Project Empties #19

Friday 30 November 2012


This month I have been focusing on working through the stash of sample size products that I have. I was saving them for occasions where I travel and need smaller size products, however I haven't got any travel plans for the near future, so it made sense to use them.

Of the products that I finished this month, I would repurchase the L'Occitane Essential Oils 3 Shower Gel, which I really liked the scent of, even though it isn't a scent I would usually go for. It has a mix of mint, pine and rosemary essential oils in and smells like a lovely mix of them and almost has a citrusy twist to it. I would also repurchase the Boots Vitamin E facial oil. I have a review of the Superdrug one here, but it also applies to the Boots one as they are basically the same thing. The Superdrug Aqua Hydrating Serum is another product that I would buy again, as it left my skin feeling soft and hydrated all day long. It has a light-weight consistency and sinks into the skin really quickly.

I'm undecided about whether or not I would repurchase the Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover, as it did a fairly good job at removing my eye makeup. However I don't usually like oily makeup removers, as they tend to leave an oil residue. The Avene Redness Relief Moisturiser is another product I'm unsure about. It has a rather plasticky smell, which I didn't really like and at first I didn't think it had much of an effect on my skin. However, after about 10 minutes, the redness in my skin did look decreased and my skin looked evened out, but on a day to day basis, I don't have the time to wait 10 minutes for my moisturiser to sink in and even out any redness. I can't really remember the scent of Thierry Mugler Alien, as I finished the sample at the beginning of the month. It's definitely a scent that I wouldn't have chosen straight away, as I tend to opt for sweeter perfumes. However, as far as I can remember, I grew to like it but unfortunately the sample ran out once I had changed my mind! I'll have to go and have a sniff at this next time I'm out shopping to see whether or not I actually like it.

I wouldn't repurchase the Clinique All About Eyes eye cream. I got this free with Glamour magazine a while back and when I first started using it, I really enjoyed it and bought a few back ups. Now, I'm not sure about it as I don't feel like it really did much.

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Review: YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

Wednesday 21 November 2012



I bought the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation on a complete whim. Debenhams had 10% off and I had £5 to spend on my beauty points card, so I bought it. I never do that when it comes to makeup purchases, especially high end makeup, as I usually read reviews extensively before deciding to buy something.

I have the shade BD20. The SA originally matched me to B40, but I eventually decided that it was too dark. BD20 is a perfect match for my NC15 skin.

This foundation has a light-medium coverage. It is definitely buildable, as I like to use 2 layers and it gives a flawless, dewy finish. It has a fresh, almost cucumbery smell which is pleasant and not overpowering. Even though my skin is a little drier now that it's coming into the winter months, it doesn't cling to any dry patches. I like to powder down the centre of my face and I find it lasts fairly well on my skin and fades evenly. I get a little shine on my forehead by lunchtime, but that's nothing a little powder or blotting paper can't fix. I occasionally mixing it with a little MAC Studio Fix Fluid and I find it gives a nice balance between dewy and matte and helps the lasting power.

If you would like to see what it looks like on the skin, I was wearing it in my recent Autumn face and outfit post and my new glasses post.

Have you ever tried this foundation?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Autumn Face and Outfit

Monday 19 November 2012

After my last FOTD, I decided to try to post them more so you can see what products I am using frequently, as I review products that I try but there are some staples that I have never actually reviewed that are part of my everyday arsenal. This FOTD also leads into my next post, which will be a review of the foundation I am wearing.


Face:
YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation
Benefit It Stick
Benefit Dallas

Eyes and eyebrows:
Urban Decay Halfbaked (all over the lid)
Collection 2000 Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner
Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara
Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Black/Brown

Lips:
MUA Lipstick Shade 1

I also wore black tights (Primark), black ballet pumps (Topshop), my trench coat (Michael Kors) and a big woolly scarf (Zara) - not pictured, sorry.

This kind of outfit has become one of my Autumn wardrobe staples. It's very simple, but super comfortable and it means I can transition some of my summery bottoms into the Autumn/Winter months. I have at least 4 floral skirts that I wear to death during the summer months, but I feel they go to waste a little during the colder months, so I have been pairing them with a cozy knit, a pair of opaque black tights and a chunky scarf and I really like the way it looks.

What has been your Autumn/Winter staple?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

UK/USA Swap

Friday 16 November 2012

I recently did a drugstore makeup swap with Jawharah (Youtube: JawharahS2), who lives in the USA and I was so excited when I received my parcel last week. I absolutely love everything that she bought for me and I thought I'd share pictures and swatches of the products I received!



From L-R: Wet n Wild Heather Silk, Wet n Wild Mellow Wine, Wet n Wild Pearlescent Pink, NYX Taupe, NYX Mocha


From L-R: NYX Walnut, Wet n Wild Lust Palette, NYX Peach Bronze


From L-R: Wet n Wild Spiked with Rum (I love that name!), Wet n Wild Just Peachy



I absolutely love everything and I'm so excited to play around with all the products! You can check out Jawharah's video of the things I got her here.

