Product Empties - Spring/Summer 2018

Rather than doing individual products I have been hoarding lots of empty bottles in order to give an accurate representation of what I ACTUALLY use up. I try a lot of products so if something is empty it means its good, or at least I've given it a bloody good test.

Lets start from the top. A lot of these products will have been reviewed or featured in other posts and if that is the case I will link them for you!

Row 1

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +

Reviewed in my Roaccutane Survival Guide but in summary, a triple whammy of spot fighting ingredients in one handy cream/serum. LOVE IT. I will always have at least 1 of these on the go however after the Roaccutane and getting my skincare routine down, I find that I have less need for this am am using instead Paulas Choice 4% BHA serum as a once a week treatment on clogged areas or as a more specific spot treatment if one appears.


Ren Vita Mineral Eye Cream

Came as a freebie with something. I'm not even going to bother linking it as it did sod all from my under eye area. I have done a post all about my feelings on under eye care so have a read of that for much better options

Monu Skin Recovery Balm

Again, another gift with purchase. This was...OK. It was too drying to be classed as a balm, yet contains oil so isn't suitable for acne prone or oily skin. Hence I won't be using it again, in fact I used up the rest of the tube on my hands. Nuff said. 

Hyaluronic acid capsules

Love these. I have in fact gone through far more bottles than shown here. There is no need to buy fancy ones, similarly, there is also no point buying them in combination with anything else as there will always be better sources of - for example - zinc, or if combined with collagen you will simply pee it out as the collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed from the digestive tract. 

I have (of course) done a post all about my favourite supplements so head over and have a read if you want to cut the crap and see what really is worth your time , money and digestion. 

NIOD Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Complex

This is the Ferrari/Lamborghini of the hydrating serums. Thin, watery, rapidly absorbed with no pilling. You can therefore use a much smaller amount of this than cheaper and thicker serums so yes, this is pricey but it lasts far longer than say, The Ordinary version. Different molecule weights of hyaluronic acid mean all the layers of the epidermis can be targeted as different weights mean different sizes which can pentrate to different extents. Which is exactly what you need for well hydrated, bouncy, glowy skin. The fact that it is so light yet so effective means I am often able to skip moisturiser and go straight to SPF, which is amazing in this weather. It was also a god send during Roaccutane treatment. 

Row 2

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Fantastic oil free moisturiser. Super lightweight, great for men. The only issue I have with this it is SUPER fragranced , enough to cause sensitivity if you are prone. It did sting on me on occasion especially around the eyes so I will not be repurchasing, there are far better light yet hydrating, oil free options. Guess what....there's a post on that too


Footner exfoliating foot mask/socks

My second box. I have done a full post here. 

Boots Sun Swim Gym protection mask

I probably get through one of these every 2 weeks. I put it in before swimming (EVERY TIME) and without fail will have incredibly shiny, none damaged hair afterwards. Amazing. Washes out super easily too. Swimming post here

Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub. 

At any point in time I have at least 5 of these in my bathroom cabinet. The best body scrub I have every tried. It actually scrubs without scratching, leaving oily residue or generally making a mess. Great before fake tan, to remove fake tan, for bumpy arms or legs, before shaving etc. Wouldn't be without it, plus, its only £3!!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads 60 packs extreme
These are a fantastic affordable daily peel pad. Yes you can buy a lotion (like Pixi Glow Tonic), however I like these as they contain glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid which is ideal for all skin types but especially those struggling with blocked pores especially at this time of year. I wouldn't bother with the daily version of these as even those these are labelled as "extreme" they are still only a low percentage of AHA/BHA.
Learn about acid toners/peeling here


NeoStrata Skin Active Retinol Plus NAG Complex 

This is extremely pricey and extremely strong. Although it is only 0.5% retinol it performs in the same way a much stronger percentage product would. Everyone who uses this experiences peeling. In my case I could use twice a week, and without fail on the third time I would wake up with a burning red face which would peel off 2 days later. Not pleasant. It contains NeoGlucosamine™ (which is the NAG bit) which supposedly reinforces the skins protective barrier, however no amount of this could protect my skin. I used it up because of the price tag but will definitely not be buying again. I now use Retriderm Max 1% retinol. Amazing effects, absolutely 0 irritation. 

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

This was my 4th tube and I will not be without it. With a lactic acid complex not only does it really hydrate, it also exoliates. Great for bumpy skin on the back of the arms, amazing for use on legs particularly after hair removal. Cannot race enough about it. It also comes in a cream form and fragrance free. Perfection. Look out for it on offer at Escentual as they often to 1/3 off.
(Yes, its so good I cut the top off to get the remnants out)

No7 Laboratories LINE CORRECTING Booster Serum

Second tube. Will be buying more immediately. Find out more here but if you are a wash and go kinda girl but you want to have a dabble in anti ageing without the faff - this is the one for you. You can use all over or on targeted areas
Row 3

Colab dry shampoo spray hype galactic 200ml

I mentioned this in my hair care post. Smells incredible, not great oil absorption but great if your hair feels "too clean" or if it just needs a bit of oomph/texture or to use almost as a hair perfume


CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

I am currently working through my second bottle of this. Fragrance and nasty-free cleanser. Will not remove eye make up but will happily remove light foundation, spf, grime etc. I always do a double cleanse when wearing make up so this is simply just to clean the skin itself. Non stripping, non irritating. I am fairly fickle with my cleansers so will keep you posted. 

Listerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash

If I am fickle with my cleansers then I am an absolute floozy with my mouth wash choice. Mouthwash for the most part should simply be used as a top-up of fluoride or freshness. Not to be used within 30 minutes of brushing. I use this if I have had a lot of citrus and cant brush just yet, or have been on the garlic. As long as it is gentle (no alcohol if possible) and contains a decent amount of fluoride I will simply buy whatever is on offer. 

Xentan dark lotion

I cannot rave enough about this stuff... so to save you from boredom..head to my summer survival post. Already have another one on the go and one in the spares box.

Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk

This. Smells. INCREDIBLE. Like coconut, sugar, and almond with a tiny hint of lime. Extremely moisturising. Love it. The matching body wash is also completely yummy.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1%

I absolutely adore most of Deciem's products and am constantly trying more every week. This however has been a stable. I feel no need to buy any other brand or spend more money to get better results as this works perfectly. See my post on niacinamide for why....and also I have done a review of The Ordinary products I have tried so far (there's a lot)



Top 5 of my empties that you should try:

1) Dirty Works body scrub combined with the Footner mask because feet need extra help (yes that counts as 1!)

2) The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc for the reasons mentioned here 

3) XenTan Dark Lotion (the original not Luxe). Best body fake tan hands down. I never have any streaking, and it doesn't fade leaving you looking like tiger bread

4)Hyaluronic acid supplements to keep all the good stuff trapped in and retaining all that lovely dewy moisture in your skin. As a side effect it also helps joints etc

5)Sun Swim Gym protection mask. Without it my hair would have turned to straw and fallen off years ago.
IF YOU DON'T SWIM (bonus product)
5) Nip Fab exfoliating pads. Great entry level into AHA and BHA exfoliation. Very affordable. Work amazingly well especially in the heat

Summer proof mascara

I have - despite being blasted with Roaccutane - exceptionally oily eyelids. I also smile a lot. The combination of these 2 means that no mascara will survive the day without giving me panda eyes by 1pm.

Therefore I relied on waterproof mascara. This works amazingly well however during my time on Roaccutane, I found that any rubbing of my eye area AT ALL was catastrophic. Cue red myxomatosis looking eyes and eczema which takes a week to clear.

I therefore had to look for alternatives and after a recent stint in airport Duty Free, I purchased the Clinique Lash Power mascara. Now compared to my usual Maybelline favourites (Maybelline Colossal in waterproof) this is pricey HOWEVER for the lack of trauma it caused my eyes it was a God send.

The Clinique Lash Power is a type of tubing mascara. What this means is that rather than being made up of lots of tiny fibres within a black solution (as regular mascaras are), it creates a coating around each lash (like a tube). This means they are generally not quite so good at giving volume but will add length and a small amount of thickness. They are also great for separating and most importantly..no fibres = no flaking, which is what causes the smudging and panda eyes.

It also means that they are simply removed by holding a hot flannel over the eye and gently wiping away.
If you are a 2-3 layer kinda girl like me, this may take a couple of swipes, but compared to the absolute nightmare of removing waterproof mascara, this is a doddle.

I can also confirm that I remained smudge free poolside in Majorca as well as in the evening - which is unheard of for me. A+ to Clinique.

Below are some before and afters just to prove my point...

Top: without and with mascara
Bottom: Before and After

My Summer Body Survival Kit

Following on from my SPF post, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss body skin health too!

These products are my fail, safe go-to, summer survival products .

Dirty Works Glow Girl Buttery Salt Scrub

Without getting anyone in trouble....this whole range seems to be a knock off of Soap and Glory. The scent is EXACTLY the same as some of the Soap and Glory range - especially the Hand Food hand cream. There are some pretty similar products too, at a fraction of the price!

This scrub is my absolute favourite. I have tried tens of body scrubs and they are either way too oily, not scrubby enough, or too expensive for something that rubs off dead skin and goes down the plug hole. This has little salt and pumice grains (no microbeads) in a carrier that is in no way oily. It is the perfect prep for fake tan unlike a lot of oily scrubs out there, as it does not leave a residue.
It also does not foam, which causes the opposite product of drying out the skin too much

This is a necessary before, during and after holiday to keep the tan looking fresh and avoiding the dreaded "skank tan". This atrocity can be seen on those who are so desperate to keep the tan they got on their yearly sun-baking-skin-leathering holiday, that they don't dare touch the tan in case it fades. This leads to the skin becoming dusty grey, wrinkled, dehydrated and at the slightest touch they turn to ash. Like someone has emptied a hoover onto their arms and rubbed it in. To me, this completely defeats the object of a holiday glow.

Body Fake Tans (facial tanners to follow soon in a new post!)

