Monthly Favourites: January

Oh thank god that January has come to an end. It felt like this last month was never going to end. Today I'm back with my first monthly favourites of 2020 which I nearly didn't post as for half the month I only one favourite to share with you. Yet things have picked up since then and whilst I have more non beauty favourites to share than anything, there's a good selection here.

My first favourite of January is one that I'm pretty sure my neighbours are sick of hearing. Halsey released her new song You Should Be Sad sometime during the middle of January and I was obsessesed before I'd even finished listening to it the first time. I'm not usually a fan of Halsey, I'll hum along if one of her songs plays at work but she's not an artist I actively listen to.Yet You Should Be Sad is all I've wanted to listen to this month. Girl was spilling some tea and it makes for some very catchy listening. I knew I was going to like it when I heard the slight country tone to it but I didn't realise just how much I was going to love it. Plus the music video is amazing and pays homage to some of the most amazing female artists in the industry including my idol Carrie Underwood.

The second series of Sex Education finally dropped this month and I binged it in two sittings (would have been one but needed sleep). I didn't know how they were going to top the first series but they really did and I loved every single episode. Episode 7 actually made cry and whilst I'd love to blame it on hormones, it was truly because the storyline following the girls in detention made me pay attention to the kind of horrid shit that we women have to put up with. It was beautifully played by all the actresses and really spread a sense of unity to anyone who's ever been made to feel uncomfortable or sexually harrassed by anyone. Fingers crossed they renew it for a third season as I've watched a series so quickly as I've watched this one.

And with it being January, it can only mean one thing. It's Silent Witness season. I adore Silent Witness, it's well written, tackles true and deep hitting subjects and has one of the most amazing casts on TV. The series hasn't ended yet but I've adored every episode so far. Liz Carr and Emilia Fox are my biggest stand outs so far this season with their ability to be witty and humorous yet still being able to give me all the feels with the emotional moments and storylines. Yet a little spoiler makes me believe that David Caves is going to steal the season finale with his performance. I'm sad that we're already over halfway done with the season but I also have them all on DVD so I can just binge watch them when I get withdrawal symptoms.

Back last August I finally bit the bullet and got my first tattoo and this weekend just gone I managed to stay upright long enough to get my second. And I say stay upright because I was suffering from the worst migraine I've had in a long time. Now before any of you say why didn't you reschedule, I couldn't because I was in fact getting a matching tattoo with my mum. Which sure a lot of people don't think is cool but is something that she's wanted for the longest time and made sense since we're so close, me being an only child and all that. We got matching lavender sprig tattoos except hers is on her right middle finger and mine is on my left middle fingers. Considering the amount of pain I was in already that day I was surprised that this didn't actually hurt. Sure it was uncomfortable around the knuckle area but it was nothing compared to the pounding in my head. It's healing nicely and I'm trying my hardest not to bash it but it's only now I'm realising just how much I use my middle finger for. And I'm not just on about flipping people the bird.

Now shall we talk about my beauty favourites for the month. I only two, the first being a cleanser I've been using since before Christmas but never got round to talking about. The Sanctuary AHA Cleansing Mousse doesn't sound like it's going to be good for your skin but it's amazing. It's a mix between a chemical exfoliant and a physical exfoliant in cleanser form. This is best used on bare skin, it's gritty mousse texture breaking down quickly to retexturise and deeply cleanse skin. I always find my skin feels it's best after I've used it, even compared to the Estee Lauder Micro Cleansing Foam which I've also been trying this month.

And my last favourite both for this post and for beauty is one that shouldn't really be in here as I've only had it for a week at most but I just adore it. The Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturiser has completely changed my morning skincare routine. I brought it to replace my Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser and I'm so glad I did. It's a lightweight gel formula that helps to ease redness, moisturise and even tone whilst giving skin a semi matte finish that creates the perfect base under make up. I was up until now tempted to also try the IT Cosmetics moisturiser that everyone raves about but Origins have really knocked it out the park and saved me some dollar at the same time. 

Christmas Gift Guide: Under £25

 

 Happy Wednesday and welcome back to my second Christmas Gift Guide. Today we're talking everything £25 and under, including some absolutely gorgeous gift sets from the likes of Rosie For Autograph, NARS, Becca and Caudalie to name just a few. 

