Epic Empties - Organic Surge, Arbonne, Balance Me, Rodial, Versace Bright Crystal

I've been saving up my empties for quite a while, but I didn't realise quite how long it had been until I got everything out to photograph and was greeted with this lot!

I think this is around 5 months worth of products and there are some samples and minis in here which add to the volume.

Here goes!

Part 1 - In the shower

Organic Surge Citrus Mint Shower Gel - I'm still trying to increase my organic product usage and I've been trying out the Organic Surge range. So far so good, they're super affordable and smell good too. This one wakes me up in the morning!

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel - Probably my favourite scent so far. I've got plenty more to try out though and I'm slowly going through all the scents. Already repurchased.

L'Oreal Elvive Nutri Gloss Shine Conditioner - I always seem to run out of shampoo before conditioner so this was an attempt to use up one that I've had lying around for a while. I do like this conditioner as it smells divine, feels rich, lathers well and is pretty good at increasing shine. However, I'm on the hunt for some more organic hair products. Any suggestions welcome!

Perfect Brunette Extra Moisturising Shampoo - A lonely shampoo that finished before its partner conditioner. This was a Home Bargains bargain but again, I think I'd like to try some more professional haircare. The shampoo itself was thick and brown coloured but it didn't do much for my hair and left it a little dull.

Nivea Creme Soft Shower Cream - A thick, smooth shower creme that I used up whilst abroad. These minis are so great for packing if you're anything like me and end up with a suitcase full of toiletries.

System Professional Smoothen Shampoo - This felt like a luxury shampoo and you can feel the difference between this and the Home Bargains bargain.

Wella Brilliance Shampoo - My favourite shampoo of the lot! Very good for thick hair and nourishing too.

Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod - The organic resolution goes out the window when I have a bottle of Molton Brown in the shower :( Seriously lovely!

Part 2 - Make Up

The smallest loot as I have so much make up that it's impossible to use it all up!

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - My go to foundation, plenty of coverage and already repurchased.

ELF Lipstick in Voodoo - A bargain lipstick that is non drying and long lasting. In the pile because I dropped and broke it. I do like the colour but it's a touch too dark/vampy for everyday.

YSL Babydoll Mascara - I adore this! I got this from the YSL event a while back and it's taken me ages to use it up. Seriously lengthens my lashes and separates too, just what I'm looking for. Will repurchase once I've got through my mascara backlog.

Chanel Le Volume Mascara - Joint favourites. Much like the Babydoll mascara but also thickens and adds volume a treat. I may also repurchase this but I have another sample waiting to be used first.

Part 3 - Fragrance

I'm loyal when it comes to fragrance and stick to Per Una Originale. I love the handy size, how affordable it is and I still get compliments as a few people say it smells like Dior. There are so many fragrances I like but a girl has to save on something and this is it!

Versce Bright Crystal - Sweet and girly, this looks beautiful on any dressing table and is just fun to wear. I may ask for this for my next birthday as I'd forgotton how much I love it! The only downside is that the heavy lid makes it impossible to carry around with you.

Part 4 - Make Up Removers and Cleansers

Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Make Up Remover - I really got on with this and found it gentle and very effective. However, I managed to lose half the contents and spill it in my make up bag because the lid is difficult to close properly. I would repurchase but I'd need to be careful next time and snap it shut.

Bioderma Purifying Cleansing Micelle Solution - The original and the best. In the interest of tyring to find ways to save, I tried out a cheaper micellar water and was not impressed as it left a greasy residue. This however does the job in no time. I've repurchased two giant bottles from Amazon already, oops!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm - I've had this a while and the first time I used it, I didn't fully understand how wonderful it is because I wasn't using it properly. Now that I've been enlightened by Caroline Hirons, I finished off the tub using flannels and came around to the effects of this balm. Using this with a flannel as part of a Caroline Hirons approved (almost) skincare regime has really made a difference to my skin. I've seen a huge reduction in spots, blemishes, blocked pores, blackheads and dry patches and I don't need to use harsh exfoliators to try to combat the above and aggravate my skin further. I received a huge pot of this for Christmas and can't wait to finish off my Elemis tub so I can dig in!

RMK Cleansing Balm - Another favourite, this is super soft and gentle, smells of roses and is just luxurious on skin. I've got another mini of this waiting to be used that I'll be using for overnight stays.

Part 5 - Creams, Serums, Lotions, Oils, Masks and Toners

Arbonne FC5 Nurturing Day Lotion - I was surprised when I tried this range out at how well my skin got on with it. Ultimately, I needed something richer and more effctive which is why I didnt repurchase but I'd still recommend it.

Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream - One from my huge Space NK haul last year. A rich, nourishing and calming cream that I really enjoyed using. However, I'm still on the lookout for my holy grail moisturiser.

Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser - Again, from the everlasting Space NK haul, there is a lot of hype around this product. I did enjoy using it but it was only a tiny sample so I didn't see any results. I did see it as a good simple moisturiser for day but I'd prefer something more effective for night.

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate - I've already repurchased this as I can't find a serum that does a better job. I even tried the more advanced Visionnaire but didn't find it to be as good as this. I don't think this is Hirons approved but until I find something better it's on my repurchase list.

Zelens 3t Complex - My favourite moisturiser from this mini Spce NK haul. I'd never heard of Zelens before I tried it but this was the most effective of the lot. I'd love to repurchase but I need to get through the minis first and then save up the £100 for a new tub!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - I really wanted to try this one as it has had such great reviews but I find it difficult to use oils. Perhaps I need an education in using oils as part of a regime but for now, I'm going to stick to serums. This one seemed to do the job but it's difficult to tell with a mini sample!

Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask - A great mask that does a fab job of briging back moisture and radiance to the skin, leaving it looking plumped up, so much so that people do notice!

Clarins Daily Energizer Wake Up Booster - I really did enjoy using this and took this away with me too. However, I've just received Pixie Glow for Christmas so I'll see how I get on with that before repurchasing.

Sisley Tropical Resins Complex - A super hyped and pricey product that is meant to help improve the appearance of pores, rebalance skin and mattify. I used this as a primer on my t-zone and it worked on my combination skin.

Sisley Intensive Day Cream - I probably should have asked for this for Christmas or treated myself earlier this year, but at £165 even I balked. Pure luxury but at a price.

Part 6 - Hands, Body and Lips

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Hand Treatment - Very effective at an affordable price. However, I have a mountain of L'Occitane hand creams to get through before I can think about repurchasing!

Roger and Gallett Bois D'Orange Body Lotion - A little known brand that I saw in Rome's pharmacies. Smells incredible but sadly not organic!

L'Occitane Amande Delicious Hands - Smells like marzipan, yum! Possibly my favourite L'Occitane hand cream so far.

Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve - A magazine freebie, I tried to use the Rodial lipbalm when this finished but couldn't believe how much I missed it. Repurchased at £12 from Debenhams already. And this one is 100% natural origin which is good.

Part 7 - Essential but boring

Sure Crystal Invisible Diamond - Does the job really well! One of the organic products I'm really looking for though is a good deodorant as they are known to be linked to cancer. Any recommendations?!

GHD Heat Protect Spray - Near impossible to get hold of, I've had to stop buying this as it's getting so expensive! Still my favourite though.

Sure Fresh with Natural Mineral Roll On - Handy for travelling but not as good as the Crystal/Invisible versions.

Boots Salon Smooth Nail Files - These are the best nail files hands down. Try it and you'll see!

Sensodyne ProNamel - A great toothpaste, pricier than some but it's a must for my sensisitve teeth.

Sensodyne Daily Care - Not as good as the ProNamel, it's worth paying more for the extra enamel benefits.

Birthday Present Post ft L'Occitane, Macadamia Oil, Bioderma and Origins

Not so long ago I celebrated my birthday and in amongst many meals out, I received some lovely presents from my friends and family. I love seeing what other bloggers have had for their birthday so I thought

I'd share mine with you guys too. 

Birthday presents! Wine, Origins Ginzing Moisturiser and Clear Improvement Mask set, Per Una Originale fragrance, Barry M Nail Effects Croc in Burgundy, Hotel Chocolat Strawberry Puddles, Cake Tester, L'Occitane Frisson de Verveine Set, Bioderma, Macadamia Oil, Topshop socks, Tranquil Spa voucher, Selfridges voucher, hamsa bracelet.

There's a definite theme emerging here and it's beauty related! Everyone knows that I love receiving beauty products and I'm so lucky to have been given my favourites.

Here's my collected beauty products. I recieved a Barry M nail polish, Origins gift set that includes GinZing moisturiser and Clear Improvement mask, Per Una travel sized fragrance, Bioderma and Macadamia Oil. I am already using all of these and I love them so much! In particular, I use Bioderma every single day, the fragrance lives in my handbag for on the go spritzing and I use the Macadamia Oil on my hair when it's feeling dry on the ends in particular.

I also received this L'Occitane Frisson de Verveine gift set which includes a shower gel, cooling body gel, soap and hand cream in a very cute little drawstring bag. The new collection has a much lighter, sweeter, summerier scent to it and I've really enjoyed using the shower gel in particular.

What's on your birthday wish list this year?

July Collective Empties ft Rimmel, Molton Brown, L'occitane, Soap and Glory, Bioderma and Arbonne

Huge collective empties post alert! I much prefer collecting my empties to posting just a few things every month, and it seems I've been busy using up some serious product lately.

I'm not sure how long it's been, but over the last few months I've used up lots of haircare, make up, perfume and other bits and pieces. Here it is:

BODYCARE

Pear Berry Tini Moisturiser - I bought this from a local beauty salon and I cannot get enough of how good this smells! It's quite difficult to get hold of and I think it's specially formulated for use after sunbeds. To me though, it smells like a tropical fruit cocktail has just been made every time you use this and it's in a huge bottle with a handy pump dispenser. This has lasted me well over a year and as much as I love it, I think it's time to try something new!

Roger & Gallet Bois D'Orange Bath and Shower Gel - This little tube of shower gel actually came from a hotel, and again, I love it because it smells divine! It's a real luxury product and I'm currently using the matching body lotion. I'd be tempted to buy the full sized version of this if I find it out and about.

Le Labo Rose 31 Shower Gel - Another hotel sample!

Molton Brown Patchouli & Saffron Body Wash - A free gift with purchase, I love the sheer luxury of using a Molton Brown shower gel. It feels so decadent and there's so many fragrances to try out.

L'Occitane Hand Cream - Shea, Amande and Cherry Blossom - Small in size, these 10ml trial sized hand creams are my little lifesaver. I get through these at an alarming rate, but they do a great job.

FACE CLEANSERS

Soap & Glory Off Your Face - I know that nothing replaces the benefits of a thorough cleansing routine, but there are some days when you need a quick fix. These do a good job of removing all traces of make up, but I am going to make an effort to cleanse properly!

Arbonne FC5 Hydrating Cleanser + Freshener - I went all out a while ago and ordered a full regime from Arbonne and I got on really well with it. This is great for freshening up skin and hydrating, but I'm looking for more high impact products.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover - My all time favourite eye make up remover, this is gentle, non oily and doesn't sting. I love it but I was tempted by a Nivea version that was on offer this month.

Bioderma Solution Micellaire - I don't need to go into too much detail here as you all know about Bioderma. A crystal clear cleanser that doesn't need to be washed off, this draws make up out from the pores and onto the surface, so it can be wiped of effortlessly.  This is a beauty cupboard staple.

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser - I really enjoyed using this with my Claisonic for the squaky clean feeling it gave my skin, but I've decided to go easy on the Clarisonic as I'm not sure if it's helping my skin or not. A great product nonetheless.

FACE CREAMS

Arbonne FC5 Moisturising Night Cream - Another item from my Arbonne haul, this is a really rich night cream that keeps skin looking fresh.

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Cream - I'm currently using the face and eye serums from this range and loving them! I would like to repurchase this and use the whole set but I've got so many creams to get through first!

Lancome Genifique Yeux - I swear this has an effect on the skin around the eyes, lifting and firming skin and making you look awake. Love it so much I bought the full sized version when the trial sized version ran out.

L'Occitane Precious Cream - I've heard a lot about this range and couldn't wait to try it out! However, for my skin type I just didn't feel it was hard working enough to create radiance and make me feel wow.

REN Vita Mineral Radiant Day Cream - Such a small sample it's impossible to tell how effective it is, but I did enjoy using this and it is very rich for a day cream.

Sisley Intensive Night Cream - I adore this product! Again, such a small tube it's hard to tell but this was insanely rich and luxurious. The full sized version is however £200....

Sisley Creamy Mask with Tropical Resins - Will someone just get me a whole Sisley routine please?! You need to try out Sisley if you haven't done so already, I can't believe how rich all the products are!

HAIRCARE

L'Oreal Ever Riche Conditioner - A great, rich, sulphite free conditoner - simple.

Insette Hairspray - Grabs hold of flyaways and sets hair when I've got an updo in place (in my case, this is pretty much just used for when I've got a pony tail in!)

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment - I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to hair, but I'm really getting into natural oils and treatments. I've already asked for the full size of this for my birthday.

MAKE UP AND PERFUME

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 200 Soft Beige - What I wear for a dewy look on really good skin days or my days off. Already repurchased.

NYC Cheek Glow in Sutton Place Peach - A bargain product that holds it's own against other luxury blushers. Again, I've already repurchased this.

ELF Gel Eyeliner Pot - An absolute steal but this has finally given up the ghost and dried out before I got to finish it.

Per Una Fragrance - I should get this on repeat purchase I get through so much of it. Has real staying power unlike a lot of perfumes that fade fast.

This Works Deep Sleep Roll On - Not technically a fragrance but something I love the smell of. This really helps me at night to get into a routine and think about nodding off.

ELF Luscious Liquid Lipstick - I've had this for ages but it's again, a great quality product as a great price.

TEETH

Sensodyne Complete - Poor sensitive teeth! I use a number of different ones for sensitivity but these seem to do a good job.

Oral B 3D White and White Glo - Can you tell I'm trying to whiten my teeth? I'd say these were both as effective as one another but nothing compares to a professional treatment.

That's it! Have you used up a lot of products lately? Tag your empties post below and I'd love to read them!

Collective Empties ft Dior Bioderma Crabtree & Evelyn and L'Occitane

It’s that time again! So here goes another huge collective haul. I’ve really been focusing on using up all the miniatures I seem to accumulate and I think I’ve done a pretty good job.

Bioderma Micelle Solution – This makes light work of removing make up without tugging at skin. I’ve repurchased this about 3 times already and can see myself buying this for a long time to come, even if it is a touch pricey.

Dior Addict Eau Fraiche  - A Christmas present from a while back, I;ve only just got round to using this and managed to finish it in a matter of weeks as it’s only a 30ml bottle. As much as I like it, I’m in no hurry to repurchase as I love trying out new scents!

Elemis Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash – A feminine, floral scent, as lovely as this is I don’t think I’ll be treating myself to such a pricey shower gel as this 100ml bottle is worth £7.50!

Sure Clear Aqua Deo – Not really worth commenting on this but it does the job!

Sensodyne Classic – As above!

Glucosamine Sulphate – I think these are good for joints, not entirely sure but I’m trying to be good and take my vitamins daily.

Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy – Lovely! I adore rose and jasmine scents and I managed to use this up really quickly.

L’Occitane Rose Tenderness Hand Cream – Another lovely hand cream finished, luckily I have a few in the stash as I really do seem to get through these.

Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo – Love these! The range really does make your hair feel soft and shiny. I might just treat myself to the full sized bottle in the future.

L’Oreal EverRiche Shampoo – A great all round shampoo that I’ll consider repurchasing but for now I want to try something different as I definitely feel that hair looks better when you switch your shampoos around.

Andrew Barton SOS Help Me Super Repair Shampoo – I don’t know quite how repairing this is but it certainly smelt like caramel and toffee, which is nice! It definitely did the job but I’m looking for more specialist shampoo at the moment.

Peter Thomas Roth Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion and Body Wash – I have no idea where these minis came from, certainly a hotel somewhere, but the entire range smells so good, I can’t get enough of it! It’s hard to tell how good the product is when you’re working with such small quantities but I really enjoyed using them and would love to know where these are from!

H20 Spa Hydrating Body Butter – Another hotel miniature, this was surprisingly nourishing and did a good job.

The White Company Flowers Bath and Shower Gel – Wow! The scent of this really does hit you, although sadly doesn’t stick around on skin too much. Very luxurious at £12 for the 250ml bottle.

How are you guys getting on with your empties?!