Danielle's Beauty Blog

I’m back in a much more timely fashion with my empties this time which I am super happy about! It’s only been about a month since my last batch whereas I feel like the rest of this year it’s been every two months which quite long for me! Anyway, onto the mini reviews! 

 

Bodycare

Nivea Firming Body Lotion with Q10 and Vitamin C

I’m a big fan of Nivea but I hadn’t tried this one before, it has a lovely, lightweight, fresh scent and sinks in quickly. It kept my skin hydrated and it’s difficult to say if it did a lot for firming and fine lines but I will say that I really enjoyed it and will repurchase in the future! Always on offer and super affordable too!

 

Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse Dark*

Really liked this tan from Bali Body! It applies easily and has a guide colour so you can see if you have missed any bits. It develops overnight into a very natural looking tan and doesn’t feel drying at all. Smells pretty fresh for a tan too and wears off evenly. I sometimes apply two coats as I like my tan to be quite dark so I would repurchase the Ultra Dark version next time!

 

Bali Body Self Tan Eraser*

I do think products like this are a bit of a novelty but saying that, this did work well to remove tan after leaving on skin for 5 minutes (along with a mitt). The pump broke on this with about 2/3 of the product left so I struggled getting the product out and to be honest, I wouldn’t repurchase when I can just use a cheaper scrub or body wash as I need to use a mitt with this anyway! Full review of both the tan and eraser here!

 

Pixi Rose Body Cleanser*

This has a different consistency to most other shower gels/creams as it doesn’t lather and it really does feel like rubbing a balm in. It leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated and the scent is lightweight and doesn’t linger. Not a repurchase as I have other products I prefer!

 

Pixi Rose Body Balm*

Lovely, lightweight formula that sinks in easily and doesn’t smell too strong. Keeps my skin feeling soft and hydrated but again not a repurchase as I have other body moisturisers I prefer that are more affordable! Full review of both Pixi products here!

 

Nursem Caring Hand Cream

Love how this brand gives a month’s worth of product to nursing and midwifery staff when you buy a product! Kept my hands soothe and soft but I am not a fan of the citrus/grapefruit scent so I hope they bring out more scents! My mum on the other hand loved it haha so I would repurchase for her!

 

 

Skincare

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser

This is a lovely creamy cleanser that almost feels like rubbing a moisturiser over makeup but removes it with ease. It’s also got an enjoyable sweet marshmallow scent that adds to the experience and I love the bright blue packaging! My skin feels plump and hydrated after using and while I like this I don’t love it so probably won’t repurchase as its pretty pricey! Full review here!

 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water*

Fully get the hype with this one -  the formula is so gentle and I was shocked at how much makeup it removed! It leaves no residue or film behind either! It struggles a little removing mascara but I don’t find it an issue as I go in with the Nivea eye makeup remover for that. Will repurchase. Full review here!

 

Scientia Peachy Clean Milky Oil Cleanser*

This is a nice little milk to oil hybrid cleanser that I found myself using more as a second cleanse as it’s so lightweight though it’s fine for a first cleanse too! It feels nourishing and removes dirt, makeup and impurities whilst softening, hydrating and soothing skin. Would maybe pick this up on offer again but not a repurchase for now. Full review of Scientia Beauty here!

 

The Inkey List Symbright Moisturiser*

I think this is a good one for normal/oily skinned people as it’s quite lightweight. It contains symbright produced through clary sage to brighten and Kakadu plum extract again to increase radiance and luminosity. It sits well under makeup and I tended to only use this in the AM as I prefer heavier creams and oils at night. I did find depending on what other skincare I was using with it I had to work harder to rub it in (almost like SPF) so this isn’t a repurchase for me as I have other moisturisers I prefer! Good one if it suits your skin type and you are looking for an affordable option though! Full review here!

 

Cerave PM Facial Moisturising Lotion

Another lightweight moisturiser! This time for the PM and it contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so though lightweight, it’s still nourishing. I think this would be perfect for summer in particular and I used most of it while I was on Accutane by mixing it with oil to give it a little extra boost. Love the airless pump too! Would repurchase and I have a full review here!

 

NIOD Survival 0

A nightly antioxidant, reparative serum targeting damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution, smog and blue light. I have noticed my skin tone is healthier overall after using this and it also feels hydrating (includes glycerin and squalane) and layers well with other skincare! Will repurchase!

 

NIOD Modulating Glucosides

Lovely serum that supports the skin barrier and targets sensitive, irritated skin encouraging a calmer complexion. It is so comforting and if you struggle with sensitivity you need to try this! Another one I will repurchase and I have a full review of both NIOD products here!

 

Balance Me Pre and Probiotic Cleansing Milk*

Really enjoyed this mini, it felt gentle and hydrating and was perfect as a morning or second cleanse for me! Price is pretty good too at £20 for a 180ml full size so would be one I will repurchase in the future!

 

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

Really enjoyed this mini, the cream was quite thick but it didn’t feel greasy at all and sat well under makeup hydrating my fine lines. A little on the pricey side but would consider a repurchase in the future!

