Face of Australia Carnivale Nail Enamel in Midnight Fireworks

Face of Australia (FoA) recently released a new limited edition nail enamel collection entitled Carnivale. FoA's nail polish collections are always amazing (think the last one which was Glitterati) so I was really excited about picking up some of the shades. This collection is even more awesome as all the polishes are textured. Think OPI's Liquid Sand but almost 1/4 of the price!

The collection features eight shades, I have only picked up five so far but may grab the rest at a later date (if they are still available). The first one I tried and the one I am featuring here is Midnight Fireworks. 

Midnight Fireworks is a very pretty glittery gold shade. Two coats were needed for a fully opaque application, though you could get away with one. The polish was super easy to apply, application was very smooth and quick. The polish has the perfect consistency. Drying time was also pretty quick. 

I didn't wear a base coat nor a top coat with this polish. No base coat because I was lazy and no top coat as it would change the textured effect of the polish. I started to get some chipping on day two which is pretty normal for my nails with any polish. Therefore I won't hold it against FoA. 

I find this polish an elegant way to wear glitter on my nails. It gives the full on glitter effect without looking tacky as some glitters can especially in a work environment. 

The other four shades I purchased from the collection are L-R: Masquerade, Ferris Wheel, Summer Lovin' and My Island Home. I think the next one I will try is Ferris Wheel, look at it's prettiness!

Overall, I love how FoA release quality, on-trend products at such an affordable price. Plus they are an Australian company and that just makes them awesome. 

The Carnivale Nail Enamel collection is available now at FoA stockists. They are a steal - they retail at just $5.95 a bottle! If you are unable to find in store, Priceline currently has all shades in stock on their website here. 

What are your thoughts on the Carnivale collection? Do you want to see any other shades featured?

Violet Box - October 2013

Whilst I was really impressed with the Violet Boxes I had received, I decided about two months ago to cancel my subscription. It was nothing against Violet Box, I was just trying to cut down on my monthly expenditure and it was $22.95 I could save a month. I received an email recently offering me $10.00 off the next month if I re-subscribed. I naturally couldn't resist, the last few boxes have looked great and the October box is no exception!

The first thing I noticed about this months Violet Box is the size of the actual box, it is smaller. The size is now more similar to that of Bella Box, it is still higher but the width and length is pretty much the same. I like the smaller size, the box will be easier to store. If I decide to keep it (which I do). 

The October Violet Box contains:

Bodyography Oxyplex Looks Complexion Powder - 27g $60.00

I was really excited to see a full size make up product straight up. Sadly I received this mineral foundation in the shade Almond which is too dark and warm toned for my skin. I wish beauty boxes wouldn't send out products like foundation. One shade does not suit all! This is a useless product for me which is really disappointing.

APIVITA Face Mask - 2 application (2x8ml) $7.90

The face mask I received is the revitalising mask with orange. I have never tried this brand before (but have heard of them). I look forward to trying this and two applications means there is more than one chance to try it out. 

Savoir Faire Lipgloss - 5g $25.00

Another full sized make up product! I received this in the shade Rapture which is a lovely glossy red. Just swatching on my hand reveals a nicely pigmented gloss with a peppermint scent. 

John Plunkett Cosmeceuticals Super Wrinkle Cream - 50g $28.95

Considering the rest of the box, skincare seems quite boring. This is an intensive night cream for dry skin. I would have loved this a couple of weeks ago before I updated my skincare. This will be put away in my skincare samples stash for now. 

Be a Bombshell Eye Shadow - 1.5g $25.00

Another full size make up product! Violet Box is the first company to bring Be a Bombshell to Australia which is exciting! I received the shade Money Money which is a metallic khaki brown. It is a gorgeous shade and appears to have a nice and smooth texture.

I am really pleased with Violet Box this month. I would have been ecstatic if the foundation shade had have suited my skin. Three full sized make up product is freakin' amazing on Violet Box's part! I have said numerous times before and will again - I am in these boxes for the make up. This box also had a value of over $100.00 which is even more awesome considering I paid only $12.95. 

