Garnier Micellar Water

First Skincare Empties of 2025

- Vicki Leave a comment

Garnier Gentle Peeling Water

This is a fantastic, affordable product. I don’t use it to take off makeup, but instead use it as an exfoliating step after cleansing and before my toner. It works to exfoliate the skin, lightly removing dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant complexion. If you like products that help you achieve that natural healthy glow, then this should be in your routine. It is a mild formula, but I would say that if you are more on the sensitive skin side, do a patch test first, just to be on the safe side. This gentle peeling water contains exfoliants & 1% PHA + Glycolic Acid (AHA, known for their gentle peeling efficacy to help exfoliate and leave skin smooth. I love how much it smooths my skin’s texture, and gives that healthy glow. Which Garnier water is your go-to, and have you tried this one? I would 100% buy this again, and I bought it for all the ladies in my family for Christmas.

*No7 Future Renew SPF40 Day Cream

With this collection, No7 used research from the University of Manchester and their breakthroughs in peptide technology (pepticology). This breakthrough technology supports skin’s natural self-repair and helps reverse visible signs of skin damage, fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dryness, and loss of firmness. I loved this cream, loved it! It is a rich, hydrating day cream that is packed with ingredients designed to tackle all the key concerns for mature skin (like mine, I am almost 50). What stood out for me is that it has SPF40. I love having extra protection, and there is simply no point in investing in high-quality skincare if we don’t protect our skin from UV damage, which as we know accelerates ageing and contributes to pigmentation and texture issues. So wear your SPF.

I found this day cream deeply nourishing but not heavy or greasy, perfect for daily wear. I think it is the right balance of quality and affordability & it’s no surprise that I will 100% repurchase. The eye cream and the night cream from this collection is 10/10. Have you tried it, or what are your favourite No7 products?

*Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm

This is simply a wonderful multipurpose balm (I love that it is green). I use it for so many things, on chapped lips, cuticles, dry skin and I even use it as an eye cream. It is jam packed full of natural and heeling ingredients, With tamanu oil (aka ‘green gold’) at its core, which is a centuries-old Polynesian remedy known for its ability to stimulate skin & help soothe inflammation, while deeply nourishing. Alongside the tamanu oil, Tropic have blended it with hydrating, soothing monoi and cocoa butters which are hydrating and calming and if that wasn’t enough it also contains antioxidant-rich blackcurrant extract and raspberry seed oil.

This balm is a ‘does all product’, and you will not regret having it in your bag / beauty routine. I take it everywhere. This pot lasted me so long and that was with me using it for so many things on a regular basis, it just lasts forever. I just can’t say enough good things about it and think it is the ultimate multipurpose balm.

Garnier SkinActive Vitamin C Day Serum

I love both the day and night versions of this vitamin C serum from Garnier. In a nutshell, it is formulated to boost radiance, even out skin tone and protect against free radicals. It has a 3.5% concentration of vitamin C which really gets to work, helping your skin look fresh and glowing.  Alongside other skin loving ingredients like Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid which help gently exfoliate to reduce texture and blemishes and Lemon Extract which works to brighten skin. This is just a great and affordable product to have in your routine. It is a product I always recommend.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Fig Cleansing Balm

Fig and all things fig scented are my fave, I adore anything with fig as an ingredient. This is the 3rd 100ml pot of this I have been through, and It won’t be the last. It is a forever repurchase for me. The Elemis cleansing balms are a cult product, and it is easy to see why. Nothing removes makeup like this, it has a balm to oil texture that just cuts through even stubborn waterproof mascara, it is gentle and feels amazing on the skin. It is like having a spa at home, the sweet fig scent is calming, and the balm leaves your skin feeling clean, nourished and soft, it is 10/10. Elemis offer their cleansing balms in a number of scents and I will have to try their latest release, the Dark Cherry Balm, have you tried it yet?

Beauty Bay Chamomile and Oat Cleanser

This cleansing balm is a great affordable option, it is not as rich and luxurious as the Elemis one, but it is still a great everyday gentle cleanser. This balm boasts a formula made up of 86% naturally derived ingredients which include, Oat Lipids which are rich in ceramides, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture. They help to replenish the skin, leaving it nourished and smooth, whilst gently removing impurities and makeup without stripping the skin. It also contains Chamomile, which is well known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. I really enjoyed this product and will 100% be purchasing more products from Beauty Bay

 

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June & July 2015 Product Empties

- Vicki 7 Comments

June & July Empties 2015

Garnier Micellar Water Combination & Sensitive Skin – As far as I could tell this wasn’t much different to the one in the pink packaging. I still liked it & it was as good at removing my mascara and bulk of my makeup. I love to stock up on this from my local Savers as they always have it for less than £3. I even have the cutest mini bottle to take with me on my holidays. I will forever repurchase this (or the pink one) – it’s best high street Micellar Water that I’ve found.