Origins Mini Must Masks Set £15- Origins face masks are some of the best about so this pack of five miniatures is perfect for anyone who loves their face masks or Origins as a brand. You could even split this set up if you were creating little pamper hampers of your own.
Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Skin Set £20- Neal's Yard has a gorgeous array of sets this year but this Rehydrating Rose set was the one that caught my eye. Containing five miniatures for their Rose collection, this set is a great way to get a feel for the brand and also comes with a cute make up bag.
Elemis Pro Collagen Skincare Gift Set £19.50- Every year Elemis do a cracker with their ever famous Pro Collagen range inside. This year is no different with them offering a pot of their cleansing balm, a face cloth as well as a voucher for a fifteen minute treatment all for under £20.

 Kat Von D Signature Eye and Lip Duo £17- Kat Von D is another brand that always a 'cracker' duo set. This year she's created a Eye and Lip Duo containing a full size Tattoo Liner and a miniature Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick.
Laura Geller The Weekender Palette Set £19- Laura Gellar has an amazing trio of palettes up for grabs this year. Each palette contains four eye shadows, a blush and a highlighter making them the perfect travel companion for that beauty lover who's always on the go.
L'Occitane Shea Beauty Icons £22- L'Occitane are also another brand that do a wonderfull array of sets and this stunningly packaged set definitely caught my eye. Containing four of their iconic Shea scented beauty products, this set is perfect for any L'Occitane lovers or for anyone who you want to give a special pamper treat to.

Clarins Love Your Lips Miniature Set £21- Clarins are famous for their lip products and this year they've created a cute set of four miniatures of their bestselling lip products. It features two Instant Light Lip Perfectors, an Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil and a Joli Rouge Velvet Lipstick.
Smashbox Always On Miniature Duo £12- Smashbox are doing a cracking Always On Liquid Lipstick Duo. Including the shades Driver's Seat and Spoiler Alert, this budget friendly set gives you the chance to try out not one but two shades of the bestselling liquid lipstick for a price even lower than one on it's own.
NARS Underground Velvet Lip Glide Set £20- NARS have an amazing ray of gift sets including this trio of their Velvet Lip Glides including the shades Camden Girls, Vandal and Banshee.

 Laura Gellar Dripping Gold Palette £25- Another stunning Laura Gellar palette available this year is her Dripping Gold Palette. Containing three highlighter shades including the bestselling shade Gilded Honey, this palette is ultra luxruious without costing the earth.
Benefits Brow Tryouts Set £20.50- Benefit have a brilliant array of brow products and this year they're giving beauty lovers a chance to try out four of the products for a brilliant £20. As a lover of the Benefit Brow Wax, this set is one I'm definitely interested in.
NARS Little Fetishes Lipstick And Blush Duo £20- Another brilliant NARS set available this festive season is their Little Fetishes Duo. This interestingly packaged set contains a miniature blush and a miniature lipstick in their iconic shade Orgasm.

 Clinique Beauty Bauble £15- There are several more pricey beauty baubles available this year including this one from Clinique.Containing a mini Take The Day Off Balm and High Impact mascara, this makes a great gift for
Eve Lom Cleanser Skincare Set £18- Eve Lom is a brand that can be hard to find but this year John Lewis have a variety of sets available including this miniature set. Inside you have a miniature of their bestselling cleanser and a cleansing cloth.
Sarah Chapman The Icicle Tree Decoration £15- Sarah Chapman has also released a miniature set this year. It's slightly pricey for the amount you get but it's great way to try out her bestselling Overnight Facial.

 Make Up Forever Color Artist Pencil Trio £18- Make Up Forever is now available in Debenhams and they have a gorgeous array of sets. This trio of Artists Color Pencils is one of the best. Containing shades of red, brown and black, this multi-use pencils are great for anyone who's been dying to try out Make Up Forever.
Stila Stay All Day Nude Attitude Liquid Lipstick Set £22- It wouldn't be a Christmas gift guide if I didn't mention the Stila Stay All Liquid Lipstick Trios that are released every year. This year they are doing two, a crimson range and a nude range. The Nude Attitude trio contains one of their original liquid lipsticks in Patina and two shimmer liquid lipsticks in Illuminare and Miele.