Well done to Violet Box on the October box, just next time please reconsider the foundation or ask us for our shade. Otherwise a fantastic box! Great value and great products. 

Are you subscribed to Violet Box? Thoughts on the October box?

O&M Hydrate & Conquer Shampoo & Conditioner - REVIEW

OriginalMineral (O&M) is an Australian owned haircare company with the products made right here in Australia. Ingredients are naturally derived and exclude chemicals like sulfates, sodium chloride and parabens just to name a few. Therefore when I was given the chance to try some products from O&M, how could I resist? I love trying new haircare products and those without the nasties are even more tempting.  

I was sent three products to try but today I am just reviewing the Hydrate & Conquer Shampoo and the Hydrate & Conquer Conditioner. This range is designed for dry, damaged or colour treated hair. To provide it with some TLC and is nutrient riche. It contains ingredients like Tasmanian sea kelp, vitamins A, B, C, E and 13 amino acids. 

For reference, I have long hair that used to be colour treated. I haven't actually been to the hairdressers for almost two years! My hair is dry and can be quite unruly. Because of the length, my hair can get really knotty very quickly and easily. 

Enough with the technical information. What did I actually think about them?

Firstly I absolutely love the scent these products have. It is a carmel fudge scent that just smells so lovely in the shower, I actually find it gives me a craving for caramel (which explains why I have eaten so many Curly Wurly chocolate bars lately). I love that the scent lingers on my hair too, so when I need a sugar rush I can just give my hair a sniff... I am not strange, you would do it too.

The shampoo has a nice slightly runny texture that is easy to distribute through my hair. It foams up nicely and rinses away to leave my hair feeling clean without that squeaky clean feel. 

The conditioner is thicker than the shampoo (as I expect it to be), it is easy to apply to the hair. I concentrate application to the lower two thirds of my hair. It leaves my hair feeling well hydrated and soft. The only thing I don't like is it does not completely detangle my hair as other conditioners do. 

After drying, my hair looks shiny and healthy. It even has a bit of a bounce to it! This duo has definitely made my hair feel and look hydrated, the fly aways are less and my hair just looks smooth and well kept. I was able to go about two days between washes, probably a third with a fair bit of dry shampoo. 

The only downside I found with these products is the bottles. I don't know if it was just the bottles I have or if it is all but I find them really quite hard to squeeze the product out! I know it is not just me as my Mum had the same problem when she tried them. The bottles just seem too hard for me to squeeze and I wouldn't consider myself as someone with weak hands. 

Would I recommend? Yes. If you have hair that is dry, not just slightly dry but really dry. I think it could be too heavy on really fine hair or hair that is more normal than dry. For me currently, I would not purchase this exact line as now that the weather is getting warmer my scalp gets more prone to oil (or sweaty, all this hair is hot!). Therefore I use products more suited to normal hair, next winter I would definitely consider purchasing the Hydrate & Conquer range. 

Head to the O&M website here for more information about the product range (the CCT Colour System sounds fantastic) and where to buy. 

Do you like sweet smelling hair products? Have you tried O&M? Thoughts?

*This post contains products that were provided for consideration for review in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. This has not affected my opinion in any way, honesty as always.*

BellaBox - October 2013

It is hard to believe that this months box marks Bella Box's second birthday. That means I have been receiving this little box in the mail for 24 months! Wow, it doesn't feel that long. I guess time flies while you're having fun...

This months box was curated by the duo 'TheyAllHateUs' which I am assuming is a fashion blog. I have never heard of them before but then I stick to beauty blogs. Being a beauty box wouldn't it make more sense for a beauty blogger to choose the items? 

Anyway, again this month the box didn't arrive in the normal brown and blue box. The items arrived in a bubble wrap bag and the blue postage cardboard around it. Is there a change in packaging coming? 

