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

Project Empties #10

This month has been quite successful on the skincare/body and make-up usage. I'm slowly, but surely working my way through everything. Although it doesn't help that I recently bought some new La Roche Posay items!

Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser
Review: This is designed for dry skin, so it was nice and rich without being too heavy. It had a sort of artificial sherbert orange scent, which I initially liked but eventually grew sick of! The cleanser worked well with the Clarisonic, and worked just as well on it's own.
Would I repurchase? Maybe

Neutrogena Multi Defence Daily Moisturiser
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Already have

Soap & Glory Clean, Girls Body Wash
Review: This is a lovely body wash. It smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean. The smell lingers a little on the skin, which is lovely. I did find that sometimes this didn't foam well and I would need 4-5 pumps to make it lather up nicely. However the bottle lasted me ages, but annoyingly I couldn't get the last dregs from the bottom as the pump didn't reach it and I couldn't tip it out easily due to the bottle shape.
Would I repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Yes

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

Review: This mascara is brilliant! It's super lengthening and adds a little volume as well. It layers brilliantly with other mascaras - I have layered it with Max Factor False Lash Effect and Rimmel Lash Accelerator and it worked a treat. The formula does not smudge at all, so you get a nice long wearing formula without having to buy a waterproof mascara. I did find it difficult to remove the last few traces of mascara at night, so that goes to show that it really hangs around.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Collection 2000 Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner

Review: This is a fantastic, pigmented felt tip eyeliner for a great price. It's so easy to use and would be great for anyone that is a little shaky when applying liquid eyeliner. The nib is quite big, so it may be difficult to get a thin and precise line, but it's perfect for cat eye/winged liner. I thought it dried up quite quickly, however if you press the nib onto the back of your hand, it would bring more fluid to the nib and it would work again. I never found this smudged on me, however it was easy to remove.

Would I repurchase? Yes

These are just a few mini samples that I received from a magazine (I think). The shampoo and conditioner were nice and left my hair feeling clean and soft. However the winner was the deep conditioner/mask. It left my hair feeling so soft and shiny, without making it weighed down.

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Collective Haul

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging very regularly lately. I have had writer's block for a while now, which ultimately made me post less as I didn't know what to blog about. I have also been super busy with uni, as I am in my final year (eek!). Hopefully posts will become regular again soon - Probably around March time :)

Today I have a collective haul from the past few weeks to share with you. I say it in the video, but sorry that some of the stuff has been worn! I think it's nice to keep the labels on for hauls, but I can never wait to wear new clothes! Is anyone else like that? Hope you enjoy :)


Thank you for watching. xoxo, Joy

January Favourites

Today's post is for my January favourites. I apologise in advance for repeating myself a million times!


By the way, I'm wearing my new glasses I mentioned here, so you can now see what they look like on :)
Thank you for watching. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #7

I haven't finished much these past few months. Although I'm not sticking to a strict 'Project 10 Pan', I am actively trying to use up products that I have before buying more.

TIGI Bedhead Foxy Curls Shampoo

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter

Review: This smells so amazing and leaves my skin feeling so lovely and soft! It isn't overly greasy, yet it is extremely moisturising. The scent lingers on the skin, which I really like.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2in1 Face Wash and Mask

Review: This is a nice creamy face wash, which is gentle enough for every day use (unlike many cleanser aimed at acne-prone skin), however I don't feel it made any difference to any spots or blemishes I had during my breakouts. I preferred using it as a face mask and leaving it on for about 10 minutes when I was feeling a bit spotty. My skin was left feeling soft and clean, without feeling tight.

Would I repurchase? Possibly

Boots Cold Cream

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? No

Finished Items: 5

Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to October 2011: 32

What have you finished recently?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #6

Over these past two months, I have managed to finish quite a few things. I know I've said this before, but I am making an active effort to minimise my spending with regards to make-up, skin care and hair care. Hopefully I can keep it up and save up for something lovely!

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment

I washed it out by accident before taking a picture of it, oops!

Review: When I started using this, I used it with every wash instead of conditioner (even though it states to use it between shampoo and conditioner) and then after about 3 weeks, I used it every other wash. The packaging says to use an egg sized amount, which is a ridiculous amount to use! I used a grape size and found that sufficient. This made made my hair feel so soft, even after the first use. Even though I applied it all over my hair, it didn't make my hair feel greasy or weighed down. I can't comment on whether or not it helped my hair grow longer, as I trim my hair quite regularly, but I did think it made it feel stronger and less prone to breakage. As with all Lee Stafford products, this is highly scented with the signature smell. I really like the scent and loved that I could smell it on my hair even once it was dry, but some people might not like it as it's one of those love it or hate it scents.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo

Review: Every so often my hair goes through a stage where it gets greasy after 1 day and looks weighed down and limp. Upon using this shampoo, it clears any build up and my hair feels squeaky clean. I tried using this once every week to regularly get rid of build up, but found it a little too clarifying. I eventually settled on once every 2-3 weeks and found it worked a treat. It's a great shampoo for a great price! Plus I love that it's easily accessible and isn't a special salon brand.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Boots Baby Shampoo

Review: I mainly used this to deep clean my make-up brushes. It did a good job of cleaning them and left them feeling soft. I found that it didn't lather up very much and took quite a lot of product to make it lather well. I didn't really like the scent of this shampoo, so it was a little annoying that my brushes smelt like it after they had tried, but it was bearable.

