Beauty Empties | February 2013: Haircare Special

This February empties post is ridiculously late, but I'm sure you'll forgive me as it's a haircare special! My March review will be up very soon also.  As a point of reference, my hair is pretty normal; greasy roots, dry ends (from the constant washing to get rid of oily roots) and easily tamable.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo & Conditioner* - no repurchase

For a shampoo that doesn't contain Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate we actually got on pretty well. While it didn't give my hair the cleanse of the century, it's good for everyday washes where I don't need a very strong detergent. It contains shea butter, apple and orange extracts, making it both nourishing and shine-enhancing.  It's £8.75 and although it claims a little goes a long way, I didn't find this the case and probably won't repurchase.  I definitely wouldn't repurchase the conditioner either because it wasn't very...erm...conditioning! (despite it being aimed at dry/damaged hair).  However, it is apparently colour-safe, not a concern for me as I don't colour mine anymore.  I'd rather invest in a tub of the legendary Kerastase Masquintense (review).

Kerastase Nectar Thermique* - definite repurchase 

This stuff is amazing.  A slightly more high brow version of L'Oreal Elvive Renutrition serum which is divine but doesn't have the heat protection properties of Nectar Thermique.  This stuff smells amazing, you only need a small blob and it is ideal for fine hair which can flag under heavy hair oils. When I had this, it was my one stop shop for hair styling, I didn't need anything else. It's around £15, but well worth it as it lasts a couple of months (I wash my hair practically every day).

Elvive Nourish & Shimmer Highlights Serum - no repurchase

This is a bog standard serum with that lovely smell of the Elvive Renutrition range. I can't tell you how long it took me to get through the bottle, but no doubt it's been through a repackaging.  I found it a little too heavy for daytime use so ended up smoothing it through my ends before bed and using it as an overnight leave-in treatment before washing out in the morning.  

L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil* - maybe repurchase

This was the first hair oil I tried and it's a pretty decent offering.  Moroccan Oil is far too heavy for my hair but Mythic Oil is just the right consistency when used on wet hair.  The only thing off-putting is the scent: it's just not feminine enough for me.  L'Oreal have since brought out a cheaper Elvive version and there's no discernible difference in performance.  You can pick up Mythic Oil for around £16.

John Frieda Blonder - no repurchase

This shampoo does lighten your hair over time, and it was fine while I had highlights, but they've pretty much grown out now.  If you're looking to lighten your hair, leave it to the professionals because this shampoo lightens indiscriminately and leaves hair looking brassy.  Worst of all, I found it a little corrosive.  I wouldn't recommend using it in the shower as it will really dry out your skin.  Definitely give this one a miss. If you're blonde you're better off trying the purple tone correcting range.

Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo* - no repurchase

This is possibly the worst shampoo I've ever used.  It feels like a body cream and fails at shifting grease at the roots (nice!).  I can only see this working for someone with haystack hair who suffers from chronically dry tresses.  At around £20 for 200mls, this is a definite non repurchase.

What's your top haircare discovery of late? Let me know in the comments!

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Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea #8 - Liz Earle Botanical Skincare Saviours

You really can't go wrong with Liz Earle skincare.  The products work, smell lovely and the packaging is very pretty and they don't break the bank.  

The Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer* is a great toner and in this spray bottle it reminds me to Caudalie's Beauty Elixir, and is much better value at only £13 for 200ml.  While this is a great product to keep in the fridge in the hot months for a refreshing boost, I've been using mine through winter to perk up my skin.

The Foot Spritzer* might not be the most glamorous present to give someone, but after all the running around of Christmas parties and present shopping fee, ankles and legs need some pampering too.  It contain aloe vera, rosemary and peppermint essential oils.  Great value too at £7.75.

I recently ran out of my No7 two phase eye make up remover so have been reaching for the Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion*.  While I think it's meant to be more of a 'treatment' for eyes, I've been using it to gently remove eye make up.  I have quite sensitive eyes and it doesn't sting at all and even does a pretty good job with stubborn mascara.  It leaves my eyes feeling clean and soothed.  It's £10.25 for 150mls.

For anyone jetting off to the sun after Christmas, the Botanical Aftersun Gel* is a must have, formulated with 92% aloe vera, it soothes and rehydrates sun-exposed skin along with cucumber, lavender and Vitamin E. The 200ml tube will set you back £13.50, but a little goes a long way. 

Liz Earle products can be found online here, in John Lewis and they've recently opened a counter in Boots at Westfield.  

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Liz Earle Special Edition Rose and Lavender Cleanse + Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

This special edition Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser* was launched in support of The Prince's Trust Tomorrow Campaign on 6th September.

