EMPTIES LATELY

Skin, hair, body and nail care empties

I have a love/hate relationship with empties posts. I love to read them, but they take FOREVER to write! Nit everything ends up in the separate blog post so I keep all my empties to ensure I show you a wider variety and include products I use every day yet never had a chance to write about them. As usual, there will be few flops, but sadly that’s life. So if you’re ready, let’s do this!

EMPTIES LATELY: SKINCARE, BODY AND HAIR

Good morning lovelies. It's officially Monday again. Yesterday I decided to de-clutter and started with my huge empties bag. It's been a good few months since my last empties post, so I accumulated quite a bit. Having a good clear-out is good for the soul, so here I come with a massive empties post. Let me know if you like reading them and if I should continue with the series?

SKINCARE

Cleansers & toners:

I've been busy using up in this category with couple of cleansers and tones in the category hitting the pan. 

I enjoyed using No7 Cleansing Balm aimed at super dry to dry skin. It was a cream cleanser despite what it says on the tub, it worked ok but I wasn't blown away. It removed face makeup but I had to go back twice sometimes if I was having a full face day. I won't be re-purchasing as despite a great price, it wasn't something I'd ever go back to using. Not bad, just very average. 

Sadly I'm saying goodbye to Aurelia Miracle Cleanser. This stuff is just incredible. I loved everything, the scent, the balm like cream formula and most importantly it cleansed so well! I have quite a few cleansers on the go right now, but I feel I'll re-purchase this one as it blew me away.

I've used up a pack of B. Pure Sensitive Micellar Cleansing Wipes. I don't use them for cleansing but I used these up for cleansing my hands after makeup application, removing swatches or when I used glitter and needed to clean up the fall out before applying base products. These were actually quite gentle and very soaked so a pretty great facial wipes if you ask me.

I really loved the Ecolab Anti-age Rejuvenating Facial Tonic. I'm super impressed with Ecolab as a brand and shopping with The Natural Skincare was always a pleasure, sadly Justyna is closing down the shop as she's moving back to Poland. The news hit me hard as I'm not only losing a great friend, I'll also miss her amazing shop! I've done a review on this toner so please check it out for more info, but I found the formula of this very soothing on my skin and I would happily re-purchase once I'm out of the toners I'm currently using.

Murad Age Refine Osmolyte Tonic was a deluxe sample and I really enjoyed using it. I took it with me for any overnight stays and it made my skin feel super hydrated after using it. Great little toner and I would happily re-purchase.

I've used up a sample of Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic. I really need to repurchase as I haven't had a full size for a while now. This is a great exfoliating toner and it truly makes a difference to the skin. Great at prepping the skin for overnight chemical peels or other AHA treatments. I'm currently using a Bravura Ginseng Toner and it's a great dupe, but I'll probably go back to Glow Tonic once I'm done.

Face Masks

I've been busy in this department. I love a good face mask and I use it at least 3-4 times a week, so it's no wonder I use them up pretty quickly. 

In sheet masks I've used five of the Garnier Moisture Bomb. It's no wonder this mask featured in my yearly favourites but I really enjoy using it. It helped battle my dehydration and I the whole concept. When you put a sheet mask on, you just put your feet up and just chill for 20-30 mins. It's a great experience. I already have few in my drawer and I'm sure to re-purchase when I'll run out.

In the same category I also used up a couple of Tony Moly Avocado Nutrition Sheet Masks. I'm super impressed with Tony Moly masks and I'll be sure to stock up when I'm back in Spain later on in the year. I really enjoyed using these, they made my skin feel really soft and plumped afterwards :)

However I refuse to pay Cult Beauty prices on these LOL. In Sephora they're only 1.50 Euros and in UK £6.00, so the difference is massive. You can sometimes get these in TKMaxx for £1.99 so I'll have my eyes peeled :)

In TKMaxx I managed to grab these next masks. The Creme Shop Collagen Face Mask was really a hit and miss. In the beginning I really like them but after using it few times, they became average. I just don't see any massive difference after using these, so I rather save my pennies for something else. I won't be re-purchasing.

Lastly Boots Ingredients Sheet Masks are quite new on the market. I only managed to grab a couple of these Rooibos Enenrgising and Revitalising Sheet Masks. I really quite enjoyed using them. The cost is average at £2.50 per pop, they seem to be quite uncomfortable for the first few minutes, but that's only the sign of them working. My face was smooth and plump afterwards but the feeling didn't last too long and I needed to quickly apply the skincare. I'm not sure about these yet, so I'l probably give few more a go to form a final opinion.

