Rituals

Empties

Summer Empties 2014 – Body

October 15, 2014

Since I’ve been away from blogging for what seems like almost all of Summer, I’ve had a whole host of empties collecting dust in my craft room waiting to be photographed and reviewed, so instead of your typical May, June, July empty post, I’ll be posting the products I’ve used up over this summer over the next few weeks as we move into those horrible dark evenings and frosty mornings.

Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Shower Gel & Body Lotion Impressions: I picked these up in one of my earlier Birchbox’s, I was pretty excited to discover that a few month’s after receiving the Shower Gel and I also had the matching Body Lotion. I’ve only recently used these in a bid to try and use up some of my vast and frankly quite worrying collection. My overall impression was that the smell was absolutely gorgeous, although I seemed to need a lot of the Shower Gel to feel clean, even though I was using my trusty shower puff. The lotion went on better but was a little thin and “drippy”, meaning I ended up dropping some on the carpet instead of on my body. Despite that my body was left with a beautiful light fragrance all day which I was pretty happy about
Cost: £18 for 300ml of the Body Wash £25 for 300ml of the Body Lotion £42 for 300ml of both the Body Wash & Body Lotion
Where can I buy this: Molton Brown Website
Repurchase: Probably not – I mean it smelt nice – but so does almost everything at The Body Shop. For such an expensive brand I wasn’t -that- blown away. I think this is more a of a status buy – you know – something you have on display in your bathroom to make you look more upperclass.

Avon Planet Spa Fantastically Firming Body Polisher Impressions: I wasn’t expecting much as I’ve never been a massive fan of Avon’s shower range, but I was pretty blown away by this. It smelt gorgeous and was really exfoliating, unlike some of their products I’ve tried before which hasn’t really had that “sand paper” effect I so desire. The fragrance didn’t really last as I always use body wash after exfoliating anyway, but I felt lovely and clean!
Cost: I picked this up at a discounted rate in my demo book, but it was available for less than £3
Where can I buy this: Unfortunately it’s no longer on sale for the next few campagins, but keep checking the the Avon online shop or your local representitive for details of it’s return.
Repurchase: Maybe – there are other exfoliating scrubs I have on my “to try” and “rebuy” lists before this one, but if I see it around at a fair price again I’ll definitely be picking some more up.

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish Impressions: This is still from my Christmas stash (which is still going may I add) and I have used this before. It’s full of seeds and grains which is a nice touch but it’s not rough enough for me. Alas it smells nice, especially when layered with the other products in the range and it didn’t leave me skin too dry which it has done previously.
Cost: £5.00
Where can I buy this: The Body Shop UK
Repurchase: Probably not, unless I receive this for Christmas (which I won’t complain about) I’m probably not going to be buying it myself.

Rituals Zensation Organic Rice Millk & Cherry Blosson Foaming Shower Gel Impressions: This has been absolutely amazing! It’s kind of like a shaving foam so this little can went a very long way. The great thing about it dispensing this way is you can control how much product you want, it’s really foamy and doesn’t drip everywhere and is small enough to just leave in your hand bag. (Great if you are having a few unexpected nights away and needs to freshen up in an unfamilar shower!) I actually took this away with me to Scotland and ended up using it as a hand wash as well as shower gel. The scent is also gorgeous and stuck with me throughout most of the day.
Cost: £8.50
Where can I buy this: Rituals UK Website
Repurchase: I’ll definitely be looking out for this come Summer time next year and stocking up.

The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel Impressions: As with the body polish, I’ve used this before. It’s pretty pleasant to use and similar to their the rest of their Body Wash range. The scent is a light but not overly chemically or synthetic Strawberry which makes layering these products very nice indeed.These big bottles seem to last me a fair while too, especially if I’m using a “shower-puff”.
Cost: £2
Where to buy: The Body Shop UK
Repurchase: As with the body polish, probably not but I wont be disapointed if it turns up under my tree this year.

The Body Shop Olive Oil Shower Gel Impressions: This was actually my second bottle of this. I’d bought it to try as my skin is quite sensitive and can become very dry and Olive based products is supposed to help. Having said that I didn’t notice much different, although it didn’t dry my skin out. I wasn’t too keen on the scent though.
Cost: From £2
Where to buy: Currently unavailable via the website, but check out the rest of the Olive range at The Body Shop UK
Repurchase: Probably not. I tried it, it was Okay but not that great so not something I’ll be buying again.