 

Milk Vegan Milk Moisturiser

Another thick one but this did feel a tad greasy to me. Sat well under makeup like the IT Cosmetics but nothing to make me want to repurchase! 

 

Haircare

Soap and Glory The Rushower Dry Shampoo

Been through a few of these now and it’s a nice enough dry shampoo that gives me an extra day out of greasy hair and I enjoy the scent. Might repurchase in the future but there are others I prefer.

 

Bleach London Reincarnation Mask

Really nice budget hair mask that left my hair feeling soft and smooth. I do have others I prefer but would repurchase again as its such a good price.

 

Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask

Speaking of hair masks I prefer, I love this one! It contains jojoba oil and leaves my hair soft and manageable as well as hydrated, shiny and healthy looking! It's concentrated so a little goes a long way and it smells like coconuts. I leave it on for as long as possible and my hair seems to drink it up! If your ends are as parched as mine are you need to try this, they will thank you for it! Full review here and I will repurchase once I finish off a few more masks!

 

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Didn’t see any difference with this unfortunately! Not a repurchase for me. 

 

Miscellanous

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

I can’t say I have massive trouble sleeping normally but this is a pleasant relaxing scent! Currently using a more affordable one so this isn’t a repurchase for me!

 

Barry M Lip Scrub

Love this, cheaper than its Lush counterpart and does just as good a job as keeping my lips dead skin free! Have already repurchased!

 

So that’s it for today’s empties! I am very close to finishing a couple of foundations and lip balms but they have a couple more uses in them so I didn’t want to cheat! Really happy with my progress and hopefully I have another post this time next month too! Do you see any of your favourites here?

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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It’s been quite a while since my last French Pharmacy post and it’s actually one of my most popular so here is a well overdue second instalment! It’s also 1/3 off French Pharmacy at Escentual right now so the perfect time to stock up though these products are always on offer at the likes of Boots and Look Fantastic and too!

 

Bioderma Atoderm Ultra Nourishing Shower Oil

I have been obsessed with this stuff over winter! It’s a cleanser for your body but also doubles as one for your face too so a dual product! It feels luxurious, not greasy at all, and creates a mild lather. It is formulated with vegetal biolipids that create a defensive barrier over your skin and after my shower my skin feels soft and nourished. I have a tendency to get dry patches on my legs and this coupled with my moisturiser have been keeping those at bay! It’s very lightly fragranced but no scent lingers and it also works well to help remove tan. My skin always feels soft, supple and fully hydrated after use and this bottle has lasted an age with daily use as a little goes a long way! I have talked about it loads on the blog but you can read more about it here in my Accutane diary post!

 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution*

While micellar water is not my usual go to cleanser, I have completely fallen for this cult classic’s hype! The Sensibio range is targeted at sensitive to redness prone skin and is alcohol and fragrance free. I use it to get the bulk of my makeup off before following with my usual cleansers. The micelle solution itself is great, the formula is gentle, non-astringent and feels just like water, I was shocked at how much makeup it removed! It leaves no residue or film behind either which I appreciate! The only place it struggles a little I would say is with my two coats of waterproof mascara, and I find I have to go back in with either a balm or my trusty Nivea double effect waterproof eye makeup remover to get the last, hard to remove, clumps off! Full review here!

 

Vichy Mineral 89

This has been my serum of choice over the last few months while on Accutane and it is the perfect, simple hydrating serum! I was previously a fan of the Vichy Aqualia Thermal serum which featured in my last French Pharmacy Favourites post but with alcohol denat quite high up on the list in that one I made the switch to this and haven’t looked back! It’s a really cooling gel serum that hydrates my skin and makes it plump! It sinks in quickly, lasts all day long for me and sits well under makeup too! Can’t recommend this enough if you have dry or dehydrated skin! Featured in my accutane diary and best beauty discoveries post!

 

La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8

I am a big fan of face mists and I picked this up the same time as the Vichy serum and Bioderma shower oil right at the start of my accutane treatment! It is a lovely, soothing and hydrating spray with a fine mist. I like to use it as a skincare step right before applying hyaluronic acid but it works well throughout the day on top of makeup as a hydrating fix or pick me up! It is alcohol and fragrance free and has been formulated specifically for sensitive skin! 

 

Phyto Joba Moisturising Mask

Finally, a deep conditioning hair treatment containing jojoba oil! This leaves my hair soft and manageable as well as hydrated, shiny and healthy looking! It's concentrated so a little goes a long way and it smells like coconuts. I leave it on for as long as possible and my hair seems to drink it up! If your ends are as parched as mine are you need to try this, they will thank you for it! It featured in a favourites post and my best beauty discoveries of last year too!

 

If you want to read my last French Pharmacy Favourites post featuring these products is it linked here! Like I said, the only product I wouldn’t necessarily recommend is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal serum –  I think their Mineral 89 booster is a cut above! 