The October BellaBox contains:

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Moisture Shampoo & Moisture Mask - 250ml $25.00/200ml $29.00

I have never heard of this brand before (has anyone?) but it claims to be a salon only brand. The products I received are for dry hair which suits me perfectly. The sizes are decent (60ml & 50ml) so it will provide a couple of uses. Will always try new hair products.

Beyonce Heat EDP - 100ml $39.00

I love Queen Bey but have never tried her perfumes. I have gone a bit of celebrity scents. I like the way this is presented, wrapped in foil and looking like a little bon-bon. The actual vial isn't a spray either but has little holes in the top (under the lid) to apply. I am surprised because this scent is quite nice too.

Happy Skincare Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm - 80ml $34.10

Really excited to try this as I have a thing for cleansing balms at the moment - I just started using the Eve Lom one. This doesn't have any strong scents and is 85% organic. The sample is a generous 20ml too. 

Strawberry Chapstick - $3.99

So this is a full size product but seriously a Chapstick? Nothing new or exciting about this. I think a Chapstick would have been my first introduction into beauty and skincare but it is so boring to receive in my 'celebration' box.

Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer Duo - 15ml $17.95

Two mini (5ml) bottles of glittery goodness. The purple shade is called Hold Please and the rose gold shade is In the Horizon. Looking forward to trying these out. These seem to have a really strong smell though, more so than other polishes. 

BONUS - Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream - 30ml $15.95

A useless little sachet for me. Firstly it is in Medium which I can guarantee you will be too dark for my PALE skin and this doesn't suit my skin type. I have dry skin that is not prone to acne (thankfully). 

Honestly, I am a little disappointed in the second birthday box. There is nothing really exciting or standout in the box and the Chapstick just pisses me off. Who hasn't tried one before? No one, that's who! I am most looking forward to trying the cleansing balm and I'll give the polishes a go. At least the box has variety but sadly no actual make up product. 

What did you think of the October BellaBox?

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow - Rosewood, Midnight Brown & Pale Barley - REVIEW

As you probably know, I am not a massive eyeshadow wearer, especially powder shadows. I am getting into them more lately though, I own a lot of pretty shadows and it time they get some love from me. One exception though is the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows. I have always loved them and I figure it is time I let you know why. 

The Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows are housed in small square compacts with the Burberry check printed on the lid. Inside, the lid forms a mirror and the shadow is housed with a sponge applicator. The shadow itself is imprinted with the check print too. A favourite feature of these compacts is the magnetic closure - no breaking nails getting them open but they are also securely closed. 

The compact also comes housed in a little velvet pouch with check embossing. I don't keep the compacts in the pouches though - they take up room in my stash. 

The formula of these shadows is what makes them amazing and loved by me. They are just so buttery soft and silky smooth. These shadows are a dream to apply - smooth on application and so easy to blend out. They are also really nicely pigmented for 'Sheer Eyeshadows'. There is no fall out during application and the shadows stay put during the day. No creasing or moving on my lids, with or without primer. 

No. 9 Rosewood - a taupe/silvery purple, brown with a satin finish. Looks mostly taupe against my skin but I have seen it described as a grey lavender. I like to use this all over the lid with a darker shade in the outer third or crease. 

No. 21 Midnight Brown - a warm, golden brown with an almost metallic finish. This was the first shadow purchased and I just love it. Perfect as all over shade, blended out for a quick and simple smokey eye that is so chic and Burberry-esque

No. 22 Pale Barley - a pale golden-wheat brown with a shimmery finish. This shade had been on my wish list for ages but was always sold out at counters and online, I ended up purchasing from eBay. Another shade that looks great all over as one shade look or with a darker shade in the crease/outer third. 

L-R: Rosewood, Midnight Brown and Pale Barley. Applied with a sponge applicator, two swipes of each shade. 