Gilchrist & Soames Shower Gel Impressions: I actually reviewed this not so long ago and was incredibly disappointed with it. Hotel tat comes to mind – you know the stuff you are left you find in your room when you go to a cheap European hotel? You can read my full review here.
Cost: From £11 (How do people spend this much money on this?)
Where can I buy this: The Gilchrist & Soames UK site
Repurchase: Definitely not. I’ll wait until the next time I end up in a3 star hotel in Holland to get my fill of cheap “hand wash” shower gel thankyou very much.

Noble Isle Bath & Body Wash Impressions: Hmm again, this struck me as the sort of thing you’d find in a hotel room but it was at least much nicer than Gilchrist & Soames. I managed to get a few washes out of it, it lathered well and it smelt quite nice. I can’t really say any more on it so it couldn’t have had the “wow” factor.
Cost: £20
Where can I buy this: Noble Isle website
Repurchase: No. Although after taking a nosy at their website, I am very much in love with some of their packaging for Christmas Gifts.

Thus concludes my first ever empties post! Finally! Keep your eyes peeled for my next installments of Summer empties. Have you tried any of the products above? If so I’d love to know your thoughts below.

Totally hellbent for remembering the glory of summer by reviewing all of the empties

– Pants

Beauty Boxes, Make-up, Nails, Skincare, Travel

Glossybox June 2014 Review

June 16, 2014

This is the last of my beauty boxes to arrive this month, and Gem and I have been waiting on tenterhooks after a few spoilers were going around, but now the wait is over and I can finally see what is in my Glossybox!

The first thing I noticed, is that mine was prepared a little more shoddily than the usually impeccable presentation. My Glossybox (GB) sticker looked as though it had already been peeled off, and everything was just kind of “thrown in”. I know this has absolutely nothing to do with the contents, but one of the reasons I love GB so much, is down to the presentation and packaging.

That aside, let’s move onto the contents:

nailgirls – 3in1 base/topcoat & nail strengthener | Full Size Product | £13.50

I received a nailgirls in one of my boxes last month, unfortunately it was the most disgusting barbie pink that I am likely never to wear. The formula was amazing though which was a shame, so I’m pretty glad I’ve received another, this time more multi-functional product from them. I am running out of base coat (and at the rate I paint my nails it’s no wonder), so I was gearing up to look around and buy a new one. No need now though. Having base and top coat in one is going to be especially great for when I go away, knowing that I don’t have to fill my bag with lots of varnish. Because when you are on a 6 hour boat ride to a festival, you need to occupy yourself!

Teeez Trend Cosmetics – Beautiful Flat Stiff Brush | One Size | €19

This brush looked absolutely amazing, but from the moment I tipped the tip out of the box, my heart sank. There it was, the distinct sand coloured bristle that generally means some form of animal hair. I therefore narrowed my eyes and replaced this brush back into it’s box never to be used on my skin. Although my first impressions of the brush were that it looked fab, on closer inspection it is a mere spec on the horizon compared to it’s cruelty free counter parts and the bristles were quite stiff and and rough. I know it’s always difficult to know for sure if a brand is cruelty free, but for a company that thinks it’s Okay to use animal in their brushes, I don’t hold out any hope for the rest of their products. Glossybox take note.

Rituals … – QI Gong anti-perspirant spray | 50ml | £3.50 for 50ml

Moving onto a product that I am happy to use, Rituals QI Gong antiperspirant spray. A company who appear to be fairly transparent about their cruelty free products and state categorically that they do not test on animals, nor do they allow third parties to. Although they admit to using beeswax and lanolin (wool fat) I can live with these, although I know there a lot of Vegan’s out there who would disagree. Ever since I procured one a Rituals body wash, I’ve relished the chance to try more of their products. This is a perfect size for taking to festivals (of which my first is going to be a week on Thursday!!), it smells absolutely gorgeous – infused with “white lotus and Yi Yi Ren” it’s a light and subtle summery scent, with a slight musky undertone to it. This is definitely going to be packed and I can’t wait to use it.

QV Skincare – QV Skin Lotion | 15ml | £6.06 for 250ml

Really? Really Glossybox? Really? For anyone that is unfamiliar with QV as a brand, they are heavily regarded as one of the cheaper go to companies for Doctors when writing prescriptions for Eczema and dry skin conditions. It’s issued by a pharmaceutical company named “Ego Pharmaceuticals” so sticking with what seems to be today’s theme of cruelty free, the chances of this being animal friendly are probably very slim (thanks to my nursing knowledge of pharmaceutical companies *boo hiss*), I note that they seemingly appear to avoid any questions asked about whether the product is Vegan or Vegetarian through skipping through their website earlier. I have in fact tried QV Lotion before, due to my very dry and sensitive skin and it really didn’t help at all not to mention my sheer reluctance to use a lot of products issues by my Doctor. Anyway, as much as my skin is a pain in the backside at times I definitely prefer organic, natural products. I suppose it’s the thought that counts GB, and I should really presume that you were sending my this because you actually took note of my beauty profile. Although next time I want to test out pharmaceutical lotions and potions, I’ll stop by the Docs.

