Review: L'Oreal 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Water

As a loyal Bioderma Sensibio H2O fan, I was interested to see how this L'Oreal 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution compares as it is a fraction of the price. I use micellar waters daily to remove my eye makeup and the top layer of my foundation, before double cleansing with either a cleansing balm or oil to remove the rest of my base.

When I first started using the L'Oreal micellar water, I noticed it had a little bit of a plastic smell, but as I have used it more I don't notice it any more. I have quite sensitive eyes and have never found this to irritate them, unless there is too much on the cotton pad and some of the solution goes directly into the eye. After use, I don't find this leaves any residue on my skin and doesn't leave it feeling tight.

I find it removes the bulk of my makeup well, but occasionally leaves random patches of foundation on the skin, especially around the nose. This fares averagely on eye makeup removal, unless I'm prepared to rub with more pressure. I have never used this with waterproof mascara, but I imagine you may be there for a while trying to remove it. On the back of the packaging, it states that the micellar water "acts like a make-up remover, toner and skin soother", which is a little misleading as it sounds like they are suggesting that you can use this alone to remove your makeup, cleanse and tone. I have found that this doesn't leave my face completely makeup free after use, so this would never be a standalone cleansing product in my skincare routine and should be something to bear in mind if you're after a quick and easy makeup removal fix.

The packaging is extremely annoying, as the micellar solution flows out very quickly and you either end up with a drenched cotton pad or solution on the floor - both of which are super annoying and a waste of product. I've found the key to getting the right amount is to put the cotton pad directly on top of the hole (rather than a few cm away) and then just tip the bottle, but don't squeeze it.

While I remain a firm fan in the Bioderma camp, I would repurchase this again, as you can just nip to the shops to purchase this which is handy if you're running low and don't want to shop online and it's also well priced. I believe this usually retails around the £5-6 mark for 200ml, but I'd advise you to shop around, as it's always on offer somewhere. I bought mine for half price from Tesco!

Do you use micellar waters? I'm interested to try the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, has anyone tried that?

Joy xx

Project Empties #26

This month's empties consisted of a lot of skincare items - Hydraluron, Ten Instant Lifting Cream, Superdrug Deep Cleansing Mud Mask, Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (the HUGE 200ml tub!) and Alpha H Liquid Gold. The majority of these products I loved and would definitely repurchase - some I already have - However, there are two items that I don't think I will be repurchasing. The first being this Superdrug Deep Cleansing Mud Mask. When I used this, I didn't feel like it did anything to my skin, let alone deep cleanse it. I've been getting into using masks more recently and I really like clay masks, so I will be on the lookout for a new one to try. I was thinking possibly the Origins Clear Improvement mask... I also don't think I will repurchase the Hydraluron, as I didn't think this product was as amazing as others seem to find it...

I also finished the Nioxin Shampoo from the System Kit 2, which I am definitely going to repurchase as I have noticed since I have stopped using the Nioxin system and the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer, which I really liked when I bought my first tub, as it smooths out your skin making foundation application lovely, but recently I have been preferring a primer that has better mattifying and makeup prolonging properties, like the Body Shop one I reviewed recently.

Amount for the piggy bank: £12.00

What did you finish this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

NOTD: Off The Shoulder

2 coats of Essie Off The Shoulder and 1 coat of L'Oreal Confettis Nail Polish

This is a lovely bright mid-tone pink, which I am loving. I think this will be a firm favourite this Spring/Summer. The formula was fairly opaque and you could get away with just one coat, as there is minimal streakiness. However I did two coats out of habit and to even out any thinner areas. The brush of the new Essie nail polishes is so easy to work with, especially if you're in a rush. I definitely need to invest in a topcoat, as I never use it and managed to chip my nails a few hours after painting my nails. I hate when that happens! So I decided to put a layer of L'Oreal Confettis on top to hide the chips. Do any of you have any recommendations of good topcoats? I'm thinking of perhaps buying Seche Vite?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #21

Recently I have not been finishing as many products as I would like, especially on the makeup front. I really want to start working through my makeup, as I have more than enough. However, my makeup items never seem to finish! They always seem to last forever.

