Recent Empties!

I haven't blogged my Empties in a really long time, so here are the finished products that I could find, and if I come across any more I'll either throw them out or put them in next month's lot if they are worth talking about. I'm trying to de-clutter the house, so it will be great to actually throw this lot out once I've blogged them! On another note, I have a Giveaway coming soon so keep an eye out for that!

Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Love love love this stuff and I already have another bottle on the go! I use it the night before a special occasion, because it really gives me a brighter, better-looking complexion. I will always re-purchase this, but I wait for various discounts or offers!
Re-purchase? Yes

TN Dickinson's Witch Hazel
This is another staple in my skincare routine and I love that it's so cheap, because I can always stock up, guilt-free! Having said that, I've just bought a Tea Tree Toner from The Body Shop on sale, so I'll be using that instead for a while. But then I will.....
Re-purchase? Yes

Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder
This got low then broke up, but luckily I had already bought a new one in the Priceline 40% Off Cosmetics sale. This time I went for Light Beige instead of Natural though, which matches my skin colour more. Love this powder!
Re-purchase? Already have!

Darphin Exquisage Beauty Revealing Cream
I got this as a sample with an order or possibly in a Mecca Beauty Loop Box (thanks for playing along, memory!) and I really love it! Great results, felt good, no reaction, just an all-round great product. However I have too many other creams like this to use up, so....
Re-purchase? No

Uriage Aqua PRECIS Eye Contour Care
I really love this eye gel and found it to quite effective. My routine was to use this before bed, and my holy grail La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream in the morning. I won this tube and by a strange coincidence simultaneously redeemed my BeautyHeaven points on the same thing in a Beautorium, so I.....
Re-purchase? Already have a back-up!

Wotnot Facial Wipes for Normal/Sensitive Skin*
If you read my What's In The March Good Green Box? post, you'll know that these were in the Good Green Box! It only contained five wipes, so they are gone, baby, gone. I loved the smell of these and how gentle they were. I'm pretty interchangeable with my wipes though, so I will probably grab something else next time.
Re-purchase? No

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
This is a tiny little sample tube that weirdly took forever to use! It had a surprising firm jelly like consistency that sort of was squishy but held together. It soaked in easily enough though and I enjoyed using it. But again I have too many other similar products in my stash to use, so....
Re-purchase? No

Lush Lord Of Misrule Shower Cream
Or shower SCREAM if you go by the most amazing product typo I've ever seen! OMG, this was 50% off in the Boxing Day sale and I have taken forever and a day to use this up. It actually expired in January this year and there were little grainy bits in it. Despite transforming me into the Incredible Hulk's shower double, I will give this bright green cream a miss and concentrate on using up my shower gels instead.
Re-purchase? No

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub-Gelee
I loved this scrub! The fragrance was amazing and the formula was spot on! I found it refreshing and fun to use and would look at getting it again in the future, but I have enough other scrubs in my stash to work my way through first.
Re-purchase? No

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Disclaimer: Products marked * were provided for editorial consideration. Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Have you tried any of these products?

Skincare Routine Update!

I haven't done a Skincare Update post in quite a while, so what better time than the present? Experiencing an extended period of shitty breakouts a few months ago really made me re-assess my skincare routine (or lack thereof!). After switching up a few products and sticking to a morning and nightly skincare routine, my skin is clear and looking pretty healthy on the whole. I'm not going to lie, I am using a lot of different products right now (partly because I'm trying to use up my samples). Most of them are geared towards either clearing and preventing breakouts or anti-aging, as those are my two main concerns. Here's what I'm slapping on every day....

I use Lush Ultrabland Cleanser (see my review here) when I don't have any spots. It leaves my skin feeling plumped out and super-soft. The thick, oily texture means I have to remove it with a washcloth, but it's totally worth the extra effort. When my skin's playing up, I cleanse with Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser (Blemish-Prone Skin) which is an amazing gel that clears my breakouts up fast. I would highly recommend this cleanser if you have problem skin.