It's the same award winning formula as the original in a prettily redesigned package (to read my review of the original click here) but with added rose and lavender to help relax you during your nighttime skincare regime and promote good sleep.  I definitely prefer the new scent and hope they decide to let this concoction join their permanent line.

For £19.75 you get 150ml, which is 50ml larger the original version.  For every one sold Liz Earle Beauty Co. will donate £2.00 to The Prince's Trust with an aim of raising £100,000 for the cause.  It's limited edition and can be purchased online or from John Lewis while stocks last.

Will you be trying it?

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Review: Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 EDP

Liz Earle's second fragrance, Botanical Essence No15*, launched in John Lewis stores and online (link) on 1st October, just in time for those of you looking to pick up a comforting but fresh and spicy Oriental scent for Autumn.  

The name signifies the 15 botanicals which combine into creating the perfect 'unisex' fragrance:

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Guiacwood, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Cypriol, Siam Benzoin, Damask Rose, Elemi, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Pink Pepper, Bourbon Vanilla and Vetiver

Although I love sweet gourmand perfumes like Dior Hypnotic Poison, I'm also a fan of slightly more masculine scents for work, usually a Chypre which contains Vetiver and Sandalwood, as No15 does  - to smell like you mean business! Despite containing a lot of what you would typically think of as sweet, feminine notes, the overall combination is pleasingly androgynous - sometimes a difficult feat to achieve.  You can detect the Bourbon Vanilla, Patchouli and Damask Rose after the 'dry down', but they are not overpowering or girly.  While I think this fragrance is obviously aimed at women, it wouldn't be a complete disaster if your other half spritzed it on by mistake.  Great for saving packing space if you're going away together, too!

The understated and stylish packaging is typical of what we've come to know and love of Liz Earle.  The wrap around box gives it that something extra and the quaint illustrations of the botanicals which contribute to the fragrance bring back fond memories of A Level Biology.  Ok, maybe that's just me then.  

The only drawback to this scent I would warn you about is if you have a particularly sensitive nose it may be a little irritating - I do and it made me sneeze a couple of times.  If so, best to check it out in the flesh at your nearest John Lewis. 

It's £45 for 50mls, and a little goes a very long way.  

Check out Liz Earle's first fragrance, Botanical Essence No1 here.

What type of perfumes do you prefer for the work environment?

 

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Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint

I've been trying this skin tint out for the past couple of weeks, and I'm so glad I persevered with it, because my first few dalliances were not great at all.

This is Liz Earle's first move into cosmetics and has been three and a half years in development.   It's not naturally active, unlike her skincare range, but at least the SPF 15 comes from mineral sun filters, nothing artificial.  It's carmine-free and contains avocado oil, so it's good for sensitive skin.

Lovely packaging, digging the patented Liz Earle Marine colour, sadly the box got a bit crushed in my suitcase.

My first impression of this Skin Tint was actually quite good - at the event I tried two of the three shades it comes in - Bare and Beige (it also comes in Beach, the darkest shade).  Bare worked really well on the back of my hand, blended right in and looked matte and natural.  But after this I had a few run ins with a bottle of SunBelievable and Bare was much too light.  Mixed with a bit of Beige though it would have been just the right shade.  I didn't take issue with the shade match, as you can always darken up with bronzer, but what really put me off was it's very greasy look when first applied which almost made my face look puffy.  I'm not one for 'glowy' skin, especially since this so oftens just resembles shiny oiliness.  I tried it a number of times, but as I was always in a rush I ended up rubbing most of it off and applying my trusty No7 Triple Protection Tinted Moisturiser.  But the trick you see is to wait about 5 minutes until it settles into your skin and mattifies, once this happens, you can throw another layer over the top and build up some coverage (but you can still see most of my freckles through).

Now, one thing I was put-off by is the scent, which reminds me of mushrooms, but this too departs after about minutes.  

While I have come to like the Skin Tint, it doesn't win out over my No7 Holy Grail, particuarly in terms of value.  Liz Earle's is £21 for 40mls and you do need to use about four splodges to cover your face, more if you're bringing it down onto your chest.  No7's is £10 for 50mls, or £5 if you catch it at Boots voucher time.  However, Liz Earle's completely wins out over Benefit YouRebel, Olay Touch of Foundation, Clinique City Block and ELF's Studio version.   

