2014 Empties

I'm not good when it comes to empties, I've just got too many wonderful products to choose from that I never really get stuck on a product that I completely use up. Nevertheless, I've decided to post an empties for 2014 because I actually used up some makeup products and I'm hoping it will encourage me to get through some more in 2015!

Garnier BB cream 
I loved the Garnier BB cream when it first came out and then when the oily skin version came out (the one pictured above) I couldn't believe that they had made the formulation even better! This is a product that I literally use every single day and I've already repurchased it.

Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer
This was the first concealer I ever bought and I don't even know if they even sell it anymore, but it was pretty good. As the name suggests, it was more for under the eyes but being the unexperienced, new to makeup kind of girl, I just used it on whatever I felt like! I won't be repurchasing this again (if it is even still being sold) because there are better ones out there.

Face of Australia Concealer in Neutral
I really, really like this concealer and I've already picked up another one because it's affordable, a good colour match (despite there only being three shades available) and it does the job well. Face of Australia is one of my favourite brands too!

Essence Clear Brow and Lash Gel
This is my annual empty, I've used up a tube of these every year for a while now I just love it so much. Even when I'm having a no makeup day (and I mean not a scrap of concealer or mascara or anything) I still use this because I have nice thick brows that look amazing as long as they are tamed! I've already got a back up or three of this!

Covergirl Lashblast Length Mascara
I loved this mascara to death and continued using it wayyy beyond its use-by date (don't do it!). Having discovered so many other mascaras I've now realised that this wasn't quite as incredible as I thought it was, however it still is relatively good and served its purpose well.

Face of Australia Pressed Powder in Beige
Technically I only hit pan on this one but I am going to count it as an empty because that's a big achievement for me! This powder was okay but I wouldn't buy it again because I've tried others that are superior (although admittedly more expensive).







Girlz Only Dry Shampoo in Party Nights
Though this isn't the best dry shampoo in the world, it's $2 and it works just fine for me! Dry shampoo has made me the laziest person and I just love it. I've already repurchased a couple more of these.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh
Well what do you know, another dry shampoo! Batiste make really good dry shampoos so if you're willing to spend a little more then definitely go for their products. I've not repurchased because I'm stingy and find the Girlz Only ones work well enough for me.

Dove Deodorant 
I used up way more than one deodorant this year but I only showed this one because they were all Dove roll ons. I don't know why I tend to purchase Dove ones, I guess it's just habit!

Herbal Essences Split Ends Protector Mask
I quite enjoyed this product although it was by no means a huge favourite or anything. I think it did improve the state of my hair, but I've used other intensive conditioners since and I feel as though they all do pretty much the same thing.

Michika Complete Synergist Cloth Masks
This was the first time I'd ever tried one of these masks and I really enjoyed the experience! They were richly moisturising and left my skin feeling amazing. I'm not sure I'd buy these again, or any mask for that matter, because I just don't ever get around to using them.

So there are my empties, probably a dismal amount compared to others but not bad for me!

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Fresh

It is no secret at all that following my discovery of dry shampoo, my hair suffered as a result. Suddenly I could extend the days between washes quite significantly, and I found myself sacrificing super clean hair for a little extra sleep.

Though I am no dry shampoo expert I have tried out a few, and the Batiste Dry Shampoo is by far my favourite, superior in every way except for perhaps price.

I think Batiste is the most well known brand of dry shampoo. I love that they have such an extensive range of products, all catered to different hair types with fragrances too. Fresh seems to be the general one, suitable for all hair types and needs. It smells, as described on the can, 'cool and crisp' and is fairly inoffensive.

I have to use quite a bit of this for it to be effective, but when I do it works a treat. It eliminates a huge portion of grease from my hair and makes it look so much more acceptable for the public eye!

Unfortunately you do have to be careful to spray it evenly otherwise it will leave a white cast to the hair. It feels a little powdery but I usually run my hairbrush through it once of twice before putting it in a ponytail or braid and it feels fine.

Of course, this is never as good as actually washing your hair, but for those days where I don't need to look absolutely amazing, I will most definitely choose this incredibly easy option over having to wash and dry my hair.

I really like the design on the can. It is eye catching and easily remembered, which is handy when I get to the shop and can't remember which one I wanted to pick up. It's quite a large can, at 200mL which isn't problematic as I use it and store it at home, but it would be a nightmare to travel with. As far as I am aware you can pick up mini cans though, which solves everything!

I am such a fan of a hair wash in a can (ooh, that rhymed!) and I am happy to be a bit gross every now and again and sacrifice the time it takes me to wash and dry my long locks and replace it with some other considerably more enjoyable activity! For $9.99 it won't break the bank and you get quite a lot of uses out of a single can. I will most definitely be looking into some of the other variations of this in the range.

I give this 8/10.

Monthly Favourites - August

I have kind of been on an unofficial spending ban this month following my trip to Cambodia where it really hit home how excessive my makeup collection had become. Sticking to the products I owned and ignoring the ones that I wanted to buy, I really came to appreciate my collection a little more and get some really good use out of the products I have. Here are my favourites for this month...

Face: Let's start with the face product, my ultimate favourite for this month. When I purchased the Rimmel Wake me up Foundation I had no idea that it would become such a staple for me! I don't wear this everyday because my skin hasn't been too bad at the moment and a BB cream has been sufficient, but this is my go-to product on the weekends and any special occasions. I am sure you have heard other bloggers and youtubers rave...they have good reason to!

Lips: For lips this is most definitely an everyday kind of product - my Maybelline Baby lips in Pink Lolita. When I first purchased this I didn't use it nearly as much as my non tinted Baby lips, but the tables have turned and now I much prefer a bit of colour. It's not too overpowering and looks quite natural, but it still adds a lot to an overall look in one quick and easy swipe of colour.

Eyes: I've been stuck in a rut with my eyeshadow this month, and I love it! I have found an overall look that really works and I just go back to that when in doubt! I will have a post about it, but the main shadows I use are from the Maybelline quad in Autumn Spirit.

Nails: My nails favourite is easily the Essence Colour and Go Polish in English Rose. A beautiful, neutral rosy shade perfect for all occasions. Enough said.

Other: Last but definitely not least is my Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cool and Crisp Fresh. I love dry shampoo, which is terrible because it makes me so lazy. I use this all the time and I won't be stopping any time soon.

It's so strange to think that we are at the end of August! I remember being back in January and thinking that this year couldn't go quick enough and here we are now! Anyhow, that's my August favourites!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.