I have had this Murad Clarifying Cleanser for ages, as you only need a little bit of product each time. I bought this from a blog sale, but the RRP of this cleanser is £25 for 200ml, which is fairly expensive for a cleanser but you do get a generous amount of product. I found this cleanser dried my skin out a little, so I only used it a few times a week or more often if my skin had broken out. I really liked it with my Clarisonic as it foamed up nicely, although if you use too much, the bubbles go up your nose and into your mouth! It has a strange smell, which I can't quite pinpoint, but you get used to it after a few uses. I find it difficult to gauge how well it helps with my blemishes, as I use other spot treatments. However my skin has been relatively clear over the time that I have been using this cleanser, so I would say this works well in combination with my skincare routine.

I also finished the L'Oreal Everstrong Conditioner, which I love, as it leaves my hair feeling soft and silky. It has a strong herbal smell, which I really didn't like at first, but grew to like.

I love the Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo. I have repurchased this a number of times and will continue to. It's great for removing build up from styling products and dry shampoo and it leaves my hair feeling clean, without leaving it feeling stripped. This is one of those great products that truly work and don't cost a bomb.

Lastly I finished this Johnson's Dreamy Skin Body Cream. I have had this for ages and am a little glad to finally have finished it! It's quite a light body moisturiser, which blends into the skin easily. I found it moisturised my skin enough, without leaving it feeling greasy or sticky. This moisturiser also has a pleasant smell, which lingers on the skin but isn't too overpowering.

What did you finish this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

NOTD: Confettis

I bought Confettis after seeing lots of people swatch this and thought it was so pretty. It kind of reminds me of salt and pepper, as it's a clear base with black and white hexagonal and circular shapes. I paired it with Models Own 'Utopia', which is one of my go-to polishes, however this topcoat would go with pretty much every colour (except black and white). I've seen it used with all sorts of colours on other blogs and it looks lovely. I find it works best when dabbed onto the nail and it's also great if you've chipped or made a dent in your nail polish, as you can just dab it over the top (as I did on my second finger below). I found this a bit of a pain to remove, as it's essentially like a glitter nail polish. However I really love this topcoat and will definitely be using it a lot in the coming months.

Have you picked this nail polish up?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

November Favourites 2012

This month, I have been loving a number of products. I uploaded my favourites video to Youtube and I think this may have been one of my longest videos. I have also forgotten to include a few items in the photo above that were in my favourites video. Oops.

I have been enjoying using a lighter base over November and my favourites were Origins Vitazing and YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation. Although the Origins Vitazing is very sheer, it adds a nice healthy bit of colour and leaves my skin looking even once a bit of concealer is thrown into the mix. The YSL foundation is lovely. With 2 layers, I feel like my skin looks glowy, dewy and healthy. I like to set my base with Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder (not pictured), as it leaves the skin looking mattified but not chalky or cakey.

I have been wearing eyeshadow more often lately. I love using NYX Walnut all over the lid with Urban Decay's Naked (not pictured) in the crease, as they add a bit of definition without being too dark and dramatic for day time.

For lips, I have been using the Eve Lom Kiss Mix lip balm a lot. It's a lovely minty lip balm, which is glossy enough to pass as a lip gloss and keeps my lips feeling moisturised and soft. I have still been loving the MUA Lipstick in Shade 11 and I have also been enjoying using the Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain, as it adds a lovely pink tint to the lips which stays on for ages.

Ten's Instant Lifting Cream has been my favourite moisturiser of choice for the past few months. It has helped balance my oiliness and dry patches and has left my skin feeling so soft. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is a godsend and helps to keep my skin clear. I have a more in depth review of that coming.

I have been loving this Radox Shower Gel in Brazilian Fusion. It kind of has a unisex scent, which is slightly musky but also a little fruity. It foams up nicely and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight. Lastly, I have been loving this L'Oreal Everstrong conditioner. I love the herbally smell and the conditioner has left my hair feeling so soft and less frizzy.

What were you loving throughout November?

Thanks for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #18

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

Everyday Makeup

I don't often post FOTDs on here... In fact, I've only ever posted one before this! But I've recently been liking my everyday makeup so I thought I'd share it with you.