I think it is great that all three shades have the same texture, there isn't one drier or harder than the other. The formula is very consistent. I really enjoy using these shadows, they are so easy to apply and the result is so good. I highly recommend you give this range a try!

Burberry Beauty is available in Australia from David Jones. The Sheer Eyeshadows retail for $45.00 for 2.5g. 

Have you tried the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows? What are your favourite buttery soft shadows?

Another Chadstone Haul!

Last week I headed to Chadstone whilst in Melbourne visiting family and such. I have probably said it before but I FREAKIN' LOVE CHADSTONE! I could spend days wandering around the shops, if only my feet didn't get sore and my arms tired from lugging around bags of shopping...

Anyway onto the things I actually purchased. Makeup wise, there wasn't actually a lot on my list though I did pick up some new products. The bigger focus of my shopping was however skincare. I have finally made a dint in my sample stash so I decided to treat myself.

Since I finished up my first lot of Chanel skincare over a year ago, I have really been longing to use it again. Nothing else quite met the quality and luxuriousness of Chanel. I purchased the Lait Confort which is a creamy cleansing milk which I find really gentle yet effective on drier skin. The Lotion Douceur is actually the toner designed for normal to combination but was suggested for my dry skin as it is found to be more suitable for sensitive skin. To follow that is the lovely Hydra Beauty Serum which smells amazing and a product I found really effective. Out of the three versions of the Hydra Beauty Creme I chose the one that wasn't the extra rich cream nor the gel. This one is perfect as both a day and night cream. I also purchased the newish Hydra Beauty Gel Yeux which will hopefully help banish my dark circles. 

When I saw this new trio of serums/creams from Chanel I was very interested, initially I only purchased one on Friday but after reading reviews over the weekend, I caved. On the way home on Monday I stopped and picked up the other two to complete the collection. The idea is that at different times of the day, the skin has different needs. Le Jour de Chanel is used in the morning, La Nuit de Chanel at night and Le Weekend de Chanel on the weekend. I am really excited to see how these go. I will probably review them after a few weeks of use. 

The Chanel Beauty Boutique also had  items from the new Nuit Infinie de Chanel Collection for Holiday 2013, in stock. Naturally I jumped at the chance to grab some items. I learnt my lesson last year - do not wait to purchase items from Chanel's holiday collections, they sell out fast! 

I picked up the two new shades of Illusion D'Ombre in 827 Initiation and 837 Fatal, both of which look stunning. I purchased my first ever Joues Contraste blush in 84 Accent and another Rouge Allure lipstick in 217 Radieuse. 

They had not yet received Ombres Matelassees in Charming but I put my name down to have one put away for me as the rumour is they are very limited edition and I NEED IT! If you want to see a peek at it check out Temptalia's post on the Chanel holiday collection here. 

I had my makeup done at Mecca Cosmetica, mainly because I knew I would spend over $90 so I thought I may always get a treat for it. Sadly I wasn't that impressed with the end result, it was okay but I think I could have done it better... The foundation looked patchy and a little cakey in spots, no idea if this was the foundation (it was a By Terry foundation) or the application. The eye makeup whilst looking nice had a weird shape to it, it didn't work well with the shape of my eyes. I also didn't like how the woman doing it didn't consult with me as to which products to use or what colours. Oh well. 

I purchased my first Diptyque Scented Candle at Mecca in the scent Baies which is meant to be berry scented. All I know is it smells lovely and I will be purchasing the Roses one in the future. 

I had to purchase some make up in Mecca Cosmetica too, it wouldn't be a proper trip to Mecca otherwise. I purchased the Nars Eyeshadow Palette in Ride up to the Moon which I originally wanted to purchase ages ago but talked myself out of it, for a little while anyway. 

I purchased two products from Kevyn Aucoin - the Precision Brow Pencil in Ash Blonde and the Eye Pencil Primatif in Basic Black, both of which were used on me during the makeup application. From By Terry I purchased the Eclat de Teint Pinceau in 3 Halogen Apricot which was used on me to lighten up under the eyes. 