 

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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After last week’s look at my favourite skin and body care discoveries of 2020, this week is all about makeup and haircare! Again, a lot of this stuff wasn’t actually released specifically in 2020 but it was the year I finally got around to trying it! 

 

Starting with makeup, I lusted after the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in Medium 2 (full review) for ages before finally picking it up when Space NK did their £15 off a £60 spend and let me tell you – it was worth the wait! Aside from the fact it is absolutely massive, this is a beautiful, finely milled powder that is easy to build up without ever becoming cakey! It adds a lovely warmth to my face, it very smooth to apply (no harsh lines here!) and blends super easily! It is a matte bronzer but the finish is just gorgeous, it never looks flat! Expensive but worth it but I would always recommend waiting for a sale!

 

Next up, my only real lipstick purchase this year was the Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick in 06 Retro Rose (full review) which is a lipstick/balm hybrid! Retro Rose is a dusty pink shade which is very my lips but better on me. It’s creamy to apply, very comfortable on the lips as it’s so moisturising and though it’s sheer it’s buildable to a deeper shade. It also lasts a good amount of time on my lips despite being a sheer/nourishing lipstick and made a recent post on my favourite mask proof lip balms!

 

Something a bit more budget now and the Collection Primed and Ready Invisible Setting Powder blew me away earlier in the year and I have finally got round to repurchasing! I originally bought it as I hate wasting my Laura Mercier loose powder if I’m not going anywhere or if I have a mask on and you can’t see my makeup but I still wanted a powder I could trust to mattify my skin and not make me look cakey and I found it with this! It’s a very finely milled mattifying powder that doesn’t cling to dry patches and does a very good job of keeping my oils at bay! And it’s under £4! I’ve only used it a couple of times since I started Roaccutane but again I haven’t noticed any caking with my drier than normal skin! 

 

I wasn’t sure whether to put this with skincare or makeup but here we are! The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Lip Butter was my favourite lip balm discovery of last year! It’s jumbo sized, leaves a gorgeous hydrating sheen behind and it lasts so long between top ups! It contains cupuaçu, acai and coconut oil and makes my lips feel so soft. I know the bum bum cream from the same brand is love or hate but the scent of the lip butter is not overpowering at all and once it’s on you can barely smell it! I recently finished this and couldn’t believe how much was left in the casing! Thank God I was at home and able to dig it out with a cotton bud lol. 

 

The NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Light 2 Vanilla is the most recent addition to my collection from the ones I am mentioning today but I couldn’t leave it out! I resisted this for the longest time because the packaging reminded me of an old NYX pot concealer I had and hated – it was cakey, felt sticky and was not enjoyable to use! I can safely say this is the complete opposite! It’s matte but not drying and it has great coverage! I don’t experience any flaking with this and the colour match is great! 

 

I am a huge fan of Anastasia Beverly Hills brow products and the Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown has been my go to since I got it for myself for Christmas 2019! It has the perfect shades for my, you guessed it, dark brown hair and it’s got great pigmentation too – not too much or too little! It doesn’t fade or move throughout the day and it’s so dinky and sturdy it will be great for travel when its allowed again! 

 

 

Moving onto hair, around May last year I was going through Olaplex way too quickly for my bank balance so I decided to pick up the Phyto Joba Moisturising Mask to use in between my weekly Olaplex sessions and it’s love! This is so hydrating so perfect for my damaged, dry ends and it gives such a beautiful shine to my hair while making it more manageable! I found it a bit harder to find a link so I’m paranoid it’s discontinued but I would be so disappointed if it was! 

I got a Cult Beauty GWP in the middle of the year after buying some hair products and found some absolute gems in there! One of the hair products I bought to get the GWP was the NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub (US affiliate link here, 10% off with Danielle10), which I had previously tried a mini of and knew after one use I would need the full size. It’s sulphate free yet gives a good lather, the scrub actually reaches my scalp leaving it refreshed and it really does clarify it while making my hair so shiny after use! I think if you had a flaky scalp this would work wonders too! 

In the actual Cult Beauty GWP was the Color Wow Dream Cocktail - Kale Infused for Breakage and I am in love with this! Like I said, I have very damaged ends due to straightening and I get breakage too. This is a leave in conditioning treatment that doesn’t weigh my hair down at all, it strengthens brittle hair and leaves it feeling soft and healthy! I feel like my hair is in really great condition at the minute though I did get a haircut early December too but this and Olaplex No.3 in particular are amazing! 

 

Finally, another item I was introduced to through the GWP and one I repurchased after using as I knew I needed more, the Slip Skinny Scrunchie! I am a huge fan of my silk pillowcase so love the benefits for my hair and this scrunchie is the perfect thickness and so soft while minimising breakage to my hair when using! They are expensive but I know I will get so much use out of them! 

You will find a full review of the lip butter, hair mask, powder and scalp scrub here if you want to read some more about them! 

 

And that concludes my best makeup and haircare discoveries of 2020! Did you see any of your favourites? Let me know what yours were! 

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here. 

Danielle xx

 

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