, which is a shame as I came to dislike this product by the time I finished it.
Repurchase? No.
MAC Moisturiser*
I received this in a goody bag that was kindly gifted to me from the guys at Cohorted, which was full to the brim with exciting treats. Strangely however, no one knew what this was! The only clue was that it was from MAC, and had no description anywhere on the sample pot at all. It was a yellow cream, and felt nice enough on the skin, but I didn't find it to be anything special.
Repurchase? No.
Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream*
This was given to me and other fellow bloggers when we visited the Bobbi Brown counter at the Leeds House of Fraser store way back in February. It was a generous sample size, and it took me some weeks of regular use to get through the pot. I used this as a night cream as it was too heavy for me to use during the day, and it worked perfectly well for this purpose. It was a little thinner in consistency than I expected, but was still very nourishing and had a refreshing citrus scent that made it a joy to use.
Repurchase? For the price, no.
Surkran Gold Crystal Collagen Eye Masks*
I've had these for so long, that shamefully I can't remember where I got them from! I put off using these for so long as I thought that they would be uncomfortable; I've tried similar ones in the past and wanted to take them off after two minutes. However, these ones were much better - they're gel based all the way through, so much easier to wear so close to the eyes and I even found them to be quite soothing. I didn't see much of a difference to my eye area, but they definitely made my eyes feel less tired and puffy.
Repurchase? Yes.
Rituals Face No 1 Bamboo & Ginger Facial Cleanser*
The final sample product that I tried from the Zatchels goody bag, and the one I liked the least. I think that this cleanser is actually for men - the smell along with how it left my skin feeling was a testament to that. It had a pearl-like texture, and felt very creamy, but when applied to the skin it foamed - a big no-no for me. It left my skin feeling very dry and begging for moisturiser - I couldn't use one quick enough!
Repurchase? No.
Urban Veda Radiance Day Cream*
Another goody bag sample - I've done well with these, haven't I? I actually ended up with a few samples of the Urban Veda moisturisers and facial scrubs, and as a whole I generally like their products. This cream was perfectly nice to use, and was actually suitable for me to use during the day, which made a nice change. It was a little too heavily scented for me, but it didn't create an adverse effect on my skin.
Repurchase? No.
Boots Dry Eyes Vitamin A+E Eye Drops
With the contact lenses I have, which are called "extended wear", it means that I don't take them out when I go to sleep - crazy, I know. This means that when I wake up in the morning, I need some eye drops to give my eyes an extra boost of moisture - and for a while these did the trick just fine. However, I have since found some that are even better and these now pale in comparison!
Repurchase? No.
Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion
Most people gasp in horror when I tell them that I use a Clinique Clarifying Lotion - and then look confused when I tell them it's the mild one! This is a hidden gem in Clinique's skincare range that they never talk about; and as such, not many people are aware that it even exists! A toning lotion that is alcohol and fragrance free, and contains salicylic acid high on the ingredients list - it really helpts to keep my skin and check and I can't be without it these days. If you can ever find it at a Clinique counter, try it!
Repurchase? Yes - already have.
Annoyingly, I did have a picture of my used-up make up products - which clever me decided to delete, never to be seen again. Grrrr! I remember a few products that were in the picture (Sadly not all of them), so you'll have to make do without a picture for these products!
YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation
My foundation of choice all throughout the summer months was this, and for the most part we had a few happy months together. The coverage was natural/low, buildable to medium, but I prefer a foundation like this and to cover any imperfections with concealer. It was sometimes a little dry if I hadn't properly moisturised, but otherwise offered a realistic, skin-like finish. However, I did get frustrated at the lack of oil-control properties and it didn't work well with my oily t-zone, often breaking down within a few hours.
Repurchase? No.
Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream*
I was so happy to find this in a event goody bag - I love the Marvel Gel and had wanted to try the BB Cream for a while, and now I finally had the chance! I started using this after finishing my YSL foundation and fell in love with it straight away - it just works so well for my skin. It only comes in one shade, but it surprisingly matches mine really well. The finish is very dewy, but once toned down with a light dusting of powder it leaves behind a flawless finish. Again, it didn't hold up too well on my nose but it didn't break down - only let oil through which was easily solved with some powder. This is now my go-to for most days, as the coverage is lightweight but very buildable - it never cakes or looks too heavy.
Repurchase? Yes - already purchased a full-sized tube!
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Face Powder
I ended up with two of these when I bought them on a 3 for 2 offer on a bit of a whim - and I thought for a while that I had made the wrong decision that day. However, now that it's run out and I'm using other powders, I've realised how good it really us. It works best with a powder puff rather than a brush, and even on my oil-slick of a nose it holds up incredibly well, managing a good couple of hours before I see the first signs of shine. The colour is a touch light but I can work with it - the fact that it keeps my skin matte for more than an hour at a time makes that small niggle become almost unsignificant.
Repurchase? Yes.
Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil
Last, but not least is the one make up product that I couldn't live without - and yes, I could even manage without concealer if it came to it, as long as I had this! This is the only eyebrow product for me; the pencil fills in the gap in my brows that will never grow hair, and the tint allows me to fill in and shape the rest of my brows and allow for a more natural look, or can be built up to be a bit bolder if needed. I use the lighter shade and it is perfect for me - if Soap & Glory ever discontinue this I would probably cry.
Repurchase? Yes - always!
My foundation of choice all throughout the summer months was this, and for the most part we had a few happy months together. The coverage was natural/low, buildable to medium, but I prefer a foundation like this and to cover any imperfections with concealer. It was sometimes a little dry if I hadn't properly moisturised, but otherwise offered a realistic, skin-like finish. However, I did get frustrated at the lack of oil-control properties and it didn't work well with my oily t-zone, often breaking down within a few hours.
Repurchase? No.
Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream*
I was so happy to find this in a event goody bag - I love the Marvel Gel and had wanted to try the BB Cream for a while, and now I finally had the chance! I started using this after finishing my YSL foundation and fell in love with it straight away - it just works so well for my skin. It only comes in one shade, but it surprisingly matches mine really well. The finish is very dewy, but once toned down with a light dusting of powder it leaves behind a flawless finish. Again, it didn't hold up too well on my nose but it didn't break down - only let oil through which was easily solved with some powder. This is now my go-to for most days, as the coverage is lightweight but very buildable - it never cakes or looks too heavy.
Repurchase? Yes - already purchased a full-sized tube!
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Face Powder
I ended up with two of these when I bought them on a 3 for 2 offer on a bit of a whim - and I thought for a while that I had made the wrong decision that day. However, now that it's run out and I'm using other powders, I've realised how good it really us. It works best with a powder puff rather than a brush, and even on my oil-slick of a nose it holds up incredibly well, managing a good couple of hours before I see the first signs of shine. The colour is a touch light but I can work with it - the fact that it keeps my skin matte for more than an hour at a time makes that small niggle become almost unsignificant.
Repurchase? Yes.
Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil
Last, but not least is the one make up product that I couldn't live without - and yes, I could even manage without concealer if it came to it, as long as I had this! This is the only eyebrow product for me; the pencil fills in the gap in my brows that will never grow hair, and the tint allows me to fill in and shape the rest of my brows and allow for a more natural look, or can be built up to be a bit bolder if needed. I use the lighter shade and it is perfect for me - if Soap & Glory ever discontinue this I would probably cry.
Repurchase? Yes - always!
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