I managed to only purchase three lip products from Mecca which is a feat for me. Firstly Mecca Cosmetica's own Lip De-Luschious SPF 25 which is a hydrating lip protectant. I am already enjoying this and the SPF is excellent coming into summer. One lipstick I purchased was from By Terry and it is the Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge in 6 Party Girl which was another prouduct used in my makeup application. 

From Hourglass came my third lip product a Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Ballet - a pretty pink. I also purchased my third Ambient Lighting Powder, this time in Radiant Light. It was suggested to use this more as a light bronzer to add warmth to the face. 

Benefit have released some really great looking products lately so it was a given I would purchase them. Especially the new boxed blush called Rockateur, described as a rose gold colour. The Gimme Brow is an interesting product but first impressions are good, I purchased the light/medium shade. 

Shu Uemura is a brand I like to pick up a couple of products from every time I visit a counter. At the top of my shopping list was the new Lightbulb foundation, they had the foundation in stock but not the sponge which I really wanted to go with it. I therefore decided not to purchase the foundation yet, I have read that the sponge really makes the foundation. 

I did pick up the Sweet Beige Brown Palette and another of my favourite matte lipsticks - the Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in MPK348 which is a more nude pink than the other shades I have. 

Just below the Shu foundation on my shopping list were the new Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks from Giorgio Armani. I picked up two shades - 302 Tokyo and 500 Eccentrico. I love the bright red tube. It will really stand out amongst the black lipstick cases that seem to dominate my collection. 

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you will know about my two big purchases on the weekend. I finally got upgraded both my camera and my laptop. I figured both were purchased at the same time FIVE YEARS AGO! Whilst they still work, five year technology is pretty much prehistoric now. 

I purchased my first Apple computer, the MacBook Air which I am loving so far. It is much easier to adapt to than I expected. I upgraded my little Kodak point and shoot to a Canon EOS 600D camera too, which has me wondering why I didn't update much earlier. It is amazing and I am just using the auto mode. Hopefully you have noticed a difference in the quality of photos in this post and the last. 

So there is my haul, which I think was actually pretty restrained in the makeup department this time. It was more about the skincare which is a necessity. See what I did there? Yup, justified all that skincare! 

Anyway my new laptop and camera have helped renew my love for blogging, I can't wait to take really clear photos of products and then to post about them. At this stage I have the next five days off from work. Which is good as I have a virus to recover from but it also gives me lots of time to blog!

What have you hauled lately? Do you normally buy more makeup or skincare?

As always, let me know if there is anything you want to see a review on. 

Weekend Away - Another Peek into my Make Up Bag

A weekend away means another "what's in my make up bag?" post. I feel these are a good way to share products I am enjoying at the moment.

The family and I came down to Melbourne to mainly just visit family and it was an Uncles birthday. I of course managed to fit in a trip to Chadstone! Which I will share with you later in a haul post. I can say I did invest in a new camera and I hope you can see the difference in the photos in this post. I am still only learning to use but I must say I don't know why I didn't upgrade much earlier. The photos look completely different - in a good way though. 

Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base

I have been loving this primer since its purchase back in July. It does exactly as it says. It provides a luminous base.

Burberry Sheer Foundation

I hadn't used this much until recently when I used and realised just how easy it is to apply and how good it looks on. It is my skin but better.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

My dark circles always need something to try and beat them into submission and if they won't submit at least something to cover them up. I've had this for a few weeks and whilst not yet convinced of its holy grail status that has been applied by others, I am quite enjoying it.

Bourjois Java Rice Powder

This only arrived in the mail a couple of days ago but on first use I liked. It reminds me of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. The texture is amazingly fine too.

Tom Ford Cheek Color in 01 Love Lust

This is a gorgeous peachy coral shade that I just love on the cheeks. I had been neglecting this a bit recently so decided to chuck it into my makeup bag (and by chuck I mean gently place like it was made of glass - Tom Ford must be treated with respect).