BeccaXChrissy Teign Lip Icing Gloss Kit £24- There aren't many people who don't love Chrissy Teign so this set in collaboration with Becca is perfect for everyone. Contaning four glosses in the shades Creme Brulee, Cinnamon Bun, Sugar Plum and Candy Cane, this set is brilliantly priced and gorgeous to look at.

 Rosie For Autograph Mini Fragrance Purse £15- Rosie For Autograph always has an amazing array of gift sets and this year is no different.The first that I just had to feature is this mini travel size purse containing a miniature of her original EDT and a miniature of her Amazing Radiance Body Glow tinted body lotion.
Rosie For Autograph Fragrance Wardrobe £25- The second Rosie For Autograph set I had to include was this stunning fragrance collection. Containing travel sizes of all five of her fragrances, this beautiful vintage looking set would glorious sat on anyone's dressing table/make up area.
Caudalie Hydration Must Haves Skincare Set £23- Caudalie have a stunning 'Must Haves' gift set this year. Containing three of their bestselling skincare products, this trio allows beauty addicts to try Caudalie as a brand at only a fraction of the price.

 Thomas Kinkade 1000 Piece Disney Puzzle £11.99-  I love a puzzle and when I saw these Thomas Kinkade and Disney puzzles, I knew I had to feature one in my gift guide. With scenes ranging from Tangled to Peter Pan, these puzzles are beautifully put together and don't cost the earth.

Royal Jelly Bath and Body Coffret £15- Royal Jelly has a stunning Bath and Body Coffret that would suit any mum, aunt or even gran. Filled with a mixture of their body butters, hand creams and soaps, this coffret looks and feels more luxurious without costing the earth.
Neom Feel Refreshed Travel Candle £16- And finally for the candle lovers out there, Neom are doing a range of candles that vary in both price and size. This feel refreshed candle has notes of Sicilian Lemon and Basil to refresh and boost the feel of anyone and the room they inhabit.

Get Unready With Me: Cosy Night In

Now I love getting ready everyday, I find it somewhat soothing. However I love nothing more than taking it all off at the end of the day or in my case as soon as I get home from work. There is nothing more satisfying than taking my make up off, taking my hair down, putting on some comfy pjs and getting cosy with a book or film for the evening.

 My work uniform is the first thing to come off as soon as I get home. Nothing feels better than taking my bra off (sorry TMI) and getting snuggly in my pjs. Now I know Christmas is really upon us but I'm feeling cosy pjs and these Grinch ones have been begging me to wear them since I brought them. And how can I resist them. Covered in the Grinch, my favourite Christmas film of all time, these all over fleccy pjs are the ultimate comfort after a day at work. Once I'm in my pjs. I take the numerous amount of pins out of my hair, give it a brush and then put it on top of my head in a not allowed in public pineapple.

Now I'm in my pjs it's time to take my make up off. Now I love putting my make up on everyday but I love nothing more than taking it all off as well. Sometimes I wait until I go to bed but there are other days when I can't wait and it's off as soon as I'm home from work. I like to double cleanse, the initial cleanse to remove my make up and the second cleanse to make sure I didn't miss any make up and to make sure my skin is clean. For inital cleanse I go in with an oil or a lightweight yet effective cream cleanser such as the Loreal Extraordinary Cleansing Oil or the Soap and Peaches Cleansing Milk. These really break down make up, including mascara without stinging eyes or leaving skin feeling greasy. Then for my second cleanse I tend to go in with a richer balm cleanser to really nourish my skin whilst simultaneously cleansing only my skin. I love Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm, it's rich and nourishing but doesn't weight down my skin or leave feeling overloaded by product. Once I've washed it off, my skin feels clean, soft and nourished.

On nights like these I go in with a sheet mask but before I apply my mask I like to tone and spritz my skin. For toner I can't help but go in with Alpha H's Liquid Gold. It's one of my favourite Glycolic Acid based skin treatments/toners. It really helps with skins texture and leaves my skin feeling smooth but not irritated. You could leave it there and let the Glycolic Acid just work it's magic but I like to lock it in with a little bit of Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. This hydrates and soothes skin, diminshing the appearence of my redness and locking in skin's moisture.