With one of my Cult Beauty orders I got a sample of Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Mask and it was an incredible experience. My face felt firmer, smoother, pores were cleansed and visibly smaller and I loved the scent. I like the ideology of the company and what they stand for too, so I'll be sure to grab a full size when I'm able to shop again (aaah the spending ban joys). It's firmly on my wishlist!

With the tears in my eyes, I'm saying goodbye to another Glamglow Youth Mud masks. This is by far the best mask I've ever used. It just works. First when applied you get a tingling sensation, sometimes to the point it becomes uncomfortable. Any pain is worth the results though. Skin is clearer, firmer, lines are plumped out. It is like an iron for the face and I'll be re-purchasing it as soon as my spending ban finishes and I use up a little more in my mask collection.

And the final mask is the Lush Oatifix. I actually used up 2 and I'm nearing the end of the 3rd one, since my last empties. I don't go in to Lush without walking out with a pot of this. It's the best smelling and nourishing mask from Lush I've ever used. It's moisturising and soothing and I love applying it after a harsher treatments. I have one on the go now and I'll be re-purchasing too :)

Serums & Moisturisers

Looking at the empties before me, I realise there's something fundamentally wrong with me as I tend to use up a lot more of serums than I do a moisturisers. I love a good serum and I feel they are just more important than the follow up skincare I guess.

Dr Organic Organic Snail Gel Facial Serum was a good one. I really enjoyed using it and use it not only on my face but on my neck and decollate. I feel it made a difference to my skin and my mom also enjoyed using it. I already re-purchased on a whim in Holland and Barrettes. I'll be using it more for my neck and decollate as it's brilliant at firming the area. 

I also used up Nip+Fab Viper Venom Wrinkle Fix. I really liked it and it was a great day serum. It had a gel like formula and sinked in pretty quickly. I won't re-purchase as I found other serum (The Ordinary 'Buffet') I like now but it was not a bad product especially at this price point.

The best for the last, sadly I used up (this very morning booo) Noxi Doxi Enhancing Serum Base. It was by far one of the best morning face serums I've ever used. Light formula sank in quickly and just worked so beautifully under moisturisers and makeup. My face felt hydrated and smooth and I'll truly miss this one. I have a lot of serums waiting a test but I would happily repurchase afterwards.

With great regret I say goodbye to Talika Photo Hydra Day Moisturiser. The formula of this cream-gel was something else entirely. It sank in almost instantly and provided such great base under makeup. It means to protect the skin against environment and it really did that It was one of the best to use on cold and windy days. I never got red if I was wearing this moisturiser. I'll re-purchase at some point for sure.

HAIRCARE 

Maria Nila Luminous Colour Mask will be deeply missed in my haircare routine. I loved how it made my hair silky smooth and for the most incredible sweet scent. It was a spa for my hair and I'd love to get my hands on it again. 

It comes as no surprise I used up an another pot of Lucy Bee Virgin Coconut Oil. I use it for everything, hair, cleansing and even shaving, so it's a all rounder for me. I love using it as a deeply conditioning hair mask and I usually go to sleep with a coating of it on Friday night, then wash my hair Saturday morning. It's truly miraculous treatment and I highly recommend you trying it.

BODYCARE

I love these Ecolab Shower Oils and I'll miss them dearly with The Natural Skincare Shop closing down. These are by far superior to anything I've ever used to cleansed my body. They're silky smith and super hydrating leaving my skin moisturised. All natural and with no SLS or Parabens are just made for luxury shower me time. They don't cost a fortune either, actually are dead cheap considering how long they last.

Intimate care

Sadly intimate care is rarely discussed on beauty forums. I made a switch no no paraben and no sls intimate washes ages ago and it really made a difference. It stopped infections and the drying out of the area causing the itchiness. I loved using Sylveco Sensitive Intimate Wash Gel. t's very gentle and didn't cause any reaction. It's quite small though so I now replaced it with a different one from Vianek. The natural formula is great and I highly recommend you taking the switch.

I also used up a tub of Sass Intimate Purifying Cleanser. The formula was similar to Sylveco, although less natural. Also the tub wasn't very handy as the gel was really watery and I ended up wasting the product. It's also twice the price of Sylveco and Vianek so I won't be re-purchasing.