The Body Shop Satsuma Beautifying Oil – This was from one of the amazing British Beauty Blogger boxes & I really liked using it. It seemed to last me ages considering its quite a small bottle. I only used it on my thighs, I liked to massage it in to get the blood flowing and it left my skin feeling so smooth and not at all greasy. It also smells like Summer – orange is such a lovely scent and although it didn’t linger too long it was a nice uplifting scent for the morning. I would repurchase this again.

Chapstick Mixstix – This is a double ended lip balm so you get two flavours. I bought this a while ago from America and have its taken me ages to use it up. I did like it & thought having two flavours in one was a great idea. I used the cherry side quicker than the lemon but both smelt sweet and fruity and although not the most hydrating of lip products its still nice to have in your handbag and very inexpensive. Wouldn’t rush out to repurchase.

Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce Platinum 24hr Firming Eye Cream* – This 30ml tube lasted me almost a whole year. I thought it was hydrating and very nourishing, my under eyes looked very smooth when I used this. It sits well under makeup and doesn’t look greasy but keeps my concealer looking fresh all day. I would repurchase this.

Origins Plantscription™ Anti-aging Power Serum* This is a nice serum, I used it as my overnight serum and I’d wake up to smooth, fresh glowing skin. It smells quite botanical so if you’re not a fan of fragranced skincare this isn’t for you. This serum leaves your skin feeling so silky smooth but after a few months use I didn’t see any significant changes in my fine lines. Its quite a thin water based serum so its easy to massage in to the skin and a little goes a long way, this tube lasted me about 4 months and I did love using it. Despite not seeing massive results in terms of anti ageing this was a really nice hydrating serum that helped my skin look radiant and fresh. Let me know if you have tried anything from the Plantscription range.

NARS Brightening Serum –  I wouldn’t say it was an amazing purchase and I was unsure how to use it at first. In the end I started to mix a little either with my moisturiser or my foundation but I wouldn’t say it was fantastic at making my skin look bright and glowing it was quite greasy and didn’t sink in to my skin very well. I much prefer Brightening Primers like the B one or the Revlon ones. Much cheaper and I think better quality.

Crazy Rumors Black Cherry Lipbalm – This smells so good & its extremely hydrating on the lips. It does a great job at keeping my lips moisturised. I don’t have to reapply it that much throughout but I like having it to hand & I just love the scent of it . Crazy Rumor offer a wide selection of flavours and they all sound lovely so I would repurchase a new flavour as they have so many to try!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Toner – This is such a gentle toner, I used it mostly as part of my morning skincare regime, it left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. It didn’t make my skin dry or tight and a bottle lasted me 6 months of almost daily use. I love the Vitamin E range and always have a couple of products on the go & always repurchase.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – Now I have shorter hair (jaw length) I don’t have to wash it as often which makes me very happy. I do like to use a dry shampoo on the 3rd & 4th day, this helps absorb the oils and gives it a bit of volume. Yes this one can leave a white cast but I just rub that away & all is good. Batiste is just such a good price that I always go back to it even after trying other brands.

Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitiser – These are so fun and smell incredible. If I’m not going to America any time soon I tend to stock up on these via eBay, there are quite a few sellers and although you can’t get 5 for $5 you can get them for a half decent price. This Noel one was hanging around from my Christmas stash and I was excited to finally use it up so I could open a new more Summer appropriate scent. Let me know what your favourite scents are – they do SO many!

Ted Baker Sweet Sugar Body Wash* – Love the pink and rose gold packaging of this collection – it was so pretty. It left my skin soft and smelling of jasmine & patchouli which is quite floral and summery. I think Ted Baker have been releasing some fantastic body products, great quality and so affordable. The Body Spray in this Sweet Sugar range is amazing, you have to give it a test next time you’re in Boots!

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

 

Boots Haul February 2015

- Vicki 14 Comments

Boots Haul February 2015

I had a voucher that I had been saving from Christmas & last week I finally spent it in Boots. I bought a few products I had wanted to try for a long time and I am excited to try everything.

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner £6.00 – I’ve used this a couple of times since I bought it & I like how black it is & that the colour doesn’t fade throughout the day. It was easy to apply & I was able to get quite a precise liner look at well as a more dramatic winged effect. So far I like it, we will see how long it takes for it to dry out as often these felt tip liners dry out quite quickly and that can be annoying.

Collection Work The Colour Lip Butter £2.99 – I bought the colour Vintage Rose a few weeks ago & loved the formula & colour so much I had to go back and get another shade. I opted for Perfect Plum & its just as pretty. These are quite long wearing for a lip crayon and I like that they’re not too glossy or greasy on the lips. Don’t tell anyone but I am going to go back for the other colours too.

Soap & Glory Love at First Blush £11.00 – This multi colour blush just looked so pretty in the pan, its quite a bold shimmery blush (reminds me of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks) I’m thinking it will make a good Spring / Summer blusher highlighter duo combo, if you know what I mean. I might have to use a light hand as it is quite pigmented & shimmery. I don’t want to look too 80’s disco ball. Let me know if you have this & how it works for you.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water £4.99 – I didn’t know this came in three options. I’ve used the pink one before and really rate that so I had to try out this one which is targeted at Combination Skin. So far I like it, its gentle and does the job at removing stubborn eye makeup. I like how much product you get in these Garnier Micellar Waters & the price is good too. I always have a bottle in my skincare stash.

Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray – I’ve tried high end sea salt sprays & budget ones too & to be honest there is never much in it. This one was on offer for no more than £3 & I like Toni & Guy products so it came home with me. I like it, it gives texture to my wavy hair without making it feel crusty or dry. This is the small travel size bottle which I thought was cute.

L’Oreal True Match The Powder £8.19 – I know nothing about this powder but it looks good & I love the L’Oreal True Match Foundation. So in my mind that is a good enough excuse for buying it. I have the shade Rose / Beige. It feels finely milled and gives a little extra coverage. We will see how well it wears throughout the day over my foundation. Oh & the packaging has a good sized mirror & a brush thats not horrid.

L’Oreal Glam Bronzer – This is a two toned bronzer, you get a lighter highlighter shade & a deeper brown shade. I’ve not tried this yet but I am hoping it is like my beloved Soap & Glory Solar Powder which I use daily. Its the same concept but the brown / bronze shade in the L’Oreal looks like a better match for me. We will see. Again much like the True Match Powder the packaging has a mirror.

Soap & Glory Lid Stuff £10.00 – This quad in What’s Nude has been the one product I’ve wanted & never bought. I have no idea why it’s taken me so long to buy it. All four of the shadows are perfect colours for me, I love a neutral eye. I have been using this quad since I bought it & it does not disappoint. The quality is excellent and the colours work well together or you can wear them alone. I’m impressed and kicking myself for waiting so long, but now I have it I will be making full use of it & showing these shadows a lot of love.

Let me know what new purchases you’ve made this month & if you love or hate anything I have bought. I’m excited to try everything properly over the next few weeks.

January 2015 Empties Part 2

- Vicki 8 Comments

January Empty Products

Nspa Melting Cleansing Gel – This is the first product I’ve tried from nspa & let me tell you it did not disappoint, in fact its fast becoming one of my favourite cleansers. I’m a big fan of gel cleansers and I love how smooth, hydrated and clean they leave my skin. This one from nspa is available in ASDA so it is very affordable and readily available. Its packed full of skincare benefits and its suitable for all skin types. I’m sad it is all gone & I squeezed out every last bit of product, I will be buying another one before the week is out.

Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo – I bought this from the Poundshop & love to try a new dry shampoo. Since I had my hair cut into a short bob I don’t wash it as often and dry shampoo has become my best friend. I wasn’t a big fan of this, it left my hair feeling quite dirty and it wasn’t that good at absorbing oil. Not one I would repurchase.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist* – This is my all time favourite toner – This 100ml bottle lasted me a couple of months & I use it all the time, so its well worth investing in. The product comes out in a light mist that gently covers your skin & doesn’t spray out like a jet soaking you & giving you the fright of your life (that has happened to me before with quite a few facial toners). I love how it stops my skin from drying out and the rose scent is very uplifting and calming. A few spritz of this throughout the day leaves my skin feeling soft, soothed and hydrated. I had a bottle waiting in the wings & I have already started using it, its so good.

Origins Ginzing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser* –  This is a great 2 in 1 product as the gel cleanser removes makeup and dirt  whilst the exfoliating beads help remove the dead skin and awaken dull tired complexion. If you like to use products that help promote a glowing healthy complexion then this is for you & it also is a really gentle yet effective scrub. You don’t need to scrub your face off, just softly massage it in to your skin & rinse off. I can’t wait to get another bottle.

ESPA Bergamot, Jasmine & Cedarwood Foam Bath* This was such a treat & if you like to enjoy a pampering bath you will love this bubble bath from ESPA. It smells luxurious & grown up, I think the scent is quite calming too. It leaves my skin feeling very soft & nourished. This 300ml bottle lasted almost 6 months. I would 100% use this again, it was such a treat.

Garnier Micellar Water – This is the best micellar water I have tried, I think it works better than bioderma. Its more easily available and is such an affordable price too. I always have a bottle waiting in the wings. I use it everyday to remove my eye makeup and it never irritates or dries my skin out. I’m sure most of you reading have already tried it but if not I highly recommend it.

Merumaya Treatment Toner* This is such a nice daily toner, I liked to use it in the mornings as it left my skin feeling refreshed, smooth and hydrated. It is very gentle, I can get quite red skin on my cheeks in particular when I use a toner but this Merumaya one didn’t irritate at all. It contains Vitamin C which helps brighten skin, Sodium Hyaluronate which helps reduce water loss & gives the skin a plump firm look. There are so many skin benefits and I really enjoyed using this, it kept my skin hydrated during some very cold months! I would use this again & recommend you check out Merumaya skincare if you haven’t already. Their skincare is very affordable and wonderful quality. I only wish they made this & all their other products in larger sizes.

To read part 1 click here

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.