Saturday 15 February 2014

February empties

February empties! I always do these posts with a feeling of accomplishment - I actually use up stuff!, not at the same pace that I buy new things, but that's a minor detail right? This month I'm surprised that there are no hair products, since I've used so many of them as part of Operation Rapunzel, and I'm equally surprised that for the second month in a row, I've finished a perfume! Last year I discovered Alien Aqua Chic EdT by Thierry Mugler (£36), which was the latest limited edition of Alien at the time and I fell head over heals in love with it. It's a gorgeous blend of light, crisp notes of orange, warm amber and musk and it's so sparkling and energizing. I've absolutely loved wearing it, and although I still have the original Alien, and another Summer edition is being released very soon I think I might just need to get another one anyway. It's simply that stunning and even though I definitely have other scents in my collection to wear - I already miss it!
If you've read my posts previously you'll know that I am somewhat partial to facial sprays. It's a quick and easy way to add some extra moisture and radiance either as part of your daily skin care routine, or as a boost during the day. Unlike a lot of facial sprays Clinique's Moisture Surge Face Spray (£20) is completely without any scent whatsoever, so if you're sensitive to aromatic or herbal fragrances this might be the one for you. It comes with a pump spray function and for best results the trick is to hold it at quite a distance, spray it and lean into it, rather than applying it straight onto your face. While it feels refreshing on the skin, I don't think it adds any radiance really, and unfortunately it also makes my skin shiny if I've used it a few times during the day. So when it comes to facial sprays this won't be on my list of things to buy, I'll either splurge on my beloved Caudalie Beauty Elixir or if I'm feeling budget conscious Avene's Eau Thermal Water Spray is another excellent option.

Is there anything worse than when a product that you just can't be without runs out? Every time I suspect that one of my most loved beauty items is nearing that horrible moment, I make sure that I have a replacement, which is why I didn't have a hissy fit when the incredible Origins Drink Up Intensive (£22) Overnight Mask didn't have more in it. If I was only allowed to have one single beauty product it would be this one - it makes your skin look so plump, smooth and hydrated. I use it at least 3-4 times a week overnight, I may even use it as a cinderella cream to add some extra suppleness and glow before I go out for an evening event, and yes I am one of those weird people who slap it onto my skin over and over again every time I'm on a longer flight - so sue me... at least I land with a hydrated glowing complexion. I don't think you need to ask if I would repurchase this tub of amazingness - but just to be clear, the answer is yes yes YES!!!

Next is a makeup product, and I guess I should really mark this day since it it only happens once in a blue moon that I actually finish up makeup, with the exception of mascaras of course. The Rimmel Scandaleyes Thick & Thin Liner (£5.49) is a felt tip liner to line your eyes, creating either a barely visible thin line or a more dramatic, thicker lined effect. If like me you can't claim to be an expert at applying eyeliner, but still lust after a feline flick - the felt tip format is brilliant since it gives you much better control of the application than e.g. liquid or gel liners offer. This is a great budget friendly eyeliner option and it's also waterproof and long lasting. The only thing I wasn't happy with is that it dries out fairly quickly, but if you use this type of liner every day, that won't really be an issue for you.

To finish off I have two Lily-Flame candles. As you know I love this brand and have tried so many of their candles by now from their fab range of affordable scents that offers something for everyone. These tinned candles  burn for at least 35 hrs and most of them burn really well, which is an important quality for me when it comes to candles, but as you'll see here - it's not always the case. The first candle that I've used up is the yummy, delicious Crushed Almonds (£8.50) that is a sweet and fresh, but homely scent that reminds me of marzipan - it's incredible. As you can see in the photo below almost every smidgen of wax is gone and the candle has burned very evenly from side to side in the tin. This is just what I want from a candle and I have already placed another order for it.
From left to right:
Crushed Almonds
Jack Frost

The second candle, Jack Frost (£8.50) is a beautiful zesty sweet citrus scent mixing lemon grass and musk and it's so invigorating and crisp. I love the scent, however this is an example of what a candle shouldn't do; it's only burned in the middle creating a big crater with lots of wax left all the way up on the sides of the tin - not good. As lovely as the scent is I won't repurchase it since I think it's a waste when half the candle is left intact.