Then finally I put on a sheet mask. I was only going to feature one but when it came to choosing one I just couldn't decide, so all three it is. The first and most used that I always have a stash of is the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks. I always have two or three of each kind stashed in my collection as their the ones I reach for the most. The same stands for the Soap and Glory Speed Plump Hydro-Gel Mask.This mask moulds itself to my face and doesn't flap or fall off. The same can be said for the Origins Sheet Masks. I only have one of these at a time as they do veer towards the pricier side of sheet masks.

I went for the Garnier Moisture Bomb De-Tiring Mask in the end. Not only does it give my skin a brilliant boost of hydration but it also is infused with Lavender Essential Oil that not only helps reduce the appearence of fatigue but also relaxes the senses, perfect after a day at work. I love how saturated in product these masks are, they do their job but don't drip or splash everywhere when I take it out the packet. They fit nicely to the face and don't fall off or start to flap about when you move. Fifteen to twenty minutes is long enough for my skin to feel hydrated. It's the perfect time for catching up on Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter.

Once I've taken off my sheet mask I usually go in with my moisturiser and nothing more. However my eyes are looking little puffy and dark so I'm going in with some eye patches. My all time favourites are from Rodial. On the slightly more pricey side, these Dragon's Blood Eye Masks work wonders on the under eye area and the results hang around for a good few days afterwards as well. Once I've popped these on I head into the kitchen to make myself a hot chocolate. I meant to take a picture of my favourite Mrs Claus mug but she was in the wash and then I completely forgot. However she is chubby looking, adorable and perfect for hot chocolate.

Pjs on, sheet mask done and hot chocolate in hand, it's time to get myself settled for the night. I have two choices of entertainment, the first is the book I've been reading called The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop. So far I'm really enjoying it and feel I may read more in the series after this. The second is the film The Holiday. I have never seen this film but heard lots of people rave about it, especially around the festive period. So I think tonight I'm going to cosy up with the cat and watch The Holiday for the first time. And if there's time or I'm not asleep already I can read a bit more of my book.

And the last thing I do not just when I'm having a cosy night in but every night is apply a good night cream. My go to is the Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream. Packed full of Lavender Oil and Hyaluronic Acid, this rich cream is the perfect product for faking a good nights sleep. No matter what time I go to bed I always make sure I apply this to give my skin a good repair/renewal as I sleep. And that's it, once everything is done, I'm more than happy to snuggle down under my duvet, watch another Christmas movie or at least attempt before sleep comes a calling.

Christmas Gift Guide: Under £25

Welcome back to my second Christmas Gift Guide of the year. Yesterday I talked you through some great gifts that were under £10 and today I'm talking through some fantastic gifts that in at £25 or under.

Fresh Pretty In Pink Lip Trio £24: I may be late to the party but I've finally found a Fresh gift set to feature here. This mini trio contains three miniature Sugar Lips in the shades Rose, Petal and Tulip. At £24 this is a brilliant way to introduce someone to the brand or to treat a die hard fan.
Urban Decay Little Vices Set £25: Urban Decay have released a new liquid lipstick trio for Christmas, contains four of their Vice Liquid Lipsticks. With three comfort matte shades and metallised shade this is a great way to try the Vice lipsticks without the hassle of choosing one particular shade.
Too Faced Under The Kistletoe Set £22: Too Faced always do great sets at Christmas and this year is no different. Their Kistltoe set contains two Melted Liquified Lipsticks, a Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick and a Melted Latex Liquid Lipstick. At £22 you can't go wrong for adding it as an extra present to any die hard liquid lipstick lovers gift pile.