First impressions would lead you to think this Skin Tint would be great for dry skin as it starts with such a 'glow', but it almost has a gel-like consistency when rubbed in, and when it dries the finish is matte.  I've gotten well over 12 hours of wear without need for a touch up or a shine absorbing sheet, which is very impressive for a tinted moisturiser, and because I have oily skin, it's all I need to use in the morning after washing my face.

If you purchase by mail order you'll be sent three sachets of the available shades to work out which is best for you and if you've ordered the wrong shade, you can send the tube back for exchange.

While I can't see myself making this product a regular feature of my make up bag (unless No7 discontinue theirs) I will definitely use this tube up and will hang onto it for winter when my skin will be much paler.

It's available online and in store (John Lewis, QVC) from 8th September for £21.  There are more cosmetics releases from Liz Earle in the pipe line, so keep your eyes peeled!  

*PR sample provided for review

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Where the wild things are

Today I'm going here:

So I will be out of action for a week or so...no internet, no blogging...but lots of make up experimenting and reviewing for my return.

Peace, relaxtion, Gossip Girl DVDs, bliss :)

At some point I'll also be attempting to climb this:

Last night I went along to Liz Earle's flagship store near the King's Road and met the lovely lady herself who introduced us to her Sheer Skin Tint which launches on 8th September (£21 for 40ml).  It's the brands first foray into cosmetics and out of only three shades, the fairest (Bare) suits me perfectly.  It's got pride of place in my suitcase and I'll be trying it out over the next week and cannot wait.  It's matte finish is already making me think it's going to knock my favourite tinted moisturiser-du-jour (No7) off its pedestal.

I adore the packaging, this inky blue colour has actually been patented as 'Liz Earle Marine' and was inspired by the dark, deep blue Solent which divides the Isle of Wight, where the brands HQ is, from the mainland.

There are definitely more make up launches in the pipeline from Liz Earle, so it's all very exciting!

On the tube journey home I had a poke into the gift bag we were given and it's no wonder YouTube haul videos are so popular - the two women opposite me were utterly transfixed by each item I took out of the bag and unwrapped! I must say I'm the same when I see another impatient person rifling through their just-bought swag - I'm rubber necking like a meerkat to see what they've got!  But I look most like a crazed stalker staring away when other women are applying make up on the tube/bus - tell me I'm not alone?!

On my nails: OPI Skull & Glossbones from the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection 

I may manage to rustle up a scheduled post or two before I head off, but if not, see you in a week(ish)!

Fancy winning RMK make up? Check out my giveaway here.

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Liz Earle Gems My Skin is Loving Right Now

My first encounter with Liz Earle was their wildly popular Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (sadly I've just finished it again!) and I was so glad to find that the product lived up to the hype, especially since Liz Earle are quite possibly the nicest company I've 'worked with' as a beauty blogger. You'll know what I mean if you've worked with them before. You can really tell they respect the blogging phenomenon and aren't shy to work with us - probably because their products have nothing to hide. Plus they're the kind of cult items you would normally find out about by word of mouth, so blogger reviews are probably a good fit for the brand. No doubt it's all great publicity for them, but still, they're just so nice about it all.  They really take the time to personally engage - maybe it's down the chilled out, friendly pace of the Isle of Wight...

Following my Cleanse & Polish review (I was also kindly given a second set to giveaway to a reader) they offered to send me another couple of bits to try, and my skin is in heaven.  Yes, it was great being able to try these 'comp' but I'm definitely repurchasing both when they run out.

Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin

With my oily/combination skin I don't really get too excited about moisturisers, but I fell in love with the Skin Repair moisturiser at first try.  I really like the fact that it is hygienically sealed and packaging is the classic greyish mint green which compliments my bathroom nicely.  

The cream is very dense and solid to the touch, but it seems to 'melt' on touch and you come away with a very thin layer so your skin doesn't get overdosed.  You can of course build it up if you have very dry skin.  I tend to use it mainly at night and really look forward to smoothing it on when my skin feels 'tight' after a particularly rigorous cleanse.  

The scent is very calming and reminds me of a now discontinued Ultima II cream my mum used to use when I was a kid.  The naturally active ingredients contained within are Borage and Avocado oil, Echinacea, Beta Carotene and Vitamin E.  It's very soothing and I have noticed an improvement in my skin's texture- it just feels plumper and refreshed in the morning.

You could use this moisturiser for day, but as it doesn't contain SPF I tend not to. 

It's £17.60 for 50mls online here.  I've been using mine for well over a month and have barely made a dent in it.

 

Instant Boost Skin Tonic

I do love my astringent toners (it's horrific what still comes off your skin after cleansing - even with soap!) so I didn't expect much from this gentle toner. I was proved wrong however, as it effectively removes the last dregs of make up without leaving my skin dry and tingly, but refreshed and happy!

The gorgeous ingredients include Aloe Vera, Calendula, Rose-Scented Geranium, Cucumber and Vitamin E. It smells divine and is so luxurious to use. The twist-up dispenser is also very functional as it prevents you from using more than you need to and you can almost open it one-handed.If you're a bit sceptical about toners but are interested in trying one, I highly recommend this Instant Boost Skin Tonic.

It's £11.75 for 200mls online here.

So, cleansing with the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, toning with the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and moisturising with the Skin Repair Moisturiser has left my skin very happy and well behaved of late.

*PR samples provided for review

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CLOSED: Weekly Giveaway Series SS2011 - Win a Liz Earle Cleanse + Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

This week I have another great prize up for grabs: a 100ml starter pack of the infamously fabulous Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser which I have reviewed here.

If you’d like a chance to be the lucky winner all you have to do is: 

Be a follower of my blog & comment below 

This giveaway is only open to Google Friend Connect public followers (I check!)
Become a GFC follower by clicking the 'Follow' button in the right sidebar before submitting your comment and before tweeting.
You don’t need to have a blog to enter, just an account recognised by Blogger (e.g. Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, etc.). 

Leave a comment on this post and if you don’t have a blog – some way I can contact you if you win e.g. email address, but leave it in a way the spiders can’t pick up on i.e. clickandmakeup at gmail dot com.

For an additional entry... 

Tweet this: 

Want to win a @lizearle Cleanse+Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser? Check out the @clickandmakeup giveaway and enter here http://tinyurl.com/3m98pns

Remember to leave your Twitter username in your comment below.

Good luck! x

Last week's Sleek Week winner was announced here.

THE SMALL PRINT

* ONE entry per person please, any more will NOT be counted 

* Open internationally 

* One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries using Random.org 

* The giveaway closes on Saturday 28th May at Midnight (GMT), so that gives you plenty of time to get your entries in! Any entries made after this time will not count 

* Winner will be announced on this blog and contacted on Sunday 23rd May 

* If you are the lucky winner you must be willing to provide me with your postal address details 

* The winner has 5 days to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen at random

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Review: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I finally got my hands on a bottle of the famed Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - this has been on my wishlist for an age! I know there are myriad reviews on this wundercleanser out there but I really want to add my thoughts to the canon!

First off, you get a 100ml starter pack with two muslin cloths in a handy plastic travel pouch for £13.25.  This is pricier than imitations on the market from No7 and Soap & Glory, but not vastly more expensive for the quality of the product.  It's lasted me over a month and a half so far and is still going - based on one use a day of 2 pumps.

I have very sensitive eyes but can use it remove eye make up, however I do feel that the muslin cloth is a bit too rough for the delicate eye area, so I tend to grab a damp cotton wool pad. 

When I first started using it I developed a few spots and was concerned this may be the culprit, but I'm happy to report that it must have been the other products as I was trying out at the time as I continued to use the C&P and the spots have gone away.  

I think one of the biggest differences with this cleanser is the quality of the muslin clothes which come with it - they're more substantial and exfoliating than those which come with other cleansers and really do well in getting every last scrap of make up off leaving no residue behind.  This may be why my face feels a bit tighter than I expected it to considering that it is a cream cleanser, and I definitely need to moisturise after using it.  However in terms of the cleansing process, it's a multipurpose  product which removes all types of make up, eye included, and exfoliates.

The naturally active ingredients it contains are Rosemary, Chamomile, Cocoa Butter and Eucalyptus Essential Oil and you can definitely smell the latter.  The product has very very luxurious feel and smell and using it every night with a hot damp muslin cloth is a little like a special treat, especially if you leave the cloth over your face to steam for a while.  

It's a two-step process whereby you first massage the cream all over your face and neck to dislodge make up and boost circulation.  Second you run hot water over the muslin cloth, wring and use this to remove the product and your make up residue - this is what 'polishes' and exfoliates your skin.  To finish I splash my face with cold water to close my pores.  If I'm wearing particularly heavy make up I sometimes repeat this process, but you can see against the white muslin cloth whether you have any make up left on your skin.

I'm a complete devotee to hot cloth cleansers and it's my favourite method for removing my make up as it's no where as messy as washing your face a few times in the sink, or generating 10 dirty cotton pads with a typical wipe-off cleanser and it's the method I feel best removes every last vestige of the day.

You'll be happy to know that the lovely people at Liz Earle have provided one starter pack of this multi-award winning cleanser for me to giveaway during my SS2011 Weekly Giveaway Series which kicks off on 14th May, so be sure to check back then!