Not technically an intimate care but for all the ladies out there suffering fro painful periods, this is one of the best things to ever happen to me. I suffer quite badly for the first 24-48 hours and Wilko Self-Adhesive Feminine Heat Pads have been miracle workers. It's only a pound or so and you get two pads. When the pain hits, you place a pad on your on material like your knickers or pjs, whatever you're wearing and most importantly pain is. I suffer badly with lover ab pains so I just place it on the inner of the top front of my boxers and let it work. First you'll feel the cooling sensation then within few minutes it'll warm up providing such a relief. Best pound I've ever spent.

Thank You For Reading,

Love

Let's Be Friends:

HUGE AFFORDABLE NATURAL SKINCARE HAUL FEAT. SYLVECO, TOŁPA, OLVITA, VIANEK, RESIBO & BIOLAVEN

I am a self diagnosed skincare addict. Whilst I enjoy high end skincare, I also love discovering new brands and recently it's important to me that my skincare is actually good for my skin long term. I try and introduce natural skincare to my routine as much as possible and recently I did some damage on my favourite online store that specialises in natural and organic products. 

Quick word about the website itself. The Natural Skincare is ran by a lovely Justyna, who's goal is to introduce affordable skincare brands in to UK market. And she knows her stuff! We've met online few months back and I've been obsessed with her store. I now order there exclusively, as there are a lot of amazing brands and products plus it's super affordable too! What I love about the store are the product descriptions, which tell me not only an ingredient list but also suggest what skin types or skin concerns each product is for! If you haven't already visit her page on Facebook now (CLICK HERE) and receive 5% discount code if you like the page! Talk about saving :) Plus enjoy a FREE mask with any purchase over £20.00 and FREE delivery with purchases over £40.00. In my experience the package arrives within 3 days, the products are packed safe and you also get a lot of samples :) 

*Disclaimer: I ordered most of the bits myself, but they are two products I was sent to test. These will be marked with *** for your convenience.*

Back to the haul itself. There were few bits I needed replacing so I'll start with the basic stuff. Ecolab Hawaii Shower Oil replaces my current bath time favourite from the same brand. It's such a great shower oil, it cleanses and moisturises at the same time and both me & mom can't imagine using anything else. Plus this stuff lasts forever, as you only need a tiny bit. I always use a special gel for my intimate needs and this time I'm trying Vianek Intimate Moisturising Gel. I used my my Sylveco one recently and was in desperate need of a new intimate wash. I hope it'll be as good, if not better. I'll probably talk about it in the empties once I'm done with it, so watch this space.

I was running dangerously low on my Ecolab Rejuvenating Face Tonic (POST) so I decided to order some. This time I decided on two new to me tonics. First up Sylveco Hibiscus Face Tonic, which meant to be amazing for dry and sensitive skin. I plan to use it at night or with sheet mask as a treatment. Secondly I picked up Vianek Moisturising Tonic Mist, which I'm going to use for my morning toner needs, as it not only tones but also refreshes due to the mist application. I'm really looking forward tho trying this duo, as I've heard great things!

Both me and mom were running low on skin serums and having spoken to Justyna I decided to try two from the website. First up Resibo Smoothing Face Serum isn't what I call cheap and at £25.00 a bottle I expect great things from it! It came highly recommended as Botox in a bottle and with key ingredients like Marula oil, buriti oil, vitamin C, Stoechiol - butterfly lavender erextract, Lakesis - oil from ''crystal tears'' of Pistacia lentiscus tree, I hope it won't disappoint. The pro ingredient is Lakesis, or an oil of ''crystal tears'' of Pistacia lentiscus tree, cultivated on Greek island of Chois. It reactivates youth proteins - KLOTHO and synthesis of fibres strengthening the skin, which in turn regains its density and looks fuller and firmer. 

I also picked up a brand new serum from Biolaven. Biolaven Anti Wrinkle Serum For Face and Neck. It contains soybean oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil and vegetable squalene which are responsible for its moisturising and smoothing effect, also Vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant, slows the aging process of the skin and reduces the effects of harmful external factors. I have high hopes as its described to even out the skin tone & support the process of rebuilding collagen and elastin. 

I mentioned to Justyna that my Mom's looking for a good facial oil for mature skin and she kindly sent us Olvita Rosehip Seed Oil*** to try. This is meant for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Super excited to try it and I will be using it alongside mom to see if it works as well as it promises. I love a good facial oil!