Would I repurchase? No

Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser

Review: This is a great moisturiser! I have combination skin and found it was light enough for my oily areas and moisturising enough for the dryer and normal areas. I also found it left my skin nice and soft. It claims to help prevent spots and blemishes and although I wouldn't put it solely down to this product, I did find I broke out less when using this. This is a great moisturiser for a fantastic price.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Superdrug Vitamin E Skin Oil

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes!

Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream

Review: This is a lovely, light eye cream which has done wonders for my eye area. I used to get dry patches around my eye, but this has sorted them right out! I found that helped my dark circles a little, as they started becoming less obvious. I don't tend to get puffy eyes and I have very few fine lines around my eyes, so I can't comment on how well this works for them.

Would I repurchase? Yes. I got this free with Glamour magazine and bought a few copies as it was so cheap!

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Gently Purifying Wipes

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Soap and Glory Flakeaway

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? No

Korres Quince Body Butter

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Finished Items: 9

Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to August 2011: 28

What have you finished recently?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Review: Neutrogena Multi-Defence Range

I chop and change my skincare routine quite regularly, because I like trying out new products in the hope of finding my holy grail cleanser and moisturisers. So far some products have come close, but I'm still on the hunt for my ultimate HG products. I mainly use drugstore/high street products, because I find them easily accessible and unfortunately that's how far my student budget stretches, but I think my next port of call will be trying out the infamous Liz Earle cleanse and polish.

Last week, I posted a review about the No7 exfoliator I have been using. Today, I am going to continue with the skincare reviews and I have mini reviews of 3 products, from the Neutrogena Multi-Defence range. I was really interested to try this range, because it is supposed to provide protection from 5 major daily aggressors: sun, heat, cold, pollution and wind, which in the UK it's not surprise if we encounter all 5 of these (and more) in one day!


Neutrogena Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser (£7.99)
I chose the fragrance free version, which is suitable for all skin types (There are 2 others designed for oily and dry/sensitive skin). Despite being fragrance free, it still has a weird almost-plasticky smell, which I really don't like. The smell does go away quite quickly though. This is a light moisturiser, which sinks into the skin quite quickly. I sometimes feel that it is a little too light and doesn't fully moisturise my dry areas. I think it's great that this has SPF25 with UVA and UVB cover, because it means that you don't need to apply a separate sun cream on your face and it would be ideal for winter, if you still want the spf cover but can't be bothered with sun cream. I really like the pump dispenser, as it is more hygienic, but you have to be careful not to press it down too hard otherwise lots of moisturiser comes shooting out!

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser (£7.99)
In contrast to the day moisturiser, the night moisturiser is thick. It takes quite a while to rub into the skin and as you blend, it leaves white marks (as if it's just sat on top of your skin) until it finally sinks in. My skin feels a little tacky for a few minutes after application, but that passes relatively quick. It isn't greasy at all, despite being such a thick moisturiser and I find it very moisturising. My main gripe with this moisturiser is the smell. I'm not the biggest fan of highly scented moisturisers and unfortunately, this is one of those. It has a plasticky floral smell, which I really hate. The smell does linger for a while, which annoys my nostrils. I think if the smell was nicer and less plastic, I wouldn't mind so much.

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Gently Purifying Wipes (£3.99)
I've raved about the Neutrogena Deep Clean Make-up Remover Refreshing Oil Free Wipes before and I am going to rave about these too! They are very moist and took off my makeup, including waterproof mascara, with ease. I didn't find these wipes harsh to my skin at all and they didn't break me out. They are a thick material, which makes them feel luxurious. I can't speak highly enough about Neutrogena face wipes!

Have you ever tried any products from this range?

Thank you for reading. xoxo Joy

N.B. I just wanted to say that because I have the majority of the products in this range, it does not mean I got sent any of it. I know a while back, quite a few bloggers got sent some products from this range but I wanted to get this clear, because I don't want you to think that my review is skewed. This review, as with all my other reviews, is 100% honest, 100% unpaid and all the products were bought with my own money.

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

Recent Purchases

Although I didn't get much of a response on here when I posted my last video, I decided to do another one because I enjoy doing them and quite like editing them. I was thinking of doing a 'What's in my bag' video, so if anyone wants to see that, let me know :)

Thank you for reading/watching. 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

Recent Purchases

I had a half day at uni earlier this week, so I decided to do some exercise by walking around the Bullring. Obviously, you can't walk around a shopping centre without going into the shops and buying things!

Miss Selfridge
Studded clutch - £15.00 (Well, £13.50 with student discount) - I bought a clutch like this from Topshop for £45 a while back, but returned it because I didn't think it was really worth the price. When I saw this in the Miss Selfridge sale for only £15, I immediately snapped it up. I love how huge it is and I think it's cool that there is an assortment of different studs on it.

MujiNotebook - 60p - I like having a little notebook to carry around in my bag and I thought this was ideal. It was so cheap (I don't know if you agree, but nowadays it's hard to find things for less than £1!) and I love that it will fit easily into any size of bag.

Boots
Barry M Nail Polish 3 In 1 Basecoat, Topcoat and Nail Hardener - £2.95 [2 for £5]
Barry M Nail Polish in 308 (Berry Ice Cream) - £2.95 [2 for £5]
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight - £5.99
Natural Collection Moisture Shine Lipstick in Apple Blossom - £1.99 [I managed to break this within a few hours of buying this... What a doofus! After attempting to 'stick' it back together and failing, I decided to just melt it completely using Sabrina's method. You can see my end result in the photo above]
Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash & Mask - £3.59 [2 for £5]
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash - £4.49 [2 for £5]
Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - £2.99

What have you bought recently?

xoxo, Joy