Stila Sheer Delight Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set £20: Stila never fail to impress me at Christmas with their mini liquid lipstick kits. This year they've taken them down a different route and added a sheer shade alongside two of their bestselling permanent Stay All Day shades. This is definitely going on my Christmas list.
Kat Von D London Calling Vol 2 Set £19.50: Kat Von D always have a miniature trio in their Christmas line and this year she's followed up from last years London Calling Set. With a Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, Studded Kiss Lipstick and Tattoo Liner, this trio of products gives beauty lovers a chance to try out some of KVD's bestselling products.
Pixi Lip Lift Max Trio £12.50: I know that Pixi's Lip Lift Max is a bestselling product so of course I had to feature it in my guide. Containing three mini Lip Lift Max's in three different shades, this will give lips that stunning plumped effect but won't leave you looking like you've been stung by a bee.

Pixi Peel And Polish Set £20: Every year Pixi do fantastic miniature sets. Last year it was the Glow Mud set, this year it's the Peel and Polish Set. Containing a miniature Rose Flash Balm and a mini Peel and Polish, it gives beauty lovers a chance to try two of Pixi's newer products with shelling out the full price for them. I couldn't wait til Christmas for this so treated myself on payday.
Estee Lauder Repair+Renew Starter Set £24: If you know someone who's very on it with their skincare then this Estee Lauder mini kit would be perfect. Containing minis of the Advanced Night Repair Eye Complex and ANR Recovery Complex, this set allows people to try the award winning skincare products at a fraction of the price of a full sized bottle.
Origins Mask Musts Set £25: Origins face masks are some of the best on the market but are hardly available in handy sample sizes. This trio gift set gives beauty lovers a chance to try three of their bestselling masks for the price of one full sized tube. And then if they like it, they can spend the money to buy a full size product and know it's not going to waste.

Royal Jelly Hex Tin Of Beauty Treats £15: Royal Jelly is a classic brand and never fails to please at least one member of the family. This trio of full sized products is really going to make someones Christmas and they'll still have the classic looking tin once they've used up the products.
Sanctuary Must Have Body Treats £20: Sanctuary never fail to do luxurious looking gift sets at budget friendly prices. And this Must Have set is testament to that. Containing two full sized products and three deluxe miniature products, this will give someone an array of options when they want to pamper themselves at the end of a day.
Sanctuary Good Enough To Treat £18: Another amazing gift set from Sanctuary is their Good Enough To Treat Set. A bigger version of their Sweet On You Set, this beautifully presented gift set contains six deluxe sized miniatures all in their White Lily and Damask Rose scent. And if that wasn't good enough, it's all presented in this stunning glass jar that is bound to come in handy once it's empty.

Marc Jacobs The Sex Kitten Cracker £13.50: Another brand that I didn't know did gift sets is Marc Jacobs. This stunning cracker comes with two miniature products, one of which is his famous Le Marc Creme Lipstick. At £13.50 this is a great way to treat someone to a little bit of Marc Jacobs and if this cracker isn't to their taste there are two others to choose from as well.
Benefit Galifornia Love Set £24.50: Benefit always do a ton of sets at Christmas but the one that caught my eye this year was their Galifornia Love Set. Containing a full sized Gimme Brow, a full sized Roller Lash and a miniature Galifornia Blush, this trio set not only comes in beautiful packaging but also won't break the bank but will spoil the lucky recipient rotten.
NYX Ready, Prep, Go Travel Kit £25: If you know someone who travels a lot or just wants to try a selection of products from NYX this travel kit is perfect. Containing deluxe miniature sizes of some of their bestselling products including Matte Finish Setting Spray and HD Finishing Powder, this would be great to replenish someones travel make up or just introduce them to NYX as a brand.

Ciate Nail Polish Snow Globe £25: Ciate are a brand you don't often see sets from but when I saw this one on the M&S website then I thought I'd feature it. Containing 3 new, exclusive and limited edition nail polishes, this globe is a brilliant gift for nail lovers. It's price is a little wishy washy for what you get but a lot of brands happen to increase the price just before Christmas.
Kat Von D Fragrance And Lip Colour Duo £24: Now these next two gifts should probably be in my Fragrance Gift Guide but I thought they sat better within the price brackets instead. Kat Von D released two fragrances this year, Sinner and Saint. And for Christmas she has released two duo sets which include a rollerball of fragrance and an Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. All that's left to decide is are you a sinner or a saint?
Rosie For Autograph Core Coffret £25: You may recognise this gift set from last years gift guides but I couldn't not feature it again last year. Rosie For Autograph hasn't released any new sets this year so if you missed out last year you're in luck. Containing a 30ml bottle of her original EDP alongside a candle and 100ml body lotion of the same scent, this is worth every one of it's £25's.