Chanel Cream Blush in 65 Affinite

It took weeks to finally get my hands on this beauty and by god do I love its pretty pink shade! Perfect for a fresh look and really brightens up my look.

Nars Pro Primer

This mini came with the palette listed below. A lovely primer that really helps shadows to stick to the lid.

Nars And God Created the Woman Eye Palette

I love this palette but sadly, haven't used it much since purchasing it a couple of months ago. This is the only powder eyeshadows I packed so I knew it would get some use over the weekend.

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in 07 Moon River

A super easy eye look is contained in this little stick. Just apply this to the lid and blend out. A gorgeous shade.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Hustle

A lovely brown shade that has one of the smoothest formulas I have come across.

Nars Larger than Life Eyeliner in Via Veneto

A dark black that lasts all day. Also includes a handy sharpener in the base.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara

A sample mascara is perfect for travelling and this mascara is really good.

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in 02 Seal Brown

An awesome eyebrow pencil that is really hard to overdo.

Dior Jelly Lip Pen in 656 Gaia

I always like to take away a sheer and easy to wear lip colour and this trip, this Dior product gets the job. A really pretty, sheer pinky shade.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 L'Eclantante

I also like to take away a more bold, full on lip colour. This matte Chanel lipstick is perfect for that! A bright pink with a hint of coral.

A peek at the brushes I packed, including my new Suqqu Cheek Brush - review to come soon!

It has to be a miracle that I managed to only pack two lip products. I usually pack many more. Though this doesn't include the two in my handbag but they don't count as they weren't in my make up bag... Proud to say I was pretty restrained with what I packed this trip. 

I hope you all have had a lovely weekend. I know I did. I'll be back in the next couple of days with a haul. If you are interested in any full reviews on these products let me know.

How was your weekend? What did you pack on your last trip away?

September Favourites

September has been a very lazy month make up wise for me. I have just been too busy with work and needing as much beauty sleep as possible to be bothered with too much make up in the morning. Seriously, I could probably sleep for an extra thirty minutes if I didn't wear make up! Therefore my favourites for this past month are either trusted staples or simple and easy to use products (that allow me that extra ten minutes snooze). 

Max Factor CC Colour Correcting Cream in 30 Light

I have been really impressed with this CC Cream. The shade is actually light enough for me (there is about 6 shades and 30 is the lightest) and it doesn't turn orange on me. IT IS A MIRACLE!  Most BB and CC creams look orange on my cool pale skin. For this CC Cream the coverage is good, it lasts all day and looks natural. I love how easy it is to apply when I am still have asleep, just rub into the skin with fingers. Super easy and looks great. 

Nars Powder Blush in Deep Throat

This may possibly be my favourite blush in my whole collection. This shimmery peachy-pink just looks lovely on the cheeks and really brightens my face (and helps me look awake & alert). This blush is a fail safe for me. 

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Amethyst

I didn't bother with eyeshadow that much in the last month but if I did I went for something simple and easy. This Caviar Stick has a gorgeous purple brown shade that I can just apply all over the lid and blend out. Super easy and quick but also looks great. This also lasts all day with no smudging or fading.

Face of Australia Big Volumising Lash Mascara in Black

Even if I don't bother with eyeshadow, I always wear mascara. This one has been regularly reached for this month. The big rubber, spikey brush really grabs the lashes and coats them nicely. I feel mascara always makes me look put together. 

EOS Smooth Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet

I have really been enjoying this lip balm and the Summer Fruit one I also purchased at the same time. The smell is lovely and I like how easy it is to apply. It also a really good lip balm! This one lives by my bed and the other in my handbag. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in 25 Pink Punch

I got sick of waiting for this to be released in Australia, so I purchased from eBay. This has the most gorgeous pale pink tint to it that looks lovely on the lips. I find my lips look really plump and moisturised when I use it. Also fantastic for a rushed morning and it easy to apply on the go. 