Have any of you ever done an international swap?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

New Glasses

Monday 12 November 2012




I have been after a new pair of glasses for a while now. I've had my Chanel pair, which I wear every day, for almost 5 years now and I fancied a bit of a change. I posted about a bargain pair that I bought in January (here), but I have to admit I barely wear those as I think they make my face/cheeks look even rounder than it already is! I bought this Anna Sui pair from Metsuki.com for a bargainous price of approximately £40 (£29.95 for the frame, £10-ish for the lenses and £2.50 for 2nd class recorded postage), as they were in the sale. Although they're very similar to my Chanel glasses, I was a little undecided about them at first, as they felt quite tight and I wasn't sure if they were too narrow for my face. Now that I've worn them more, I really like them and I love the little butterfly detail on the arms.

Do you wear glasses? Where are your glasses from?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

*Bought with my own money

Favourite Lipsticks Of The Moment

Wednesday 7 November 2012

MUA Lipstick shade 11 and shade 1

Top: One swipe of MUA Lipstick Shade 11, Bottom: One swipe of MUA Lipstick Shade 1

Top: MUA Lipstick Shade 11, Bottom: MUA Lipstick Shade 1

Recently I have been really enjoying using two lipsticks by MUA. They're brilliant for only £1 and they're comparable to some of my high end lipsticks. If you're sceptical about the brand only costing £1, then seriously don't be. The quality of the products speak for themselves.

Shade 11 is my favourite go-to neutral lipstick. This is your typical 'my lips but better' colour and it is one of my most worn lipsticks. I think that this would suit everybody and it's the perfect everyday lip colour. With one layer, it is fairly sheer and reminds me of the texture of Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipsticks. But I find two layers is perfect for optimum opacity and colour.

I have been wearing Shade 1 a lot too. I am generally quite scared of wearing bright or dark colours on my lips, but recently this colour has been calling out to me. I wear it as either a typical lipstick or dabbed on the lips as a stain and it looks lovely either way! It's a really pigmented colour, which is fully opaque in one layer. I don't wear a lip liner underneath it and I find that it lasts for hours and doesn't feather or spread around my face.

Have you ever tried any MUA lipsticks?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Jewellery Quarter Exploration

Saturday 3 November 2012

I had a day off yesterday and decided to go and explore the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. I've lived in the Jewellery Quarter for almost a year and a half, but have never actually ventured into the main area before.

There were reams and reams of jewellery stores and it would be shopper's heaven if you were looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands. As I was wrapping up my explorations, I spotted the Pen Room. I remember reading about it in first year when we wanted cheap things to do during the weekends, so I decided to pop in. I know this wouldn't be the first place of choice for most people (my flatmates in first year laughed at me when I suggested going there...), but I actually find history interesting and I'm glad I went in. I was told about the history of the pen trade, which was big in Birmingham in the 1800s and shown the machines that they would have used by Patrick, one of the volunteers. He even let me have a go and I got to make a pen nib. And then another volunteer, Keith, taught me about braille and even spelt out my name for me, which was really cool. Then I went through to the other room and was shown the displays by Linda.

Yesterday was something a bit different from just going into town for a mooch around the shops or just slobbing around in my pyjamas on my days off and I had a lovely time. I'd definitely recommend popping in if you're ever in the Jewellery Quarter. I just thought I'd share a few photos with you:


I'm definitely going to try to go to more museums and exhibitions from now on. I'm gutted that I won't be able to see the Chanel Little Black Jacket exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, as I think it finishes tomorrow. Does anyone have any recommendations for things to do/see in either London or Birmingham?

Thanks for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #18

Thursday 1 November 2012


Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
Review: I absolutely love this! It smells gorgeous and leaves my hair feeling so soft. I also never found that this weighed my hair down. I like using this as a normal conditioner or occasionally leaving it on for a few hours as an intensive mask.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Yes! It is perfect for the upcoming winter months.

Molton Brown Shower Gel
Review: This wouldn't usually be a scent that I would pick myself, but I won this in Leanne's giveaway and started to use it once my previous shower gel had run out. Although I wouldn't have picked this scent, I really like it and may now be converted from the sweet smelling shower gels I normally opt for. This product lathered well and left my skin feeling clean, soft and not dried out.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara
Review: This mascara is brilliant. This makes me eyelashes look so long. It doesn't give much volume, but I'm seriously impressed with how much length it gives. I have watery eyes and I have never found this to smudge on me, even though it's not the waterproof version.
Would I repurchase? Yes

L'Oreal True Match Powder
Review: I have repurchased this many times as I like the powder. It doesn't leave me looking cakey and helps mattify my face throughout the day.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner
Review: This is my holy grail eyeliner. I have repurchased this so many times and will continue to! It's a brilliant pigmented eyeliner for only £2.99. One downfall is that it dries out fairly quickly, but I do use it everyday and it lasts me long enough, so I'm not going to grumble about that.
Would I repurchase? Already have!

What have you finished this month?

Thanks for reading. xoxo, Joy