Face:

Benefit Porefessional Primer

Natural Collection Green Concealer

Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

L'Oreal True Match Powder

Cheeks:

Revlon Matte Blush in 'Perfectly Peach'

Benefit Hoola

Eyes:

Estee Lauder Eyeshadow in 'Sun'

Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara

Eyebrows:

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black-Brown

Lips:

Benefit Her Glossiness in 'Didn't Hear it from Me'

If you would like to see me applying this, then check out my Youtube video here.

What makeup have you been using daily?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #16

This month's empties contain a mix of products. I've been getting through a fair few products lately, but still have a long way to go before I achieve my goal of clearing my drawers and only having the necessities.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Moisturising Body Butter

Review: This moisturiser was great. It left my body feeling soft and hydrated, without feeling greasy. Plus it smelt great! My main gripe was that it's in a tub, but I know you can buy this in a bottle, so I can get over that.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Garnier Anti-Dark Circles Concealer

Review: I really enjoyed this concealer. I know it's designed primarily for use under your eyes, but I also used it on areas with redness or discolouration (e.g. under my nose, on acne scars, etc.). It's a perfect lightweight concealer, which does not crease. I always thought the roller ball was a bit of a gimmick, but I have to admit it is nice and cooling under the eyes. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

Silvikrin Maximum Hold Hairspray

Review: I bought this as it was pretty cheap and the perfect size for my handbag. This hairspray had good hold once sprayed, but can feel a little crunchy. It also had a pretty strong smell, which isn't that bad, just very strong, but luckily it doesn't linger.

Would I repurchase? No

La Roche Posay Effaclar K Review: I'm a little undecided about this product. It left my skin feeling smooth and was a great base for makeup, however I don't think it lived up to my expectations with regards to blemishes. I didn't see hardly any differences with my skin when I used this. It isn't very moisturising, so if you have drier skin, then you would probably need a moisturiser over the top of it.

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Review: This is a nice and gentle, unscented cleanser. It's great for sensitive skin and I found it was a great cleanser for my morning routine as it's quick and easy to use. It isn't great at removing makeup, even after I have used Bioderma to remove the bulk of it.

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Review: I absolutely love this. My skin always feels great after using this. It always feels soft and nourished the day after and I feel like it has helped even out my skintone a little. I can tell the difference on my skin between when I use it and when I don't. I've heard of people say that this has helped their blemishes, but it didn't make any difference with mine. It has a slightly funny smell to it, which doesn't linger once rubbed in. It's also pretty expensive, so if you're looking for an evening serum to splurge on, I would recommend this.

Would I repurchase? Yes

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara

Review: Here

Would I repurcase? Yes

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #15

Today's post is about this month's empty products. I am slowly working through the products that I own, however my supply never seems to go down! My drawers still look as full as ever!

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Maybe

La Roche-Posay Effaclar M
Review: This is a nice and light moisturiser. It never leaves my skin feeling greasy or heavy and as a nice fresh scent. It does a nice job of helping to keep the oil at bay, although I do still get shiny towards the middle-end of the end. I occasionally find that it isn't hydrating enough on the drier areas of my skin, especially my nose and cheeks.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Review: I absolutely love this! I tend to use this overnight so that it has longer to work. It leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. It never broke me out and doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin. Plus it smells amazing! 
Would I repurchase? Yes

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Yes

Palmolive Nourishing Delight Shower Gel
Review: This smells so yummy. It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean and never felt drying on the skin. It's super affordable and can often be found on offer for less than £1!
Would I repurchase? Yes

L'Oreal Touche Magique (Shade C1-2)
Review: This is a great concealer for under the eyes. This is a pink toned concealer, which really helped to brighten the under eye area. It never creased or felt drying around the eye area. Sometimes if I forgot to put on eye cream, I found that it sunk a little into my fine lines.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Eylure Naturalites 101 (I classed these as an 'empty' as they have unfortunately come to the end of their lives)
Review: These are my favourite falsies. They're super long and voluminous and look lovely on. They really open up the eyes and make them look bigger. They don't feel heavy at all. If you're after a dramatic lash, which isn't too thick then these would be perfect!
Would I repurchase? Yes
What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Review: L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic

Left: Naked lashes, Right: Curled and 1 coat of False Lash Telescopic
This mascara is a fantastic lengthening mascara. I don't find it gives much volume or thickness, but instead leaves your lashes looking nice and long. I find that it starts looking clumpy on its 2nd coat, but I don't mind that look. With 2 or 3 coats, you get a long fluttery, but slightly spidery look. I have found that this occasionally smudges on me under my lower lashline and doesn't tend to hold much curl.