Xen Tan Dark Lotion

In my opinion, the best fake tan. Here's why

1. It is olive based (hence a slight greenish tint to the guide colour) so no orange legs
2. It wears AMAZINGLY well. It just fades gently rather than patching and leaving you looking like a tiger bread loaf from your local bakery
3. The solution is easy to apply. It gives a dark tan within 4 hours. Other products with the power to do this are usually in a mousse (very difficult to apply, hard to blend if you make a mistake, clings to dry patches) or a spray (very wasteful for large body parts)
4. The smell is bearable. Any fake tan that actually tans you, will end up smelling like fake tan as it develops. You cannot get around this. 
5. I have never experienced body acne when using this
6. It is under 15 quid for a bottle so very competitively priced

Sienna X express self tan mist

They have changed the bottle from the one in the photo, I stockpile this every Christmas and birthday so I never run out so I still have some with the old design.

I wouldn't use this all over the body as it does lean towards the orange side of tan but still looks natural. However it does not last very long in terms of wearing off. The guide colour is lovely and actually, if you have skin that can tolerate it, sprayed over the face gives a GORGEOUS glow, tint and almost a hint of coverage, as well as developing into a colour over the course of the day.

I use this solely for my back. It is a single girl habit I have not grown out of. It sprays at any angle and doesn't need rubbing in so it's great for all those hard to reach areas - back, down the sides, over the feet and hands to give a more natural distribution if you struggle in these areas.

Dry Body Brush

I personally use this one from Dunelm but any FIRM body brush will do. Avoid the ones with the plastic type bristles as I find these don't work as well. They can come on handles but you can simply detach this and slip your hand under the other loop.

I use this every day on my thighs/bums/hips

You always need to work towards the heart to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
I move the brush in circles up the thighs and round the hips and bum, always moving up.
After covering the whole area, I then do straight, upward strokes over the area.
It takes about 2 minutes.
I then put on some body cream, and I'm done.

It's also great for backs of arms or anywhere where you get puffy or have uneven skin texture.


PLEASE NOTE:
NOTHING cosmetic will remove cellulite. It is an unfortunate fact that most women have to deal with. Creams, treatments, massage etc will not make any long term difference.

Massage will temporarily push the fat layer back into the compartment where it should be so might work for a few hours but the cellulite will return again.

All you can hope to do is improve the skin texture, aid lymphatic drainage to remove the "heavy leg" feeling and make the skin more even and smooth and stop fluid pooling in the area worsening the appearance of the cellulite, exfoliate so the light reflects more evenly, and disguise it with some fake tan.

La Roche Posay Serozinc

Amazing for anyone who is prone to body acne (bacne). I take it on holiday with me to use as a cooling mist (because it is anti inflammatory and anti bacterial vs some of the moisturing or hydrating waters which just add oil or heavy layers).
I also use it after showering to cool the skin and reduce the risk of acne forming.
Great also after the gym if you just have a quick shower and need to make sure your back and chest are clean

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

I have now tried and tested this for a week and can confirm I LOVE IT.

It smells a bit odd...I think it is a combination of the sweet almond oil and almost a milky smell (unsurprising seeing as the major selling point is the lactic acid base). It is not bad by any means but it wouldn't be my chosen fragrance. HOWEVER it works amazingly.

The lactic acid is a non-harsh and hydrating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA - see my toner post if you want more info) and so if you have been lazy on your exfoliating/can't be bothered with body brushing/your skin is too sensitive for physical exfoliants.

This massively improved the look of my legs even with my obsessive scrubbing and has also improved the texture on my chest. This is also a great one to use on the neck if you are doing the quick shower and out the door routine and don't have a lot of time. It has some great skin care ingredients as well as being a great, hydrating body cream.

If you have bumpy back of arm syndrome (Keratosis Pilaris) this is also amazing and what the product was initially designed for.

Escentual have an offer on this until the end of April if you're quick! They also do different sizes so you can try a small tube and go from there.

Gillette Fusion Proglide Flexball Razor (half price at superdrug currently)

If you are somewhat retarded at shaving (like me) then you will be well versed with having various cuts and nicks on your legs every time you shave. I accepted this as a part of my hair free lifestyle, until I thought I would try a man's razor as a last resort.

This is without doubt the best razor I have ever used and will never use another. When I went away the other weekend I forgot this bad boy and had to use a disposable one. I thought "oh it'll be fine". It was not fine.

This is a pricey option but in the year that I have been using it, I have not cut myself shaving once. I can skim around knees, ankle bones and all sorts with no problem. It requires no shaving cream - just running water. A point on this - just use a shower oil (I love The Sanctuary 2 day Long Lasting Moisture Shower Oil which is an over-half-price dupe for the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil )  or hair conditioner if you struggle with shaving bumps or are very dry.

I tend to wax during winter but during summer I do not have the time or patience for regrowth between appointments

Bonus product
Australian body care tea tree oil body lotion

This is an absolute must for anyone who suffers from bacne .  It is also the ONLY product I have ever found to ease sunburn/heat rash/insect bites. I would not recommend tea tree oil near on spots but this lotion is amazing. All summer I use it on my back and chest.


Enjoy!

Look out for my body SPF and facial fake tanners posts coming soon!