Liz Earle Winter Revival Cleanse and Polish £20.75: Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is a bestselling product and to give it an even bigger boost this year they've brought it out in a Sweet Orange and Mint scent. It's limited edition so if you know someone who adores this product, I'd snap it up quickly. It'll be gone before you know it.
Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Nourishing Duo £15: The Neal's Yard Bee Lovely range is absolutely divine so when I saw this set I knew I had to feature it. Containing a Bee Lovely Hand Cream and a Bee Lovely Balm, this set not only smells divine but is also nourishing on the skin, with some of the proceeds going towards charity.
Zoella Bits And Bobs Tin Set £12.50: I had a good hard look at the Zoella Christmas range this year and didn't see much that I thought I could feature in my guides. However this duo of gorgeous tins was something I thought a lot of people would like. I personally have asked for these to add to my collection of cake tins but you can store anything you want in these and they aren't badly priced either.

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm Box £12.50: If you know someone who wants to try Neal's Yard as a brand but doesn't like to spend that much money of themselves then this box is perfect. Containing a decent sized pot of their famous Wild Rose Beauty Balm, this gift is purse friendly and bound to bring a smile to any beauty lover's face.
Emma Hardy Merry Moringa £15: Every year Emma Hardie release their travel sized Moringa Cleansing Balm. And this year is not different. Perfect for trying out this multi award winning cleanser or just adding a travel sized to your collection without breaking the bank. Plus it comes with a cleansing cloth so you've pretty much got everything in one little box.
This Works The Big Bang Gift Set £12: If you know someone who would benefit from a This Works product but don't know if they'd use a full size product this cracker is brilliant. Not only does it have fantastic packaging but it contains a mini Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and Eye Mask. Have trouble sleeping when you travel or just in general, this would be the perfect gift to add to your list.

Product Empties:October

It's time to show you my trash again! Yes it's product empties time again and surprisingly there isn't as much to share as I've had previous months. If you're new around here and aren't sure what these posts are, I collect empty beauty products for three months and then share my thoughts with you on those products. I did one in January, April and July and today's post is the last empties of 2017. So let's get started.

Let's start with make up as it's the category I have the least for. This first product is probably one you've seen in my previous posts if you've been here a while. The Maybelline SuperStay Primer is my Holy Grail primer and I've lost count of how many bottles I've gone through since it was released in January. I go through so many as it's my everyday primer and I can't put make up on without applying this first. It's lightweight, doesn't clog my skin up and makes my make up last a lot longer than it does without it. I'm sure there will be plenty more of these featured in these posts as I'm not getting bored of it anytime soon.

Another primer you'll be familiar with comes from Barry M. Their Hydro Fix Primer Water is the perfect companion for the Maybelline and the pair make my make up apply and last beautifully. Surprisingly I've only gone through one bottle of this compared to the Maybelline but because it's a spray it lasts longer and you use less with each use. Not only does this prime skin for make up but it gives skin a hydration boost which is essentially locked into skin once you've applied your make up.

The last bit of make up I've used up is the Collection Fixing Spray. This is one of two setting sprays that I go between on a daily basis. It's a fine lightweight spray that locks make up into place, removes any signs of cake face and doesn't clog or irritate skin. It gives skin a soft matte finish but still allows skin's natural radiance to show through. It really works to keep make up looking fresh throughout the day and can easily be topped up if necessary. I'm on my second bottle now but I don't reach for it unless I know I need my make up to be in place all day.

I actually remembered to save a couple of bath bits this time. The first is the Soap and Glory Scrub Em and Leave Em Body Buff. This was a nice scrub, worked well and smelled divine. However it didn't impress me as much as the Sugar Crush Body Scrub does. It smelt good, lasted a while and didn't irritate my skin or leave it feeling sore afterwards. I wouldn't buy it again as I just love the Sugar Crush scrub a lot more.