The brush is a plastic brush, which I generally prefer to bristle brushes. It's quite thin, so you can get really close to the roots and sweep it up the lash. Because it's such a small brush, I have misjudged how close it is to my eye a few times and it sure hurts when you poke yourself in the eye with a plastic mascara brush!

It's quite pricey at £10.99 for a high street mascara, however I really like it and will definitely repurchase :)

Have you ever tried this mascara?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

April Favourites 2012

Today's post is for my April favourites. I hope you enjoy the video :)

Thank you for watching. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #12

Today I thought I'd share the products that I've used up this month.

Superdrug Tea Tree Oil

Review: I use this topically on any blemishes. It has a strong tea tree smell, which I don't particularly like. I like to mix this with other oils, such as the Superdrug Vitamin E Face Oil, when my skin is feeling particularly spotty and dry, as the combination moisturises the skin and combats blemishes together.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Murad Hydrating Toner

Review: The toner had a pleasant, peachy scent, which wasn't overpowering. The spray nozzle dispensed a nice amount of product with each spray and I found about 5 spritzes gave a good covering on my face. I didn't feel like this toner hydrated my face significantly, but it was nice to spritz on my face as a 'pick me up'. 

Would I repurchase? No

Murad Refreshing Cleanser*

Review: I really rate this cleanser. It smelt fresh and left my face feeling fresh and soft. It lathered up nicely, but never left my skin feeling tight or dried out, which is great.

Would I repurchase? Yes

L'Oreal Everstrong Shampoo*

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

Review: I was gutted when I finished my tub of this, so I stole my mum's tub when I went home for Easter! I still love this moisturiser so much. It smells amazing and the scent lingers on the skin. My skin felt soft and moisturised after use, without feeling greasy.

Repurchase? Yes

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy
*I was sent the Murad Cleanser as part of a giveaway prize and the L'Oreal Shampoo as part of the Elle Magazine Trial Panel. This does not change my opinion of the product and my reviews, as usual, are 110% honest. I am not affiliated with Murad or L'Oreal.

Review: L'Oreal Everstrong

This shampoo and conditioner isn't available in the UK yet, but I think it is available in the US. I was lucky enough to be sent this as I am registered at Elle Magazine's reader panel and I had to use it for at least 2 weeks and answer a quick email survey after the two weeks were up. I thought I'd pop up a review of it as I essentially had to do a mini review for the Elle survey, so I thought I would share it here too. I'm not sure how much it will cost here, but I looked on the Ulta website and it costs $6.99, so I imagine it would cost around £6/7 here? Also, I think the packaging is going to look different here.

What they say: I got this card with details about the range included with the products. Click to make it bigger.

What I think:

- The shampoo lathers nicely, which is surprising as this shampoo does not have SLS. A little really goes a long way. It has a herbally smell (due to the rosemary and juniper), which isn't particularly strong or overpowering. It rinses out easily and leaves your hair feeling clean and not stripped.

- The conditioner is light, but moisturising. The herbal smell is more prominent in the conditioner than the shampoo, but it does not linger. After rinsing, my hair didn't have the same slippy feeling as with other conditioners I have used, but after drying my hair did feel soft and moisturised.

- These products leave my hair feeling super soft, even after the first use. I couldn't stop touching it! I was using this shampoo and conditioner combination throughout the 4 week, no heat challenge and noticed that my hair felt stronger and I had less breakage when brushing my hair. I can usually get away with washing my hair every 2/3 days, but I found that my hair gets greasy quicker after using these products and I have to wash my hair more frequently or use more dry shampoo. The smell takes a little getting used to as it's a far cry from the fruity smells of Herbal Essences or the sweetie smells of TIGI Bedhead, and it may not be everybody's cup of tea. But after a few uses, you get used to it and I actually started liking the scent.