Again, I alternate between two products when it comes to Toner. My old favourite is TN Dickinson's WitchHazel which I love for the super-cheap price (around $6) and its ability to minimise my pores and clear my skin. I also use, albeit less frequently, The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner. Anyone else love the smell of tea tree, or is it just me? Confession time! When I can't be stuffed cleansing before bed, I actually use one of these toners to remove my makeup. Hey, it hasn't killed me yet!

I've pretty much switched from gritty to liquid exfoliants now. The two products I'm using are Alpha-H Liquid Gold and Paula's Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment (with 2% BHA) both of which are pretty potent, so I only use them every two to three days. I like keeping my skin on its toes by using Liquid Gold before bed, then in a few days I'll use the Paula's Choice exfoliant, and so on and so forth. Although Liquid Gold isn't classified as an exfoliant (it's marketed more as an acid toner), that's the way I see it. It's actually a treatment containing Glycolic Acid and licorice that firms, revitalises and boosts radiance. The Glycolic extract does exfoliate, but I really appreciate the multitude of skin concerns Liquid Gold addresses. When a product reduces fine lines, tightens my skin, makes it glow, reduces pigmentation, smooths, clears and makes me look younger, I will keep using it.

So many eye creams (mainly samples)! I love trying lots of eye creams, even though I know my Holy Grail is La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift, a true miracle worker. I've not featured it here because I only use it for special occasions; I have a tiny amount left in a sample tube and the full version costs $380 for 20ml. I just can't bring myself to buy it yet. I've been using La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex instead, which has a watery consistency and is still effective. I've also been enjoying Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Cream and Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye, both of these do work well. FreezeFrame Revitaleyes (which I wrote about in Five Fabulous Faves) has also been improving my under-eye area, and once a week I use Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream (not pictured) under my eyes for an added moisture boost.

I am loving facial serums at the moment! I'm using a number of different products, basically just depending on how I'm feeling that day. And again, I'm working my way through the various samples I've accumulated. La Prairie is a favourite brand of mine (why do they have to be so expensive, though?!) and the La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster is great. Their products work so well. Since hubby bought me the Elizabeth Arden GWP a few months ago (blogged about here) I'm falling more in love with this brand. I'm really enjoying the Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum, with the Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Caplet Serum a close runner-up.

Every morning I pop on Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer half an hour before applying my makeup, as it needs that amount of time to properly absorb. I love the way this makes my skin look as it really does give my face a firmer appearance. Nightly, I use Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Night Cream, another winner in my book. About twice per week I'll use Alpha-H Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream before bed instead, but not on a night where I've used Liquid Gold itself, as it might be a bit much for my skin. This cream is pretty sticky and I wouldn't even attempt to use it under makeup!

My go-to for any spots is Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment, which I bought as part of the Clear Extra Strength Kit. This range is amazing and completely cleared up my persistent breakouts. I rarely need to use this anymore, but I like knowing I have it on hand, just in case. If you're interested in purchasing from Paula's Choice, you can use my link to get $15 off your first order, and I'll get $15 credited to my account!

I'm not really using Face Masks at the moment, because I don't love any of the ones I have. However I have found a few sample sachets and once-off masks in my stash (hello SK-II Facial Treatment Mask) so I might bring back Pamper Sunday!

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Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me, my husband or were free samples I got instore or with online orders. All opinions are my own. Using my Paula's Choice link means you get $15 off your first order and I get $15 credited to my account.

I'm linking up to Fabulous and Fun Life's Monday Makeup Madness Linky Party!

What's your favourite skincare brand or product?

Alpha-H Goodies!

OK, so this purchase happened! I've been trying to curtail my spending lately, and it was going pretty well. Until a problem presented itself; my beloved Liquid Gold was down to the last few drops and I really wanted to get another one. Facial Co had a Gift With Purchase (free 30ml Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream and 30ml Liquid Gold Anti-Ageing Cleanser) with a minimum spend on Alpha-H products. I was in! Admittedly, Adore Beauty were having a different Alpha-H special at the same time which I was also considering, but the Facial Co one sounded better value for money.

Uh-oh, spaghetti-oh!