I was also kindly gifted Sylveco Birch and Seabuckthorn Face Cream with Botulin*** and I'm super happy about it, as it came highly recommended by my friend and a fellow blogger Anna. She has her Youtube channel and you can find her HERE. Her channel is in Polish and I know many of my readers are so, if you're on a lookout for a niche beauty channel with super honest reviews, check Ania's out! Back to the cream itself.  The main active ingredients - betulin and betulinic acid, derived from birch bark - soothe and regenerate the skin. The cream is enriched with seabuckthorn oil, which contains antioxidants: vitamin C and carotenoids, which are nutritious, healing and protection, support natural cell renewal. The promise is that the cream will help reduce the minor wrinkles, slow down the aging process and improve resistance to harmful external factors. I have high hopes for it as Anna recently compared it to Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream and the difference in price for these two are massive!

Last but not least I've ordered some face masks from a renowned natural skincare brand Tołpa. I haven't seen it available in UK yet, so I was super excited to try them. I ordered four sets and I plan on testing them soon. All the masks contain product for two uses. I ordered Tołpa Green - Regenerating mask for dilated capillaries. I battle deleted capillaries so I'm looking forward to seeing if this mask improves the appearance of my skin. I also got Tołpa Dermo Face - Provivo 35+ - Restoring skin's youth glow-mask - face, neck, decollete and bust. I'm all about that radiance and glow so have high hopes for this mask! Tołpa Dermo Face - Rosacal. Strengthening-soothing bandage-mask - face, neck and decollate is meant to help with skin sensitivity and also reduce redness so it's up my street for sure. Lastly I ordered a Tołpa Dermo Face - Stimular 40+ - Anti-wrinkle firming mask-concentrate - Face, neck, decollete and bust for my mom as she enjoys a good face mask and was intrigued by the promises this product makes. It promises to firm the skin and reduces wrinkles as well as restoring elasticity and flexibility. I will report back on all of the above for sure. It's worth mentioning that all Tołpa skincare comes without artificial colourings (0%), pegs, silicones, paraffin oil, preservatives, parabens and formaldehyde donors!!!

Thank You For Reading,

Love

IDOROTTKA LOVES: MY BEAUTY PICKS OF MAY 2016

Happy Bank Holiday Monday my Lovelies. May has come and gone so quickly, I can't believe June is already upon us. I have tested and loved a lot of new bits this last month and today I'd like to share with you my absolute faves, so make yourself a cup of tea, as we will be here for a while :)

SKINCARE:

The first two absolute hits of May and a little beyond are my new Ecolab Foaming Facial Cleanser (RPR £4.00) & Ecolab Face Toner (RPR £3.50) from the Rejuvenating series. Both were purchased from The Natural Skincare shop, which is my favourite place to shop online for natural & organic products. Both are SLS, Parabens free and are mostly made of organic produce. Ecolab is a Russian cosmetic brand which specialise in natural skincare, body care and haircare. I have a full review of both coming up this Wednesday, so watch this space. They are now staples in my daily cleansing routine and are perfect for suer sensitive skin, whilst having anti-aging ingredients - win win. 

Eucerin Sun Fluid Matifying SPF 50 (RPR currently on offer in Boots for £12.00)is a guest in my favourites for the second time now, as I just cant praise it enough. I wear it over my skincare and under the primer and it keeps my super pale & sensitive skin protected from the rays. I spent several days working from the garden in a full sun and I never burnt, which is news to me. It's not the cheapest, but works well under the makeup so definitely a re-purchase if needs be. 

The last two products are hybrids as you can either class them as skincare or makeup. First being Nivea Men Post Shave Balm (RPR currently on offer for £2.63 in Superdrug). I love this stuff as a primer. It works great with pretty much every BB/CC Cream/Foundation I work with and it's also amazing on top of SPF. It prolongs the wear of the foundation and stops it from shining its own light few hours after application. It also helps with filling in lines as it stops setting the foundation in them. Truly remarkable product. The second of the bunch is my MAC Prep & Prime Fix+ (RPR £17.00). I use it under and over makeup as it provides an extra level of moisture my dry skin longs for. It takes away and powdery finish to the skin, giving it natural glow. It is not a setting spray and it shouldn't be treated as such but it's a great tool. I'm on my 3rd bottle and can't see that changing anytime soon.