I was looking around on the L'Oreal USA website and there are other products in this sulphate-free range - Everpure Colour Care System, Eversleek Smoothing System and Everstrong Fortify System - Within those three system categories, there are products designed for each hair type, which I think is a great idea as there is something for everyone. A lot of people seem to be raving about the Reconstruct Overnight Treatment, so I'm definitely going to have to give that a go when this range comes out here!

Will you be trying these products when they come out in the UK or have you tried them before?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

*I was sent this as part of Elle Magazine's reader panel. This does not change my opinion of the product and my reviews, as usual, are 110% honest. I am not affiliated with L'Oreal.

Project Empties #8

Hey everyone! I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and I hope Santa got you everything you wanted! :D

Today I have a few finished products to share with you. I've realised that I hardly ever have any finished make-up to show! So I really need to make more of an active effort to start working through my collection as I am trying to downsize. Let's hope there are some more make-up items in my next Project Empties post!


Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Review: To be honest, this cleanser isn't really anything special. However I really liked it! It's super gentle, which was great for times when my skin was feeling delicate or when I broke out and it is pretty effective at removing make-up. I like that it's scentless and you get a generous amount of product for £8 or so. Would I repurchase? Yes
Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser Review: This had a strong cucumbery scent, which I didn't like and I didn't like the texture of it either. I liked that it was nice and gentle, so it's perfect for sensitive skin. It worked well with my Clarisonic, however I used it a few times on its own and didn't find that it was a particularly great cleanser. It didn't dry out my skin and left it feeling clean and soft.   Would I repurchase? No

No7 Radiance Revealed Exfoliator Review: Here Would I repurchase? Yes
Clean&Clear Shine Control Daily Facial Moisturiser  Review: This moisturiser was a bit pants to be honest. It claims to help control shine, but I found that it made no difference. It is a light moisturiser, which I sometimes felt wasn't moisturising enough. It has a lovely citrus and zingy scent, which is nice for the mornings.  Would I repurchase? No
Boots Witch Hazel Review: I've been using this witch hazel as a toner or as part of my DIY toner. It's a great size bottle for only £2-ish and it has lasted me ages. Would I repurchase? Yes
Clearasil Overnight Serum  Review: I bought this on a whim, as I was looking at in Boots (for £7-something) and then saw it for sale in none other than Poundland! It made no difference whatsoever on my breakouts and I'm glad I only paid £1 for this.  Would I repurchase? No
Next Diamonds Review: This is supposedly a dupe of Dior's 'Miss Dior Cherie'. I'm not sure if it is, but it is a lovely sweet and girlie perfume. I thought it was a perfect scent for summer, so wore it loads through the summer and autumn months, before recently transitioning to a heavier scent (Chanel 'Coco Mademoiselle', in case you're wondering). I had this for approximately a year and a half and noticed that the scent changed a little as I neared the end of the bottle, so I would advise to get through this quickly if you do purchase it. It's a great price at only £6 for 30ml! Would I repurchase? Yes
L'Oreal Voluminous Review: Here Would I repurchase? Yes    Finished Products: 8 Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to December 2011: 40! What have you finished up recently? Thanks for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #5

I had barely any empties at the end of May, so I've combined the past two months together. I might continue to do that for 'Project Empties' posts...

Throughout May/June, I've been a little lazy and used face wipes to remove my make-up. I normally buy cheap own brand face wipes, but after using the Neutrogena ones, I don't think I can go back!

Neutrogena Deep Clean Make-up Remover Refreshing Oil Free Wipes
Review: I absolutely loved these! They took off my make-up easily, including waterproof mascara, and didn't leave any residue on my face. They didn't make me breakout and have a pleasant, non over powering scent. I haven't seen many places stock these particular face wipes, which is annoying. For face wipes, these are quite expensive at approximately £3-something, but I think they're worth it!
Would I repurchase? Yes

Tesco Vitamin E Cleansing Wipes
Review: After using the Neutrogena ones, these felt inferior! I found that they weren't particularly moist and it took more effort to remove my make-up than the Neutrogena ones. But for approximately 75p, you can't really complain! They didn't leave a residue on my face and since they are from the Vitamin E range, they smelt nice.
Would I repurchase? No

I have so many moisturisers, that it takes me ages to use them up. But I find I always finish a couple at the same time. Does this happen to anyone else?

