July Empties

Yes - I know that there are a lot of posts on Empties out there, but I really like to read them and the more the merrier, right?!

I have to confess that I tend to use up a product even though I may not love it, or for that matter even like it very much and my first contribution to this classic beauty blog category contains a few examples of exactly this.

For the first time in history for me I have finished a shampoo before the conditioner. Usually it's the other way around, but I think it's because I've started to use hair masques and other treatments more often than before. I have long hair that tends to get dry with damaged ends, so I always look for a moisturising shampoo - enter TRESemmé Vitamin E Moisture Rich Shampoo. I got the shampoo and conditioner a while back and I finally finished the shampoo. It claims to "boost moisture, resiliency and strength for soft, shiny, healthy-looking hair.". I didn't find much of that though - it cleaned my hair, smelled fresh but that was about it. It's an OK shampoo but it didn't rock my world and I'm not in a hurry to get the same one. Saying this, I have other TRESemmé products that I love in the styling range and I also find the Split Remedy Leave-In treatment great.

I've also tried the VO5 Hot Oil Give Me Moisture treatment since I really liked the idea of applying it to my hair and leaving it for 1 min before shampooing. Sounded easy enough and should also help strengthening the hair. It definitely made my hair soft and shiny, but unfortunately I haven't noticed any significant improvement in strength, so despite the appealing price I don't think I'll go back to this one.  

If I've started with products that underwhelmed me I'll finish strong with some staple items starting with the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. This is without a doubt the best mask for dehydrated skin I have ever used, and even if your skin isn't dehydrated, it's a nice treatment every week to maintain plumpness. It almost has a cinderella effect and you can really see the difference after just a few uses. I've used the mask after Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, and they're a great combination. I use the exfoliating cleanser a few times a week to get rid of any dry skin, but I know it's supposed to be gentle enough to use daily. It doesn't feel as abrasive as many other products, but it still does a super job with the deep cleaning.

Going back to hair products - I finished my beloved Bumble & Bumble Mending Complex. After styling, or even during the day when my hair's felt a bit dry, I've smoothed a few drops through the ends and it just make my hair feel deeply moisturised, shiny and the smell is amazing! Admittedly the bottle is only 125ml and comes at a fairly steep price - £25.50, but it does last a very long time and I will definitely be repurchasing.

Last but not least is the Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey candle, that's been scenting the bedroom for a few months. This is my favourite Jo Malone fragrance and the first one I ever got a few years ago now, and it certainly didn't disappoint as a candle. It is a luxury item, but I do plan to get another one, when my English Pear & Freesia is no more.