MAKEUP:

There are a fair few products I'd like to talk to you about this month and it's a good mixture of drugstore and luxury, so everyone should be able to find some inspiration from them :)

When it comes to my base I'm obsessed with these trio. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue in Opal (RPR £26.00) is one product that I shall re-purchase over and over again. It's a tinted hydrating gel cream that just works beautifully on dry skin. You get a decent amount of pigmentation and if applied by fluffy flat top (Bare Minerals Heavenly Face Brush - review here) that's achieved most easily. It's not a medium coverage of course, but it works great at covering redness and giving the face the most glowing finish. I'm sadly already finishing up mine and I plan to re-purchase as soon as possible. an't live without this stuff. When it comes to concealers I look for high coverage and light formula as my under eye area is super delicate and prone to product getting in to dehydration lines, despite the skincare. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Fair Neutral (RPR £17.50) works brilliantly. It's shade, formula and the finish is just perfect. It does set so you need to work with it pretty quickly and I recommend a powder to set it with to avoid creasing. Nevertheless it's a great tool at hiding the most visible dark circles and redness, so it's a winner in my eyes. Last but not least another favourite of mine is L'Oreal Infalliable Sculpt Contouring Palette in 01 Light/Medium (RPR £9.99 - on offer in Boots 3 for 2 and Superdrug buy 1, get 1 1/2 price)is the best cream contour product in drugstore at present. It's cool toned making it a perfect choice for those with pink/neutral undertones, it's super light and creasy, making it a pleasure to work with and it stays put (when set) all day long. Can't praise it enough, but believe me when I say it, it's my number one contouring choice for good few months now.

Eyeshadow palette of the month must be a newly launched Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte 2 (RPR £8.00). I already reviewed it for the blog recently and did a little look with so check out those posts, if you'd like to know more. I adore this palette. It's been on my eyes pretty much every day since I got it and it just works. I love the reddish shades, as well as traditions and taupe purples. Superb for everyday.

I have been known for my love of strong highlight and the choice of the month was my Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Pearl (RPR £32.00). It is the most beautiful white highlight, superb choice for pale skin!! It stays put all day (and night) long and it's so intense, you can't help but wonder if the shine is visible from outer space. I have a review on my Becca highlight family coming soon, but had to mention it in faves. If you follow my Snapchat (username: i.dorottka), you know I wear it nearly daily now. I'm in love with this stuff !!!

Two lipsticks that has completely stolen my heart in May are both of mauve undertone but both pretty it their own light. MAC Tribe Lipstick in Hot Chocolate (RPR £17.00 - sold out) is just the most gorgeous medium tone nude with purple tones. It hits both modern and 90s trend so well. It's a satin finish but lasts well, whilst keeping your pout moisturised. I love it. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Raffinée is another daytime nude, lighter than MAC and more pink but also with mauve tones mixed in. I adore the formula, as it's matte but also feels hydrating. It's not the most lasting but when on, it just works. Be that daytime or to top off the evening look (review here).

ACCESSORIES:

I have 3 brushes this month I have been loving so much, I need to share this love with you my beauties. Starting off with already mentioned above Bare Minerals Heavenly Face Brush  (review here). It's a perfect foundation brush as it takes the light formula and gives you coverage you didn't dream off to achieve with it. I absolutely adore it with my BB/CC Creams. The only minus - it sheds quite a bit, especially if newly washed, but I forgive it as it's such a pleasure to work with. The second weapon of the choice is my new super Bellapiere Kabuki Brush (RPR £23.99). It is the best loose powder brush I have used in years and due to it being fully synthetic, you can also se it to apply foundation. It's soft and fluffy, dense but without being to dense. It's super flexible and washes easily. Definitely the one for powder in my opinion. Last but certainly not least is the MBrush in 02 (RPR £24.50 available exclusively on Minti-Shop). The MBrush line is created by Polish blogger Maxineczka (check out her Instagram for amazing looks) and it's sublime. Best quality bristles and handle covered in 24k gold makes this brush not only a pleasure to work with but also a beauty on your vanity. These are superb quality brushes with brushes so soft and comparable to famous Hakuhodo. 02 is a medium sized ball shaped face brush. It works beautifully with powder products. I love it for contour as it just fits perfectly underneath your cheekbone and blends the products easily. You can also use it for blush, powder and highlight, but for me, it is the one for contouring. 

What have you been loving in May? Is there any products here mentioned you also loved, or maybe they just didn't work for you? Make sure you share your observations below & I'll see you on Wednesday with another post :)

Thank You For Reading,

Love