Swatched L-R: Nars Deep Throat Blush, Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick, Maybelline Pink Punch Baby Lips Balm. 

So there is my September favourites! I hope your October is off to a good start, mine has been good. Busy but good. How lovely has this weather been? Just gorgeous! 

Next weekend I am off to Melbourne for two nights (YAY), planning on heading to Chadstone on Friday. I booked in for a makeover at Mecca Cosmetica too! Blog post on that? 

I hope to pick up a new camera on my trip. Any recommendations? I want a good all rounder and don't want to spend a fortune. I am also thinking of a new computer - an Apple MAC, thoughts?

What are your September Favourites? 

Any camera & computer recommendations?

September Empties

Hello the start of a new month, which means hello to another empties post!

I continued on with my mission to use up as many products and samples as possible. My stash of samples has actually decreased which seems quite amazing! There is a few products making their regular appearance too. 

Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo & Conditioner

This is the second set of this that I have used up and I really enjoy these. I feel like they are helping make my hair feel and look stronger and healthier. I haven't repurchased yet as I am currently trying some products from Original&Mineral (which I will review soon).

Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask

I absolutely love this mask! It smells lovely and leaves my hair feeling amazing. I want to use it every time I shampoo my hair and I was finding myself applying it on the lower third of my hair most washes. It is amazingly good at de-knotting my hair. I haven't repurchased yet as like with the shampoo and conditioner - I have been trying an Original&Mineral mask. I think I like this best though.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh

Another essential product for me. I much prefer this 'fresh' scent over the 'blush' scent. This really does smell fresh and unlike with blush, the smell fades pretty quickly. Will repurchase when my back up gets low. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

This bottle was left over from when I used the Clinique 3 Step system, probably 2 years ago. I like this moisturiser as an everyday no fuss product. I find it can lack in hydration for me in winter though. The bottle is an absolute pain to get the last fifth out of though and after using every trick I could think of I still left some in the bottle. I am interested in trying the new and improved formula.

Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream

This is the last product from the Aesop skincare kit I purchased a few months ago. The other 3 products were included in the month before empties post. I liked this moisturiser but again, it wasn't hydrating enough in winter. It has a lovely smell but those who don't like scented products wouldn't like it as it does hang around for a while. 

Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream

This isn't technically an empty. It is a three quarters empty, chucker. I have had this eye cream for far too long and the texture and scent has recently changed so it is time for the bin. I liked it but I don't think it did anything for the skin around my eyes. It was also very heavy and took ages to sink in. Wouldn't repurchase. 

Rexona Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

My holy grail deodorant. I actually had one in my August empties too but I think I finished it up in the first couple of days of  August and this one in the last couple of days in September. When I ran out, I didn't have a back up like I normally would and I couldn't get to the shops for a couple of days. I actually had to use a spray deodorant and it was nowhere near as good as this. Already repurchased. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light

GUYS! I actually finished up a make up product! When I hit pan on this, it ran out pretty quickly but I love this powder and will repurchase in the future. I want to finish up my Guerlain powder first but I don't think that will take long - it already has a nice bit of pan showing! I will put this empty away towards back to MAC though. 

As I mentioned earlier I made my way through some samples again this month. The Dermalogica toner was okay, nothing special. Both the Dermalogica and Bobbi Brown cleansing oils were nowhere near as good as my Shu Uemura favourite. I'm not inclined to purchase any of the three above samples. 

Above is all the cleanser and scrub samples I used up in September. Honourable mentions to the Alpha-H and Triolgy. Both were lovely to use and I would consider purchasing either. I especially loved the Alpha-H one though, it had a beautiful creamy texture and gently but effectively cleansed my skin. The Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula cleanser was nice too but the smell put me off a little. The others were all okay, nothing overly special though. 

So there is another lot of empties down! I am glad to be getting through some of my excess products though they do seem to pile up pretty quickly.

What did you finish up in September?