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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I’ve been quite skincare and makeup focused on the blog recently so thought I would do a little round up of some body products I have been using recently! 

 

Elemental Herbology Zest Bath and Body Oil* RRP £28

My first foray into this brand and it won’t be my last! It’s based on the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine and this is from the Fire range. I find body oils so luxurious to use and this one is a dream! Like the name suggests, it’s a citrus scent and includes orange (to energise), rosemary (to stimulate the mind and work as an inflammatory) and marjoram (to boost energy). It can be used in a hot bath but since it isn’t the weather for those right now - heatwave anyone? – I have been using it at night as a body oil (concentrating mainly on my legs if I have tan on) and waking up to soft, nourished skin! The scent is beautiful too – not too overpowering and very uplifting!

Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Warming Body Balm* RRP £10

Before the heat wave I had been loving this self-heating body balm! It’s a little too warm for it right now but I really can’t get over it! I wasn’t expecting such a warming sensation but this is HOT! I personally like the feeling though I can see it being too much for some people and but this will be a godsend come winter for me with my tense neck and shoulders! It comes with some safety warnings like not to use after a hot shower, do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding and wash hands after use so you know it means business! I use just before bed and it really is such a comfort! You can control how much it heats up too and I would recommend starting with less product so you can get used to the sensation! It reminds me of deep heat in that it obviously heats up but instead of a menthol scent here we have a relaxing jasmine, patchouli and frankincense scent. I am not usually a fan of jasmine but the blend is beautiful and it makes it perfect for bedtime!  

 

Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash RRP £12 and Transforming Body Lotion RRP £24

This brand is so hyped up it’s crazy! I managed to nab the Look Fantastic x Ameliorate box at a steal a couple of months ago and quickly integrated this and the body lotion into my routine! It’s specialist care for bumpy, dry, KP prone skin and contains their unique LaH6 formulation – a hydrating powerhouse! The body wash is a creamy gel that smells pleasant and fresh and it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soft after use. It also works well with my scrubbing gloves to remove tan. The body lotion has a bit more of a funky scent (I would definitely go with one of their actual scented ones next time) but it’s not noticeable once it dries in. It contains lactic acid so gently resurfaces the skin as well as hydrating it and I see and feel an improvement in my skin texture (particularly on my arms!) after use and it’s way less bumpy. My only issue with this is that I am a serial fake tanner so can’t use it as much as I would like as it wears my tan off quicker with the lactic acid! A little bit frustrating so I only use it around twice a week towards the end of my tan and when I am scrubbing off. I can only imagine the results would be even more noticeable if I was using every day!

Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion RRP £12.99

As a huge Bondi Sands fan (their Liquid Gold oil and dark lotion are long term favourites) I was interested in their latest launch, Pure. This contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E and is colourless and fragrance free so perfect for sensitive skin if you want to build your tan. Now I’ve got to say, I didn’t read up as much on this as I should have before buying. I thought within about 2 uses I would have a nice light-medium tan but I was wrong. I mentioned before I normally go for the shade “dark” so going from that to this was an adjustment! To its credit this does say use daily to achieve a year round golden tan so it definitely is buildable but and I shouldn’t have expected a dramatic colour but there is barely any difference after 1 or 2 uses! By the 3^rd use I have a very light tan. It does apply evenly even though it’s a white cream so no guide colour, it’s not scented, dries in pretty quickly and wears off evenly too but it’s just not dark enough for me! I’m glad I got it on offer at £7.39 instead of £12.99 and I will probably use to top up my darker tans towards the end of the week when I want to get a few extra days out of them! This would be perfect if you are a newbie to tan or scared of a deeper colour developing quickly! Side note – I also picked up the face version of this too and I have the opposite problem – way too dark lol. 

 

So those are my latest body care products! I would love to know if you have tried any of them and what you thought!

 

*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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I was rotating my lip balms and glosses the other day and it dawned on me how many different variants of the Pillowtalk product I have so I thought I would do a quick post with some swatches and a comparison! By far my favourite shade, generally speaking, Pillowtalk is a natural, “my lips but better” pinky nude shade.

 

First up, and the one I’ve had in my collection the longest (though this is, I think, my third pencil) is the Lip Cheat lip liner RRP £17. This is so smooth, it never drags my lips but it doesn’t bleed either despite being nicely creamy. It makes my lips look even and full and it goes with literally every other lip product I own. I personally like wearing this with the K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in Bitch Perfect which I find leans too peachy on me on its own! It’s got great lasting power and to me is an essential in my makeup bag! I just checked and I got my first one in 2016 so this has been a 5 year love affair now! Oh and it used to be £16 back then!

 

After falling in love with the lip cheat so much I then purchased the Matte Revolution lipstick RRP £25. I am not a huge matte lip wearer but this formula is second to none! Creamy like the pencil and not drying in the slightest thank god. It also wears off evenly and like the rest of the line, is a beautiful pinky nude that just looks like a better shade of my lips! The packaging is beautiful and instantly recognisable too! 

 

The lip balm lover in me then took over and I picked up the Superstar Lips RRP £25 – I believe this was originally released as a limited edition shade but then came back to the permanent line which I was happy about as I instantly knew I would love it! It’s described as a part balm/lipstick/lipglow and it is also the longest lasting on my lips, most hydrating and basically just my favourite! It can feel a bit stiff to apply but I think this is what makes it so hydrating. It gives the perfect tint to my lips and keeps them from drying out even through my multiple morning teas at work! I also love the skinny packaging – so luxurious! Read more about it here!

 

Sticking with the lip balm theme, the Hyaluronic Happikiss RRP £25 is a part balm part gloss and another hit of hydration! This one is more glossy than the superstar lips and not quite as long lasting on the lips. It makes them look juicy and full but feels a little on the sticky side and I hate the packaging. The burgundy looks chic but overall it feels cheap and you can’t screw the bullet down again if you accidentally screw to much of it up which is frustrating. I would have liked to have seen the pricing of this one be a bit lower too!

 

Finally, I have the Lip Lustre RRP £19 – a classic gloss! I got this free with a Cult Beauty GWP and to be honest it wasn’t really on my radar as I do prefer the bullet balm/glosses. This gives a creamy, opaque colour to the lips but I do find the middle of my lips tend to go a little streaky with this. It makes them look plumper and it keeps them hydrated though I would say to more around the 3 hour mark rather than 6 hours like it claims! 

 

swatches l-r: Lip Cheat, Matte Revolution, Superstar Lips, Hyaluronic Happikiss, Lip Lustre all in shade Pillowtalk

The Pillowtalk range has also been expanded into medium and intense shade versions for some of the lip products (mine here are the originals) as well as blush, mascara and eyeshadow palettes. There are A LOT of variants haha and I do like the look of the blush! Charlotte Tilbury is expensive but I do think the Lip Cheat, Matte Revolution and Superstar Lips in particular are worth it! I would give the Hyaluronic Happikiss and Lip Lustre a miss though. I always try to get any CT bits I’ve been eyeing up when Cult Beauty or Space NK have an offer on as I hate paying full price for anything!

 

Have you tried any Pillowtalk products? What’s your favourite Charlotte Tilbury product?

 

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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