That's it for this month, well I didn't manage to beat my own personal best from January when I miraculously managed to finish nine different products - but I'm focused and committed to this tough task and I prefer to look at this as a gentle warm up for the big bang in March...

69 comments:

  1. I want to try Lily Flame candles so much. I've had my eye on Blush for the longest time. They're just so pretty! If you have a Yankee tart burner, you can always scrape out the wax and pop it in there then light the candle underneath. It's what I do with my candles that tunnel like that. That way, nothing is wasted :)

    Kerry x
    dulltoglam.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. That's a very good idea - thanks for that :o) Xx

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  2. You manage to use up so much, I'm really impressed! Boo to the end of the Origins mask, but great that you're going to repurchase. I love Origins! I really wasn't impressed by the Rimmel liner, I swear it dried up in a week. x

    Claire | AgentSmyth

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    1. I can believe it - it seemed to go awfully fast :o). Xx

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  3. Wow you used a lot up already haha :) love the sound of the jack frost candle :)
    Melissa x theinkedblonde

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  4. I'm completely with you on the accomplishment on finishing products, it kinda justifies buying new things because you can see just look at my empties posts I do use this stuff!

    Victoria
    FlorenceandMary.com

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    1. Absolutely - as if we needed encouragement ;o). Xx

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  5. I recently finished tge origins drink up face mask too, the fragrance is so lovely i can hardly sleep without it now!

    Josie xoxo Fashion Mumblr

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    1. I know exactly what you mean - it's just fantastic :o). Xx

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  6. Those candles seem like they smell really good!

    http://initialed.blogspot.com

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    1. They're really lovely, another super Lily Flame candle is my old favorite Fairy Dust, it's just fab :o). Xx

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  7. Ooh Clinique Moisturising Surge Spray I use the cream every night haven't thought of using the spray will have to try. X

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    1. I love facial sprays, it's such a fresh way to boost moisture levels :o). Xx

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  8. Okay I really need to to try the Origins Drink up mask. Everyone is crazy about it. :) Next time I'm abroad then. :)

    Blu Button Box

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    1. Oh yes, you should treat yourself and I don't think you'll be disappointed :o). Xx

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  9. Would love to try the Clinique spray and the Origins mask!
    http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. The mask is a must have for me - once you've tried it, you never go back :o). Xx

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  10. Jack Frost..that is a lovely name for a candle!..
    ..and loving Alien..if you recall..one of you initial posts ..you wrote about TM's Alien..that made me buy it...love it!!!
    xoxo

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    1. Oh yes - I'm so glad you bought it and that you love it - that's made me so happy !!! :o) Xx

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  11. I need the Drink Up mask! I've been meaning to pick it up for ages, this cold weather is not good for my skin.

    Amelia Rose | Beauty Blogger

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    1. It's been brilliant throughout the winter so it's a fantastic investment :o). Xx

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  12. Such a shame about the Jack Frost candle, I wonder why it burnt that way! x

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    1. Lily Flame were nice enough to send me a lovely tweet to say they would investigate it, which is great because it's really not at all what their candles usually do :o). Xx

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  13. I think I need to try this Origins Overnight Mask. Sounds amazing!!

    Rachael x
    All The Little Things x | Rachael McClenaghan

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    1. And then I'm almost certain that you'll be another fan of :o). Xx

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  14. Pity about the candles, not really worth it if you don't get your money's worth. Love the sound of the overnight Mask, will be looking into purchasing that!
    www.naomitalksbeauty.com

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    1. Ah yes, it's an excellent product, definitely worth the hype :o). Xx

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  15. My god I bet that almonds candles smelled amazing, I am obsessed with marzipan scents I'll have to pick it up. I could really use the drink up intensive mask at the moment my skin has been so dry, thanks for sharing Charlotte x

    EmmiHearts

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    1. It's delicious - good enough to eat :o). Xx

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  16. I hate when candles burn like that! It seems like such a waste... Great post Charlotte :)
    lipstickandlightening.blogspot.ie

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    1. Thank you very much - hope you're having a great weekend :O). Xx

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  17. Great post, and blog! Now following :) Love candles but hate then they are done like that - yankees are sometimes the same- got a new diptyque one yday - amazing!

    Hope you have a lovely weekend and can't wait to see more!