The other bath product I saved is the Zoella Sweet Inspirations Bath Latte. This was nice but didn't blow me away. It didn't create a lot of difference in the bath, just left behind a beautiful smell that I can't get enough of. There was only a little bit in the bottle when I was tidying my bathroom the other day so I used it up to just declutter the room. I like the Zoella bath products but they always seem to have some disappointment as well as they never seem to work as well as she says they will.

Now this product may not look like it's empty but there is just no way to get that bit from the bottom out. This is a product I recently rediscovered in my collection and instantly fell back in love with. It's the Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk and it's amazing. It really breaks down make up, including mascara and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean but not stripped of it's natural oils The only downfall is that once the straw connected to the pump can't reach the product, you have no way of getting any out. Therefore you end up wasting a bit and even though it's not ridiculously expensive, it's still annoying and a waste of money. I've got another one on the go now and I can't get enough of it.

And the other cleanser type product I finished is the Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser. This is a cream based cleanser that reminds me a lot of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I really like this cleanser, it works well to break down make up but is also gentle enough to be used on bare skin. I've got another in my back up draw and can see myself showing another in a future empties.

An eye make up remover I finished is the Simple Duel Effect Eye Make Up Remover. This is good, it removes all signs of my mascara at the end of the day. It does leave a slightly greasy feeling residue around the eyes but that can easily be wiped away with a cotton pad. I'll probably buy more of this not because I enjoy the greasy feeling but because it's more effective than other eye make up removers I've tried.

I finally finished my Botanics Rosewater Toning Spray. I thought this was never going to end, I'd been using it for months and there was no sign of it coming to an end. I love this spray, it refreshes my skin, soothes and hydrates all at once. I love using this after I've taken my make up off or if my skin is feeling particularly sensitive as it instantly soothes and refreshes but doesn't drench skin. I already have another open and can guarantee that you'll be seeing more of these in future posts.

A facial spray that you've probably seen in an empties post before is the B Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz. This is one of my holy grail facial sprays and I've gone through so many bottles of this since it was released. Containing nothing but Hyaluronic Acid this spray hydrates skin at a deeper level and locks in moisture for longer, leaving skin looking feeling better for longer.

The last facial spray I have is from Pixi. I had mixed feelings about this when I first started using it but then fell in love with it, and that's when it was finished. The Pixi Wake Up Mist is perfect for a skin pick me up in the morning. It's got citrus extracts infused in the formula which really work to invigorate and wake up skin whilst simultaneously giving it a hydration boost. I don't know if I'd buy it again because it seemed to go down really quickly and I don't think you get enough product for the price point.

Loreal's Hydra Genius is a product I still can't talking about even though I'm on my third bottle. Aloe Water and Hyaluronic Acid make up it's formula and it works to hydrate skin over a longer period of time due to it's complex of ingredients that penetrate the skin deeper than most moisturisers. I will definitely be repurchasing more bottles of this, I can't go a day without using it and my skin instantly shows the difference if I miss a day.

Two serums that I finished that do practically the same thing both come from Superdrug Own Brand ranges. The Clearly Youthful Hydrating Day Serum is sadly discontinued but I'm slowly working my way through my various back ups. It's hydrating, lightweight and just downright fabulous for my skin. I'll be very sad when I run out of this completely. The Simply Pure Hydrating Serum is a permanent part of Superdrug's Own Brand collection and does exactly the same as the Clearly Youthful, except the formula is a little gentler so that it can be used by those with even the most sensitive skins. I'll definitely be buying more of these and it's perfect for layering under a thicker moisturiser to give skin that perfect hydration boost.

A day cream I've finished and forgot was in my empties bin comes from Garnier. It's their Water Gel Glow Enhancing Cream. Part of the Moisture Bomb range, this contains Hyaluronic Acid and Pomegranate Extract to deliver a extra boost of hydration to skin which will leave it feeling softer, smoother and more supple for longer. This particular one has something extra in it that enhances skin's natural glow. I love this cream, it's lightweight enough to layer under make up but still enough to wear alone on non make up days. I've very nearly finished another pot of this and need to pick myself up a back up.