On a positive note, this gives me a chance to try a few different products from the brand for the first time! I loved the sound of the Balancing and Pore Refining Mask, so added that to my cart to reach the minimum $80 spend. So I got another bottle of the amazing Liquid Gold (mini-review here), which I swear by, a mask I'm probably too excited about, the 30ml rejuvenating cream and anti-ageing cleanser, together valued at $66, two free samples (Daily Essential Moisturiser 5ml and Micro Cleanse 5ml) and two Mentos mints. I also received a copy of The Face Beauty Book (not pictured, I forgot about it!) in with my order.

I get my best skin ever when I use Liquid Gold. Have you tried it? What's your favourite Alpha-H product?

Disclaimer: All products were purchased with my own money. All thoughts are my honest opinion. This is a non-sponsored post.

April Empties: Six Little Beauties!

Emptiness so good I've already replaced four out of the six, and considering the fifth. Just feeling a bit guilty buying beauty products, given the excessive haulage of late. I know replacing staples is a completely different ballpark, but I should utilise the large stash of products I have built up instead.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold
This stuff is crazy good! It's like..... well, liquid gold. Bahaha, that was shocking. And so was the difference in my skin after a few uses of this much-hyped cult product from Alpha-H. It stings a bit on application, but it's supposed to. It's a skin resurfacing treatment that claims to reduce wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation and brighten your complexion. It did all of those things for me, plus my skintone was more even, and in general, just looked way better than before. I'm already on to my second bottle.

Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
I've already replaced this but with the Light shade, because how hard is it to find bloody Fair Clair? IMPOSSIBLE! Same with the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. Everyone has Light, but Fair Clair is as rare as hen's teeth! Fair Clair is lighter than Light. Since Light looked quite yellow-toned I thought it was worth trying for concealing blueish dark under-eye circles and it is doing a good job. I just wish Fair Clair was more readily available!

Maybelline Masterliner
I adore this creamy, easy to use retractable black pencil liner. It can be built up to create a dramatic line, and you never have to sharpen it. I love the results, and the fact that it doesn't budge, smudge or smear, all day. It's also quite inexpensive and Priceline always have sales and discounts, so it's not uncommon for me to get two for the price of one. A definite staple in my makeup bag!

Benefit Boo Boo Zap
I really liked this, but probably won't repurchase, just because I'm psychologically not alright with spending $28 on a zit gel. It did work really well at clearing up problem spots and was fast-drying and didn't leave my skin sticky like some pimple treatments do, meaning I could wear it under makeup without it rubbing off. Aargh, maybe I should consider getting another one?

Clinique Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel
From the Skin Supplies For Men range. So SO good. And it kills me not to repurchase, but it's $52 and I've been spending a lot lately. Also, it gives me a chance to work my way through all the eye creams in the cupboard and try some new products. Anyway, this eye gel is a wonder product, a multitasking little gem. It reduces puffiness, hydrates and decreases my dark circles. I've blogged about it before here.

Dermalogica Precleanse
This is a cleansing oil that kind of melts your makeup off, and at first I thought what's the point of adding another step, won't I just remove my makeup with cleanser anyway? But then I became a bit addicted. I'm using way more Dermalogica products than I used to, and I find them so effective (if not a little expensive). It feels odds rubbing an oil into oily skin, but apparently Precleanse is ideal for oily skin types. It also removes all traces of eye makeup quickly and easily. Unfortunately I knocked this bottle to the ground in the shower and it split on the bottom, so I had to store it upside down to prevent leakage until I'd finished it. I've replaced it with the 150ml bottle.

Disclaimer: Alpha-H Liquid Gold was won in a competition, all other products were bought by me.

SkinCare Routine: April 2013

Here's what I'm currently cleansing with and slapping on my face!

CLEANSING
Formula 10.0.6 Three Times Sublime 3 in 1 Blackhead Wash/Scrub/Mask
Olay Total Effects Cream Cleanser
LUSH Sweet Lips Lip Scrub
LUSH Ocean Salt Facial Scrub

SAMPLES I'm trialling ........
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera
Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant

MOISTURISERS/TREATMENTS
T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel
Olay Total Effects Anti-Ageing Cream
Clinique Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel
Olay Anti-Ageing Eye Cream
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream

Disclaimer: All products were either bought by me, won by me or free as part of a Gift With Purchase.

