More Empties!

I've been collecting a number of empty beauty product containers for the past few months and I feel it's time to do an empties post!

What a pile!

This first lot is all the samples I've gone through. If you remember this post, I had quite a few built up that I wanted to use. I found some nice shampoos and conditioners through the samples but my favourite has to be the sample I tried of Dior's Forever foundation. I actually think it may be the best foundation ever. Blog post coming soon.

I used 2 shower gels and 1 shampoo. Rituals Yogi Flow I got free with a glossybox. It was nice but I don't think I will re-purchase. Nivea Happy Time is my absolute favourite shower gel. I've used it for the past few years. Honestly I think it's the only shower gel I ever re-purchase. I like to try new ones but I buy this every 2 or 3 bottles. It actually does smell happy and cheerful1 The shampoo I used up was the Aussie Mega Shampoo. As I've mentioned before I usually have 3 or so bottles of shampoo and conditioner on rotation so it takes me a while to use any of them up! I really like this shampoo, it leaves my hair feeling very light and soft. Will definitely re-purchase in the future.

An all-sorts category. Garnier Simply Essentials eye-make-up remover. I've had this knocking around the bathroom cabinet for a while. It was efficient and didn't irritate my eyes. I would re-purchase if I needed too but I use my Bioderma to remove all my make-up including eye make-up now. The Moringa Body Scrub from the Body Shop is my favourite scrub. The smell, the texture, the results, everything. I want to re-purchase but at nearly €20 it is an expensive scrub. I think I'll try some cheaper ones before I buy it again. Pearl Drops toothpaste was okay. I didn't notice a huge difference in whiteness and it wasn't my favourite formula. I won't be re-purchasing. Dove Invisible Dry deodorant. I really like this deodorant. It's one of those stick roll on ones. The scent is nice, not over-powering and it works well. I already have a new tube on the go!

A mini Johnsons body lotion. It was fine, nothing spectacular and I don't intend to get the full-size. Tea Tree oil. I like to use this on spots, will be re-purchasing. Two containers of La Roche Posay Toleraine Ultra. A fantastic moisturiser that I use both day and night. Great formula, thick enough to properly moisturise my dry skin but not so thick that it will never soak in. I'll be re-purchasing this for the foreseeable future.

Finally mascaras. Maybelline Falsies is a firm favourite of mine and one that I regularly re-purchase. I wasn't a fan of the Maybelline Colassal Cat Eyes, I just felt it did nothing for my lashes so I will not buy it again. Cover Girl Lash Blast. Really liked this one, very similar to the Falsies. Will probably pick it up again next time I'm Stateside.

My Favourite Lip Balms

I am a lip balm junkie. I love the stuff. Doesn’t matter what the season, I will be using lip balm.  While my lips don’t go dry and flaky if I don’t use it, they will get tight and sore and stingy. And if I go ages without using it, I develop a sore red rash on the skin around my lips. I was one of those children who looked like I was constantly drinking red lemonade. As a result of that pain as a child I apply lip balm constantly now. I keep it everywhere. In the car, in my bags, in pockets, in most rooms at home, at work. I have amassed quite a collection at this stage but what are my ultimate favourites?

First up we have Carmex. This is my number 1. If I had to forgo every other lip balm bar one for the rest of my life, this would be my choice. I keep the round jar of it beside my bed and that is what I slather on before I go to sleep. I keep the tube or the stick with me for on the go but I generally only apply it during the day in the house as it has quite a thick consistency.

The rest of the lip balms are in no particular order.

Burt’s Bees are very nourishing lip balms. They do have a kind of waxy feel to them but I love them. They come in a variety of scents (tastes?) including the original minty one. They also do a great tinted lip balm.

The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter is a very silky feeling lip balm. I haven’t tried any of the other ones but the mango one is gorgeous.

Nivea Pure and Natural Milk & Honey lip balm. I was never a fan of the Nivea lip balms until I tried this one. I think it’s the scent I like more than anything! It’s definitely not a heavy duty lip balm but it’s a great one to apply during the day and it’s my favourite one to apply before putting on lipstick.

Manuka Doctor Lip Ease Balm This is a very recent one that I’ve tried but it fast became a favourite. It’s a very light weight minty balm which is brilliant for giving your lips that refreshing hit when they need it without the thickness of some other ones.

Are you a lip balm junkie? What’s your favourites?