Another moisturiser from Garnier that I've finished up is my favourite Miracle Sleeping Cream. This gel like night cream with bounce back technology is like a good night's sleep in a pot. Packed with ingredients such as Lavender Essential Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil this moisturiser works to replump, refresh and hydrate your skin whilst you sleep. And even if you haven't had a good night's sleep, this cream will make it look like you have.

I don't use face wipes to remove my make up but I do use them to change or remove lip colours. They are so simple and can be quite precise at removing my chosen lip colour. And as I wear lipstick a good six out of seven days I go through a lot of wipes. Simple are some of my favourite as they don't break me out, are drenched to the point where they ruin the rest of my make up and actually remove the product, even liquid lipsticks. The Garnier Oil Infused Micellar Wipes are perfect for those more stubborn liquid lipsticks that an ordinary wipe won't remove. I'll definitely be buying more wipes in the future, which ones I'm not sure. It all depends which ones on offer.

All that's left to show you now is masks and as per usual there is a lot of them. Starting with the ones I seem to use the most, I've gone through seven of the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks. Now they're not all the same type as you can see I seemed to have had three favourites out of the entire range. The Glow Enhancing, De-Tiring and Soothing masks have been the ones I've reached for the most lately. They're the ones that seem to do the most for my skin and I see instant results after using one whereas the original tissue mask doesn't seem to do a lot for my skin now. I have a pile of each of these in my collection so I'm sure you'll be seeing them in future empties.

I've also been trying out the Soap and Glory Sheet Masks a lot lately and I've managed to use the entire range since my last empties. The Puffy Eye Under Eye Patches are a definite repurchase, they worked so well to make my under eye look refreshed and puff free. The Radiance Boosting Mask I wouldn't be bothered about not repurchasing as it didn't do a lot for my skin. Whereas both the Pore Refining and Miracle Moisture Mask I'm mad about. They work brilliantly on the skin with instant results that carry over to the next day, especially if used in the evening. I have back ups of everything, even the Radiance mask as I want to give it a second chance.

I also used up one pot of the Soap and Glory What A Peeling Mask. I love this mask, not only because it's bright pink but because it works and my skin feels like heaven after I've used it. Plus there's something really satisfying about peeling it off once it's dried. You get two pods of this when you buy the full package which makes it great value for money and definitely a good reason to repurchase when it runs out.

I tried some Primark masks recently with mixed results. A friend told me great things about the Holler and Glow sheet masks so of course I picked one up. I was so disappointed. It was practically dry when I took it out the package. It didn't fit my face and in fact fell off after five minutes of wear. For £3 I would recommend trying something like the Garnier Moisture Bomb to get your money's worth. The other two sheet masks I tried from Primark weren't much better but they actually managed to stay on my skin for longer than five minutes. I didn't particularly see any difference in my skin once I'd used them but for the price point I didn't expect a lot. I probably won't repurchase them because I have tons of other that are worth the money.

I finally got round to trying one of the Origins Sheet Masks. I tried the Lavender mask to compare it to the De-Tiring mask from Garnier and whilst I liked it, I found it didn't give as good a results as the Garnier. However that being said it did leave my skin feeling soft, supple, hydrated and refreshed. However at a fiver a pop I don't think I'll be rushing out to buy another anytime soon.

Another mask I tried from Primark is their Charcoal and Black Sugar Scrub Mask. It was terrible, it was clumpy, scratchy and didn't spread on the skin. I only managed to leave it on the skin for five minutes before I had to remove it. It didn't do anything and I definitely wouldn't buy it again.

And the last two items that were sitting in the bottom of my empties basket were things I actually enjoyed using. The first is a multipack of under eye patches from Primark. Claiming to reduce the appearence of dark circles, this didn't exactly do what they claimed to but they did help hydrate and reduce any puffiness I had going on around my eyes. There were four pairs in there for a pound and I really enjoyed how they left my skin feeling so will definitely be repurchasing them. The other pack are the Charcoal Nose Strips from Superdrug. These little wonders work better than the more expensive ones from Biore and cost an eighth of the price. Really good at pulling out all the blackheads and crap from your nose and surronding area, I find myself fascinated when I remove them. Definitely something I'll be restocking on as they're always on some kind of 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug.