December Empties

Happy 2012 everyone!  I can't believe it's the new year already, how time flies!  Anyway, I've again saved all my empties up for the past month.  I've managed to get through quite a few things this month.

Hair:

L'Oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss Shine Shampoo - this lasted me for ages.  It's clearly stuffed full of all chemicals, but my hair really liked it - one of the few shampoos I've used that doesn't tangle my long, thick hair.
Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner - I do like Aussie products, and I like this conditioner.

Body:

3 body lotions I've reviewed here.
The Sanctuary Body Wash - I've used this before and I like the smell, although it could do with being a bit more foamy.
Spa Invigorating Body Scrub - not so much a scrub, more a body wash with the occasional pathetic granual thrown in for good measure.  I got this in a gift set and although it smells really nice, its got the scrubbing ability of a piece of silk.
The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector - another thing I've used before.  I'm not a big fan of this, as I don't find it to make a dent on my poor tootsies.
2 deodorents - I'm not sure why I've included these!  One has been empty for ages, so this was an opportunity to chuck it!

Skincare:

Clinique Moisture Surge - a staple of my winter skincare regime.  I've opened a new one already.
Avon Solutions Ageless Results AM and PM Cream - I tried these as Sample Sundays earlier in the month.
Chantecaille Jasmin and Lily Healing Masque Sample - this was really nice - I'll do this as a Sample Sunday shortly.

Thanks for reading! xx

Sample Sunday - Avon Solutions Ageless Results Night Cream PM

A couple of weeks ago I reviewed the day cream in this pack as my Sample Sunday.  Today I'm going to review the Avon Solutions Ageless Results Night Cream PM.  I'm cheating a bit here, as I actually used it last week, then forgot to review it, but nevermind.

So what did I think of this?  Well it was quite a generous sachet, with enough for three applications.  That's not really enough to tell if something is going to break you out, but it's enough to give you a good feel for a product.  I first used this at night and thought it was a really nice cream - really moisturising, easily absorbed and not at all greasy.  In fact, I couldn't really tell the difference to the day cream I'd tried before.

I then used it the next day as a day cream, and it worked perfectly well.  My makeup was fine, I didn't feel like my moisturiser was too heavy and it held up well in the cold weather we've been having recently.

So, this is another winner for me.  I'm not sure if I'd buy this, especially as it's clearly suitable as a day cream, despite being marketed as a night cream and because I couldn't tell the difference between the day cream that goes with it.  However, I would certainly use it again if I had the chance.

There seem to be loads of Avon Solutions night creams on the Avon website, but I can't see the exact product on there.  Yet again, Avon change and discontinue products...

Thanks for reading! xx

Sample Sunday - Avon Solutions Ageless Results Day Cream AM

Another moisturiser post for my Sample Sunday - I'm on a no-spend at the moment, so I'm using up my moisturiser samples to make my actual moisturisers last longer!  Today I'm testing out the am day cream sample for Avon Ageless Solutions Ageless Results.  I'll do the pm sample next week.

So what are my thoughts?  Well it's a decent sized sample, so I'll have a couple more applications after today.  It's a relatively rich cream, although it's light enough to use as a day cream under makeup.   It smells inoffensive, and I actually quite liked the cream.  I've only popped out for a bit today with this on, so I've not spent much time outside.  However, it seemed to be coping well in the cold weather, when my skin often goes haywire.  It feels moisturising and my skin doesn't feel at all tight as some anti-ageing moisturisers often make it feel.

I'm quite looking forward to trying the night cream as well - potentially a cream to purchase in the future.

I think this is the product on the Avon website, priced at £8 (on offer, usually £11).  Avon are always changing product names and discontinuing things - stop doing it Avon!

Thanks for reading! xx

Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner Pencil Vs Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner

One of the best products I got in October's Glossy Box was the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Moray from Stila.  This is a really good eyeliner in a sludge green type of colour with a twist action.  It's has fantastic staying power and it is really easy to apply , especially for clumsy-handed makeup addicts like me.  I much prefer a pencil eyeliner than any other method.  The other good thing about this is that although it's a very creamy formula to apply, it sets instantly and is completely smudge-proof.  There is absolutely no way this eyeliner is going to budge - once it's on, it's on, it stays all day and will not move, come rain, sun oor sweat.  Even eye makeup remover has trouble shifting this bad boy!

However, much as I love it, I thought I had an exact dupe that I love just as much as the Stila eyeliner - Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner in Shimmer Khaki, and I did!  Shimmer Khaki is just about as dupable as dupes can get, it really is exactly the same.

I have a few of Avon's Supershock Gel Eyeliners and they are all fantastic.  Their performance is equally as good as the Stila eyeliner, they do not shift and they are easy to apply with their creamy formula, without dragging the skin.  They also come in a good range of colours.  They are my everyday go-to eyeliner of choice. 

In terms of colour, as far as I can see, the Shimmer Khaki and Moray are identical.  In the photos, Moray looks just a smidgen darker with the same level of shimmer, but in reality, they are twin shades.

No Flash - Top Moray Shimmer Khaki, Bottom - Moray

Flash - Top Moray Shimmer Khaki, Bottom - Moray

Both eyeliners come in a range of wearable colours, many of which are similar, although Stila do have some brighter shades.

The only difference I can see between the Avon and Stilla eyeliners is that Stila has a twist action, whereas the Avon needs to be sharpened.  I do much prefer the twist action of Stila, but as that is the only difference between the two. Anyway, according to Temptalia, you also get a lot more product for your money with pencils than twist-action eyeliners, increasing the bargain when it comes to the price. The Stila eyeliners cost £13 each at both Look Fantastic and Beauty Bay, whereas the Avon Supershock Eyeliner was much, much cheaper (I think I got 2 for £5). 

However, very sadly, the Avon Supershock eyeliner is now discontinued (boo!)  I've found it listed on Amazon in black for £8, but only one in stock, and also on Ebay for £8 in a range of colours.  OK, it's not the 2 for £5 offer, but still a lot cheaper than the Stila Smudge Stick.  Apparently, Avon Glimmersticks are similar in quality to the Gel Eyeliner Pencils.  I do actually own a Glimmerstick, but I've not tried it out yet, so I'm yet to compare it.

Have you tried either of these?  Let me know if you'd like to see swatches of my other Avon Gel Eyeliner Pencils and my Glimmerstick!

Thanks for reading! xx

October Empties

I cannot believe that October is over!  It's shocking how quickly this year has gone!  Anyway, for the first time ever, I've collected all my empties for the month, so that I can do an empties post.

I got through quite a bit this month!

Hair care

James Brown Photo Fabulous Intensive Treatment
James Brown Photo Fabulous Moisturising Conditioner - a review of both these products is to come shortly. I wasn't really wowed by either product, but for some reason I've accidentally repurchased both!  Whoops!

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo - this was in my travel kit and I brought it back from holiday.  I've always quite liked it.
Umberto Giannini Calm Curls Shampoo - I hated this, rubbish product, stupid and fidly packaging, couldn't use it up fast enough, will not repurchase!
Umberto Giannini Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly - conversely, I love this and have a big tube of it on the go as well.
L'Occitane Conditioner (I think it might be Repairing for Dry Damaged Hair) - I liked this, smelt lovely and made my hair feel nice.  I only got two applications out of it though.

Body Care

Prija Shower Gel with Ginsing - this was just a freebie from a hotel that I used on holiday, but it was really lovely stuff.  I've got some bubble bath from the hotel as well, so am looking forward to using that up.
The Sanctuary Body Scrub - I love their signature smell and I find this to be a reasonable scrub.  I wouldn't seek this out, but would be more than happy to receive it again in a gift set.
Avon Moisturising Cream, Como Shambala Moisturiser and Sweet Treat Boutique Chocolate Moisturiser - I reveiwed all three of these here.

Face Care

The Sanctuary Fresh-Faced Purifying Wash - This wasn't anything special, but did its job
Temple Spa Shadows of the Soul Eye Treatment - just an eye cream, I've used this before and like it, not too heavy
Origins Gin-Zing Refreshing Eye Cream - again, I liked this, it felt nice on the skin without over-loading it with product
Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector - I reviewed this ages ago here, and liked it.  I probably wouldn't buy it again though, as it's a bit pricy.

That's it for me this month, I'll save up my empties for next month as well!

Thanks for reading! xx

Avon Clearskin Blackhead Clearing Daily Cleanser

Back in the mists of time, when I was a student, I used to share a flat with a gay guy who was always receiving gifts of beauty lotions and potions from women.  One girl even bought him the complete Clinique 3 step system as a present - she was a student as well (clearly a rich one)!  He was always nicking the products I kept lying around in the bathroom - I once caught him making a cup of tea with a face mask on - my face mask!  Anyway, his Mum used to keep him well-stocked in Avon goodies and would regularly give him the Clearskin Blackhead Clearing Daily Cleanser (as well as other products from the range).  So, I used to steal this off him as payback and it quickly became my favourite exfoliator.  I continued purchasing this for several years, it being my HG scrub, until I stopped buying it, and I'm not sure why.

A few months ago I put a little order in with Avon, and like old times, this product was on offer - I couldn't resist, for old time's sake.  Afterall, it had been my favourite product.  I was keenly anticipating it, remembering the scrub with just the right amount of scratchyness, a densely packed formula with small scrub particles that attacked my skin in just the right places without any redness or flare up. The formula was so thick it was almost paste-like, so only a tiny amount was needed, mixed with water - it used to last for ages. I'm very fussy about facial exfoliators, and I have rarely found any that have lived up to this one, so I was really happy to have bought it again.

Except, I don't like it any more.  It is no longer densely packed, it's more of a gel-like consistency, the particles feel larger, more sparse and too course for my skin, and it is slightly too scratchy for me.  OK, I'm using it up, but I'm sorely disappointed by it - I had such fond memories of my favourite scrub.

I'm not sure whether Avon have changed the formulation of the product, or whether I'm just remembering the product with a golden glow!  I suspect that Avon have changed, as I've rarely found a scrub that compares to my memories of using this of old, whereas I can think of numerous high street and high end scrubs that are vastly superior to its current formulation.

So a big thumbs down for this - I won't be repurchasing it again.  It's a shame, as I'd hoped to rekindle my old love of this product.

Have you found your HG exfoliator yet?

Thanks for reading! xx

Wedding Outfit 2 - Ideas and Styling - Please Help Me!

If you regularly follow my blog, you will know I'm going to 4 weddings this year!  2 down so far, only 2 more to go!  One coming up is my sister's wedding, so I want to get the styling right, as the photos are likely to be sat on my Mum's shelf for years to come...

I've bought a dress from Phase 8 and it was very expensive.  I do like it, but I'm not 100% sure about it.  I might need to try it on again, or carry on looking to see if I find a dress I like better.

Anyway I've had an attempt at styling the dress - really only to get ideas for jewellery that would match, as well as shoes, accesories and makeup colours etc.  If anyone had any other suggestions as to what would work with this dress, please help me!!!  I find styling outfits, especially formal outfits soo difficult!  I'm relying on you ladies to work your magic...

Dress - Phase 8
Shoes - Nine West
Jewellery - Dorothy Perkins, Next, Warehouse
Scarf - Vintage (my Granny's)
Nail Polish - OPI
Eyeshadows - Accessorize and Mac
Eye pencils - Eyeko and Avon
Hair Feathers - Independent shop
Cat - blogger's own

Thanks ladies - all your help is much appreciated! xx

CLOSED....Blog Birthday Giveaway! Chanel, Deborah Lippmann, Body America and Avon

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Hi  Ladies!  Well, it's my blog's first birthday today, so to celebrate I thought I'd have a little giveaway...  I've collected some products by some of the brands I've really liked over the past year and you can win them all!

First up, there's Astonishing Lengths Mascara by Avon.  I've recently been buying bits from Avon and I'm impressed!  Good quality products at very reasonable prices.

I bought some lip butters from Body America earlier this year and I've really enjoyed using them.  I've not tried Toast to the Coast, but I'm curious to know what it tastes/smells like - if you win, you'll have to let me know!

You may know that I've become slightly obsessed with Deborah Lippmann polishes over the past 6 months.  I went to House of Fraser to buy Across the Universe for this giveaway, but unfortunately, it was sold out!  However, I spotted Wicked Games and I snapped it up instead.  It's been a challenge not to keep it for myself, but somehow I've resisted!

This is the second sample I've had of Inimitable Intense Mascara by Chanel.  I loved the first sample so much, that I bought a full sized one!  However, I have so many unused mascaras, I thought I'd put this sample in my giveaway.  My first sample lasted about a month, so it's a reasonable sample.

Finally, I thought I'd get one of my favourite lipsticks... It's Coco Rouge by Chanel in Mademoiselle.  This was my first Chanel purchase, and it's still one of my favourite colours.  It's a pinky shade, but pretty neutral, so I think it will suit most skin colours.

Well, that's what's on offer.  So how do you enter?  Well, firstly, you MUST be a follower via Google Friends Connect.  New followers are very welcome, but not if you've only set up an account to enter giveaways.  Then leave me a comment saying 'enter me'.  Please either make sure you leave your email address, or have it easy to find on your blog so that I can contact you if you win.

You can have a second entry by tweeting a link to my giveaway, making sure you mention @bristolbeauty in your tweet.

The giveaway closes at Midnight on Friday 12th August 2011, afterwhich I will pick a winner at random using Random.org.

The giveaway is open to international followers as well!

Please note that I have opened the lipstick to photograph, as my own is now a bit yucky.  I haven't swatched it or used it though. 

Thank you very much followers - good luck to all!  xxx

Possible Dupe for Chanel Mimosa? Avon Arabian Glow Nailwear Pro in Sunshine

After I bought Chanel Mimosa Le Vernis nail polish, I realised that I already had a potential dupe for it, and one that I had bought and totally forgotten about - Avon Arabian Glow Nailwear Pro in Sunshine.

I decided to compare the two to see how much of a dupe Sunshine really is.

Hmmm - can see the Chanel shimmer here, lacking in Sunshine

L-R Mimosa, Sunshine, Mimosa, Sunshine

L-R Mimosa, Sunshine, Mimosa, Sunshine

L-R Sunshine, Mimosa, Sunshine, Mimosa

So, they don't seem to be quite as much as a dupe as I had first thought.  Sunshine is brighter and more, well, sunshiney, whereas Mimosa has a more lemon colour.  Sunshine also doesn't have the hidden shimmer trademark that all Chanel polishes have.  Saying that, you'd have to be a nail polish expert to know that Sunshine isn't Mimosa - they are close enough to fool most people!

I liked Sunshine a lot.  I've not really used many Avon polishes before, and this had a lovely formula, nearly opaque after one application, a good brush, easy to apply and dries relatively quickly.  However, I think it's a bit bright for me. Mimosa is slightly more subtle (although not much) and I just prefer the colour.

Mimosa costs £17, whereas Sunshine is currently on offer on the Avon website at £3.  
 

Which is your favourite?

My Nail Polish Collection - The Purples, Lilacs and Mauves

Right, time for another fascinating installment of my nail polish collection!  Today it's the turn of the purples, lilacs and mauves.

Top row left - right: YLS Belle de Nuit (one of a set), Barry M Dusky Mauve, Chanel Paradoxal, Revlon Plum Night (I think), Nails Inc St Johns Wood, Eyeko Lilac Polish, Avon - not sure what this is called.

Bottom Row left - right: ELF Mod Mauve, Elf - not sure of the name, Barry M Berry (I think), Mac - again not sure of the name, Mabelline - not sure of the name, Marvala Elle.

I've done NOTD posts on Belle de Nuit, Dusky Mauve, Paradoxal and Elle - not many really, as purples form the largest colour group in my collection

I've never worn the Avon or Elf polishes.  I love the colour of the Revlon polish in the pot, but it's really dark in reality - almost black.  I might try it over the top of a white polish to see how that looks.  The Barry M Berry colour is really difficult to work with - really bubbly and takes ages to dry.  The Nails St Johns Wood is really bright - almost fluorescent really!  I've had the Mabelline polish forever - it's probably the oldest in my collection.  It's a pretty sheer glitter, but more of a top coat rather than a full colour, as is the Mac polish.

Let me know if you have any requests for NOTDs or swatches!

Thanks for reading! xx

I Need Help! Please Help Me Choose My Next Mascara!

Hi ladies - I have a challenge for you today and I need your advice.  For the past few months  I've been using Inimitable Intense Mascara by Chanel.  I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with it, but it's finally beginning to dry up, so it's time to choose my next mascara.

I had a rummage in my beauty drawer which contains unopened products and backups - I knew I had a couple of unopened mascaras in there - I was gobsmacked to find seven, yes SEVEN unused backup mascaras!  I had no idea I had so many. 

Four of them are full-sized mascaras: Avon Supershock, Eyeko Big Eyes and No. 7 Exceptional Definition, along with a freebe from a magazine.  I'm going to give to free one to Give and Makeup, but I've heard good things about all the other ones, so I'm excited to try them out.  I know I bought the Eyeko and No. 7 mascaras myself, but I think the Avon Supershock was a gift.

I also have three decent sized mini mascaras that were gifts with purchases: Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells, No. 7 Lash 360 and Clinique High Impact Mascara.  I've used the Lash 360 before, but I've not tried the others.  I think I'm going to take one of these on holiday with me in March - I just have to decide which.

So ladies, I want your advice.  Which full-size mascara shall I try next, and which mini shall I take on holiday with me?  I'm really interested to hear your thoughts if you've tried, loved or loathed any of these. 

For your information, my lashes are long but have no curl to them, they don't hold a curl at all, and are currently in a natural, un-tinted and un-permed state, so I have lots of lighter lashes I need to cover up. 

Please help me if you can!  Thanks for reading, and for your wisdom!  xx