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April Favourites

How can it be May already?!  April whizzed by in a fun flash of days off lounging in the sun in London parks or moseying around markets.  Yesterday I went to Elephant & Castle and had my first taste of Ecuadorian food which was fabulous and I got to try lots of specialties which are normally only available in Ecuador.  I'm a bit sad to be going in to May already as it means I'm going back to the grindstone, but on a happier note, this here blawg turns 1 on 14th May and that means giveaway time!

I have a neat little batch of products I enjoyed throughout April and a few of them are rediscoveries from my stash.  First up though, April was the month I really fell in love with Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish, late to the party as always! I have a full review of it coming up tomorrow so check back for that.  

Being out and about in the sunshine is lovely but sometimes you just feel a need to freshen up, so I've been loving my Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Body Mist.  I have the EDP of it and frankly the body mist lasts just as long on me.  It's the most divine scent - further described here - and one I won't ever grow tired of.  I got this little bottle in the US for about $10, which is pricey for a body spray, but I know that the VS concessions at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick airports definitely stock some of the Sexy Little Things Noir range.

Blogland has been buzzing about this Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer for the past month.  While it's definitely a favourite - even a holy grail of mine, I'm a bit disappointed that Superdrug have put it up from £1.99 last year to £4.19!  Still an extreme bargain, but talk about a price hike!  I wear the lightest shade, 1 Fair and it is utterly perfect for my skintone.  The coverage is phenomenal and the best thing about this concealer is that it is very creamy and moisturising for the under eye area so it doesn't settle into fine lines.  It's supposed to last 16 hours, which is a bit of a stretch, but it certainly lasts during a working day or a night out.  It's also very easy to top up as you can swipe a bit over an earlier application and it won't look cakey.  I'll be doing a fuller review of this beauty soon complete with before and after pics!

I'm pretty sure this Prestige Skin Loving Minerals in Pure Shimmer highlighter has featured in previous monthly favourites, but with the recent good weather I've really wanted a fresh, glowy look and this is the best high street powder highlighter out there.  I know there's a lot of hype about the Sleek one which comes with the contour kit, but I don't rate that one next to my Pure Shimmer.  I'd say this is a good dupe for Soft & Gentle MAC MSF, if ever so slightly paler.  You can find Prestige in most large Boots so it's definitely worth a look. I've had this product for over a year and it's still going strong.  It's best applied with a MAC 109 brush which is nice and dense and ensures precise application along the cheekbones.  I tend to bring it up to my browbone too.

Good high street matte bronzers are hard to come by, and even rarer are pale ones, but Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzing Powder Compact in Light Matte has been my saviour this last month.  It's the best bronzer for pale skin I've tried - you can keep your Benefit Hoola's - I'm done!  I contour my cheekbones with this and dust some along my jawline and *cough* double chin with my trusty MAC 168 brush.  I definitely recommend this bronzer to you fellow Cullens out there!

This TopShop cream blush in Flush will probably feature in my monthly favourites until the end of time! I have used this blush Every Single Day in April and I've barely made a dent in it.  It's divine and lasts all day.  For swatches and a fuller review of it click here.  At only £6 I urge you to get this!

Another TopShop beauty is the Kohl pencil in Dragonfly which is a very dark bottle green with a slight shimmer.  I've been using it on my waterline as it's not as harsh as black and the green really brings out my blue eyes and the green flecks in them - I've had lots of compliments on my eyes since I started using this.  It's only £4 and is beautifully soft - no need to drag the delicate skin around your eyes.

Last but not least is Urban Decay's First Book of Shadows.  I got my mitts on this exactly two years ago and practically had to get on a plane to Florence for it! (long story).  It's a great all round palette with lots of neutral and bright colours, but they're all pretty shimmery.  One drawback to Urban Decay shadows is that I've recently noticed that my eyes water when I wear them on a sunny day.  I'm terrified that I might be allergic to them but persevering all the same.  They're not tested on animals - which was a huge plus for me - but sadly this may also be the reason why I sometimes have a bad reaction to them.

But this is meant to be a favourites post right? This month my eyes have mostly been sporting Gridlock all over the lid with Roach in the crease and Perversion in the outer corner.  Today I swiped a bit of Mayhem over Gridlock and it had a fabulous effect and brought out the green tones in my eyes - sorry I didn't take a pic!  Shakedown is another fave from this palette - it's a very pale silvery green which is extremely wearable.

What products have you been loving in April? If you've done a favourites post link it below so I can have a nose!

Happy Sunday! X

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