Garnier Youthful Radiance Night Moisturiser
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Probably not

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes, if I can find it!

Superdrug Vitamin E Face Exfoliator
Review: I really didn't like this. It had large oat particles (I think they were oats or something like that...), which went everywhere. I'd occasionally wake up the next day with a piece of oat stuck in hair! I felt it was too abrasive for my face, so I started using it as a body exfoliator.
Would I repurchase? No

L'Oreal Full Restore 5 Replenishing Conditioner

Review: I guess it was ok... It made my hair feel soft and I really like the smell of it. I didn't feel that it lived up to its claims of targetting weak, limp, lifeless, non shiny and non silky hair to become replenished and restored. I bought some Aussie conditioner recently and have been loving that, so this was made redundant and I've been using this when I shave my legs instead!
Would I repurchase? No

Finished Items: 6
Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to June 2011: 19

What have you finished up recently?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #4

Sorry for the slightly sporadic posting and 'filler' type posts these past few weeks! I have been home for Easter and I've been super busy. Posting should resume as normal from next Monday when I go back to uni.

This month I've finished quite a few products. They were all pretty much on their last legs by the end of March and all finished around the same time in April. So typical! Throughout April, I only bought two make-up items - Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and Garnier Eye Roll on, because they both had good offers on them. I only paid £1.99 for the Healthy Mix, because it was only £6.99 in Boots and I had a £5 voucher!

Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Eye Make-up Removal Lotion
Review: I didn't read the back of the bottle before buying this, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I first used it. Upon using it, I found out that it was essentially expensive and slightly thinned out baby oil. It did remove my eye make-up well, even waterproof make-up, but left my eye area feeling oily and made my eyes go cloudy when I got it into my eyes.
Would I repurchase? No

Dove Pro-Age Beauty Body Lotion
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? No, I'm quite fickle with body moisturisers and chop and change all the time.

L'Oreal Elvive Renutrition Renourishing Shampoo
Review: This shampoo is designed for dry hair/dried out hair, but I don't really feel like it made much difference and didn't really live up to it's claims. It lathered up really well and had a nice smell to it, which I liked but that didn't last in the hair.
Would I repurchase No

L'Oreal Superline Carbon Gloss
Review: I loooove this eyeliner! It's nice and pigmented, dries quickly once applied and lasts well throughout the day (Although, after reading some reviews online, it seems that some people find that this flakes on them... So I think it's different for everyone). I really like the felt tip applicator. It makes application super easy and due to it being a point, it enables you to do really precise lines but can also build it up to thicken up your lines. As with most eyeliner bottles, it has got opaque packaging. I find this really annoying, because you can't see how much you have left.
Would I repurchase? Yes

CK In2U Perfume
Review: I love the smell of this perfume - It's fresh, fruity and sweet, without being over powering. It's perfect for all seasons, especially spring/summer. I like the unique bottle design, but it is difficult to see how much perfume you have left.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Finished Items: 5
Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to April 2011: 13

Have you finished many products this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #3

Hello, my name is Joy and I am a skin care and make-up junkie with no willpower.

This month I was quite proud of myself that I've not bought any new make-up, until I went a bit overboard and bought new skincare products. I really don't think that this project is teaching me anything, apart from the fact that I have absolutely no willpower! :( I think it's a little off putting when you only finish a few products each month, however I am going to persevere with this so that I can start using up the products that I have, but I think I really need to be stricter on myself.

Treacle Moon Coconut Shower Gel
Review: I love the smell of this! The smell doesn't linger on the skin, but it's a treat when you're in the shower :) I didn't try this in the bath, but I can imagine that it would give you a lovely bubble bath. It lathers up so nicely and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight. The bottle lasted me for absolutely ages!
Would I repurchase? Yes

L'Oreal Infallible Concealer (04 Golden Beige)
Review: This concealer was really good. I liked using it under my eyes and over any redness. I found that it didn't crease and gave a good amount of coverage. I also used it as an eyeshadow base, which it worked really well as. I like the slimline packaging, which makes it nice to put in your bag for on the go touch ups.
Would I repurchase? Yes