August Empties

Well August is gone, and with it the products I finished during the month. Here are said products and mini reviews on each.

Garnier UltraLift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

I am so sad that I've finished this, because it worked extremely well on me, lifting my under-eye area and diminishing the look of my dark circles, and it's been discontinued. I was initially in disbelief when I couldn't find this product in my local Woolies, but after an extensive and exhausting search through pretty much every available outlet, I give up. Garnier initially replaced it with a double-ended tube of similar product (tried it, did not get the same results), then also released a roller-ball product. There is also a tub of Garnier Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Dual Eye but I don't get the same results from that either. Sucks!

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment

I hardly ever put a treatment through my hair, so this was a little bit of heaven for me! Sad, I know. I was pleasantly surprised by the results. My hair was soft, smooth and silky after using this and I'm definitely going to buy this after trying the sample.

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

I wasn't overly impressed with this gel, but it was inoffensive enough, being colour and perfume free and designed for sensitive skin. Satisfactory if you're into 'no frills' products.

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant

I have previously reviewed this product here. I would just like to add, that since writing my review, the results I experienced from using this exfoliant continued and increased. My skin became brighter and clearer with continued use. This is an expensive, but effective product. I am now using Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant instead (only because this ran out and I won the Dermalogica) :o)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

I absolutely hate this product with a passion. When I first used it, my face reacted badly, resulting in red, dry patches that took weeks to clear up. I left this alone for months, but recently decided to use it as a body scrub (sparingly and carefully!) as there was no way it was going anywhere near my face again. No bad reaction this time. This was just way too strong and stripped my skin dry (and I don't have sensitive skin, either). Hopefully Neutrogena don't make this any more, but if they do, proceed with caution.

Toni & Guy Volume Shampoo

This was on special so I thought I'd give it a go, considering how much I love the T&G Dry Shampoo. I didn't really notice any more volume after using this. Also the pump action dispenser is a bit of a pain in the arse in the shower. Meh.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

This is a reliable dry shampoo in fun, cheerful packaging, with a lovely scent. Batiste is one of my regular dry shampoos. I love Original, Blush and Tropical.


**Garnier, Toni & Guy & Batiste were purchased by me, Pantene was a freebie in the mail, Simple I won, Alpha-H was provided for consideration, Neutrogena was provided to review on another site.**

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant

rrp:  $59.95

**I was provided this product for consideration. This review is my honest opinion.

Alpha-H claims: “A unique exfoliation with pure enzymes and fruit to instantly refresh and reveal a smoother brighter complexion. Non-abrasive gentle enzymes activate upon contact with water to provide unparalleled daily retexturising by allowing new healthy cells to the surface.  Combined with natural pineapple and papaya extracts for soothing and brightening benefits, your skin will appear smooth, soft and invigorated.”

I was delighted to receive this product to review, as I am a bit of an Exfoliant freak and I love trying new brands.  This Exfoliant was different to the products I’m used to, because there were no abrasive bits, which was a real surprise! The product comes in powder form, and the directions are to dispense two measures into the palm of your hand and add water to form a thick paste. This was a trial and error process for me. The packaging took a little getting used to, as one measure seemed to dispense hardly any product, so I found myself madly tipping the bottle up and back trying to get enough product out! I started off making a runny unusable mess, then the mixture was way too thick. Finally I was able to mix in just the right amount of water to achieve the correct consistency.

When massaging the exfoliant into my skin, I noticed it was indeed very gentle, as Alpha-H claim. I didn’t like this at first, because I really love the feeling of the scratchy little bits in most exfoliators giving me a deep down clean. However, I adjusted and moved on.  I’ve been using this daily for a few weeks and my skin does look brighter in appearance, and it feels smoother as well.  I love that it's gentle enough to use daily, and I'm glad I've incorporated this product into my daily cleansing routine. Despite initial problems dispensing the powder, I'm pleased with the design of the packaging, as it's impossible to get water into the bottle. No mess or wastage! YAY! Overall, I’m happy with the results and will continue to use this product until it runs out. I’m hoping to see even more improvements in my skin with continued use.