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...