Benefit Dr. Feelgood
Review: I've had this for absolutely ages and still don't really know what it does... It says it's a refiner which can be worn alone or over your makeup. I was recently using it as a primer, before my foundation and found it gave my skin a nice, smooth and matte finish. It didn't help my make-up last any longer. I did sometimes notice that my pores looked a little smaller when I used this. It smells nice and I love the packaging. It's an expensive product at £21ish for 24g.
Would I repurchase? No

Finished Items: 3
Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to March 2011: 8

I also binned a few old and neglected mascaras and eyeliners that have been sat in my collection for ages. What have you finished up this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Review: L'Oreal Voluminous

Left: Naked lashes, Right: Curled and 1 coat of Voluminous (Only on the upper lashes)

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is extremely hyped about in the beauty community. With comparisons to YSL Faux Cils but at less than half its price (Approx. £8), I knew I had to give it a go. I've been using this everyday for the past few months and I really like it, however I have one major gripe which is preventing me from repurchasing.

I really like the effect you get with this mascara. With 1 coat, you get a nice amount of lengthening. With more coats, you get a nice mix of lengthening and volumising. I wouldn't say that it lives up to the 5x more volume claim but it does do a really nice job of lengthening and volumising. I started to wear this along with a lengthening mascara and fell in love with how it looked.

The brush does sometimes get too much product on it, but it's easy to give it a quick wipe on the rim of the tube to get rid of some product to avoid clumpiness. The major disappointment I had with this mascara was that it smudges like crazy. I'd apply this in the morning and within a couple of hours, I would have major racoon eyes.

While I really liked the effect of this mascara, I can't see myself repurchasing this again anytime soon unless I can get my hands on a waterproof version. I was really disappointed with how much it smudged. I'm a student and am on clinic a lot of the time, so I can't be constantly checking whether or not my mascara has smudged, so I want a mascara that won't leave me feeling paranoid or conscious about whether I have black marks under my eyes - Unfortunately, L'Oreal Voluminous is not it.

Have you ever tried L'Oreal Voluminous? What did you think?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #1

It's been 2 months since I decided that I want to do Project 10 Empties and I'm disappointed to say that I've done a terrible job at keeping to this! Initially it started off well, but then I decided to change the rules to make an exception for limited edition products, since I desperately wanted MAC's Virgin Isle CCB and the Nails Inc/Coke nail polishes. Since then I've managed to also buy a number of other unnecessary products. Major major major fail.

I think I'm going to change the name to "Project Empties" so there's no limit to how many products I need to use up and I'm going to make it so that I can still buy products (since I obviously have no willpower). But I have to make sure that I only buy the equivalent number of products as I finished in the previous month. I don't know if that makes any sense, but an example is: If I finish 3 products in January, then I can buy 3 in February. At least that way I won't be adding to my collection, just replacing... Ahem.

I just thought I'd share the products that I've used up in that time and do a mini review of the products.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primer
Review: Here. Despite this being a small jar, it lasted me from June to the beginning of December, so I was mightily impressed.
Would I repurchase? Yes! I already have.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Make-up Remover
Review: I really liked this product. It removed my eye make-up easily and didn't leave any residue. It has a faint fruity smell, which I thought was rather pleasant. It says that it is suitable for sensitive eyes, but I disagree - I managed to get it in my eye a few times and it was painful (However, I have extremely sensitive eyes...)
Would I repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Cleanser
It looks like there's a little left in the bottle, but I couldn't get that bit out :/
Review: I really liked the smell of this cleanser. It's a really nice, refreshing lift, especially if used in the morning. It made my skin feel clean, but didn't leave it feeling tight or dry. I occasionally found that you have to get the right proportion of water and product to get a nice lather. I don't feel like I can comment on how well it works for acne prone skin, because I usually just get the occasional breakout and I used other products in conjunction with this. If you don't like products with SLS, then this isn't for you.
Would I repurchase? Maybe

Finished Items: 3
Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to January 2011: 3
Allowance for February 2011: 3 (Even though it was Dec/Jan combined, it's just easier to make February's allowance 3, because I don't remember which products I finished in which month.)

Have you finished any products recently?

Thanks for reading. xoxo, Joy