    Florals & Corals

    Lucy xxx

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    1. Hiya Lucy, thank you so much for visiting and following :o). I've never tried a Diptyque candle, so some serious candle envy now. Hope to see you back here again soon :o). Xx

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  18. Love those candles - the Almond one sounds amazing! :)
    theemeralddove21.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. It smells like a lovely nutty piece of chocolate with marzipan - yum! :o). Xx

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    1. They're a great brand, one of my favorites :o). Xx

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  20. woah u managed to empty great stuff!
    You have such a beautiful blog here and I appreciate the effort you put into your posts. I surely will be coming regularly from now on. Keep such wonderful posts coming. xx
    Also I have an International Giveaway going on my blog where you could win accessories worth $25. It would be great if you could lend your support and enter it :)

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    1. Hi Lisha - that's such a lovely comment, thank you very much, I really appreciate that :o). Xx

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  21. Sometimes candles burn badly (like your one which burned a hole down the middle) when you don't let them burn long enough the first time you light them. I hate when that happens.

    Great post!

    xo Glazed Over

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  22. i was just going to say the same as Glazed over. Candles tend to follow the burn path so let the first time you light it burn till it creates a full even melt pool then next time it should do the same. I love candles but use wax melts more and as i make them myself i have a never ending supply :)

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  23. really want to try the crushed almond candle!

    from helen at thelovecatsinc.com

    ps. there's a £150 high-end skincare giveaway on my blog, if you fancy entering! click here.

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    1. It smells absolutely delicious - thank you for the heads up Helen, I'll definitely have a look at that :o). Xx

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  24. The candles look so cute and I have heard so many good things about them! I may have to get some! Have you entered my giveaway yet? There is only 5 days left :) Would be great if you could enter :) http://theperksofmeg.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/giveaway-thank-you-for-100-followers.html x

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    1. Thank you so much Megan and congratulations on the 100 followers :o). Xx

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  25. finishing up a perfume is a huge accomplishment! I am going to finish one in february but it's one I use as a room spray so it's totally cheating, still working on a 50 mL and I think I'm nearing the halfway mark. I own way way too much perfume but that doesn't ever seem to stop me from picking up more!

    writingwhimsy.com

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    1. I'm the same and need and want are two different things :o). Xx

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  26. Wow, you sure have used the perfume for a long time to finish it completely. Great post!

    http://www.evithefashionista.blogspot.ca/

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  27. Ooh, so many nice empties! I need to try that Origins mask :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  28. I really need to try some products from Origins, they seem so great ! xx

    Enora from http://remainreverie.blogspot.fr/

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    1. It's a lovely brand and so many of the products smell amazing :o). Xx

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  29. Ooo the overnight Drink Up mask is an absolute saviour for my skin too. I wish I'd have known about it on my travels to Australia as the flight took every single bit of moisture out of my poor skin. Forgot all about the Lily Flame candles, I had an orange mango scented one years ago and loved it. I think John Lewis have started selling them too, as I love to have a sniff before I buy.
    Laura x | Life and Lipstick

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    1. You're right, they have a limited range and I love going in for a cheaky little sniff :o). Xx

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  30. I love Lily Flames! They are terribly hit and miss when it comes to tunnelling though! x

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    1. They are pretty and so far I've only been unlucky with two or three of them :o). Xx

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  31. I wish all these products were available in my country :(

    Relationships.College.Love

    New post on blog: Valentine's Day OOTD Look 3

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    1. I wish all brands were available in all countries :o), I always lust after what we don't have in the UK :o). Xx

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  32. I've wanted to try those candles for ages, I think I might have to! :)
    If you don't let your candle burn to the edge of the tub/jar it will 'tunnel' down through the middle of the wax like yours has done here. I'm not sure if this the solution for your candle but try not to blow it out before it burns right to the edge :) Hope it works for you :)
    Belle et Beaut | Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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  33. I love those candles i have one myself and im forever lighting it!
    Would you like to follow for a follow? just let me know on my blog:)

    heleenakk.blogspot.co.uk

    xx

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    1. Lily Flames Candles are wonderful and they have so many lovely scents to try, I would suggest starting with Fairy Dust :o) - follow you now! Xx

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  35. Don't you feel so accomplished using up a perfume? I know I do! The candles sound really nice! xoxo Lauren
    http://www.willsingformakeup.com/

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