So Susan Cosmetics – Universal Blush | Full Size Z £18

And a nice end to half and half box. A lovely “cruelty free” (alleged) blush. I do love my blush – not quite as much as Gem, but this is a welcome product to my collection. The colour is a gorgeous shimmery pink/peach and the pigment is perfect. A quick swatch and I’m very pleased and excited to test this out. The packaging is adorable and if that wasn’t enough, this blush supposedly reduces redness and offers UV protection – you know how much we thrive off UV protection here at “Gem and Pants land of pale”. I’ll definitely be looking out for more products from So Susan Cosmetics, given this one is such a hit. My one criticism is the lack of shade/name, but I can live with it.

Overall, 3 out of 5 isn’t bad. That’s over half of the products that I’ve enjoyed right? If I’m going to be honest, this month’s box has put me in a bit of grump. Although there are three fantastic products that I’m really pleased with, the QV lotion and brush have really irritated me. I am definitely siding with Birchbox at the moment who are offering a lot more high end brands and more for your money rather than Glossybox who seem to be offering me products I can either pick up from Superdrug or from the local Doctor. I am really torn as to whether I want to keep my subscription at the moment but perhaps it’s time too move on to better and more animal friendly pastures?

Have you had this month’s Glossybox? What were your thoughts?

If you are wanting to try Glossybox out, you can do so for £10 a month + £3.25 p&p here.

Totally hellbent for not smothering my face in goat hair

-Pants

Beauty Boxes

Latest In Beauty – Glamour Beauty Edit 3 – 2014

March 4, 2014

I tried so hard to resist this box, I really did, but last week I caved and I am SO glad I did!

Welcome to the third Glamour Beauty Edit box by Latest in Beauty! I missed out of the first, but absolutely loved the second (reviewed here!) so really my resistance was futile.

The box contains seven products worth £45 which is a little less bang for your buck than the previous boxes, but certainly nothing to turn your nose up at!

Invisibobble

Initially I was very sceptical about these hair ties – I mean they look like those 90’s extendible keyring things – and was convinced they would get tangled in my hair but of course I was absolutely wrong! They held my long thick hair up in a pony with only one twist and slid out without any tangles whatsoever leaving absolutely no marks on my hair at all.

I think this will be an absolute godsend on tour when I have to straighten my hair in the morning and hope it will last throughout the day, usually I end up with a mark where my bobble has held my hair back whilst we are in transit and setting up, but with the Invisibobble I wont expect even the slightest kink!

Bonus marks for the colour!

Full size (box of three)

€4.95 from invisibobble.com

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

I’m a big lip balm fan as I, like most people, suffer with unbearable dry lips in the colder months. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while but never got round to trying it! Made from 100% natural ingredients with a lovely tingly peppermint scent, I can see why there is so much hype about this product! It was instantly soothing on my chapped lips and has lasted out a good few hours so far. I also like how it adds moisture without feeling greasy, in fact the info card suggests using it for lipstick preparation!

Full Size

£3.69 from Burtsbees.co.uk

Cheeky Chat Me Up Nail Paint in Tongue ‘n’ Cheek

Well! I have to say this could be a contender for my new favourite nail polish brand! The pics above make it look a lot more red than it is, but in natural light it’s a very red-hued pink that is very glossy! It applied so smoothly (like I genuinely can’t express how easily this applies!), dried quickly and was completely opaque in one coat. This is a winning dream formula and frankly I can’t wait to try out some more polishes from Cheeky!

Full size

£7 from Urcheeky.com

Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Aqua Velvet

Well, this is certainly in my colour! I can’t say I’ve ever worn this shade as an eyeliner since having turquoise hair, but I will be giving it a try now! This is a bespoke shade created exclusively for the Glamour Beauty Edit, and it is BRIGHT! As you can see in the swatch it was a little uneven in application, so might take more than one sweep to get a solid line, however once it’s in place it’s really not going anywhere! It took a decent amount of micellar water to shift this off the back of my hand, so I expect it to last a damn long time on the lids!

Full Size

£9.25 from Danielsandler.com

Percy & Reed Abundantly Bouncy Volumising Mousse

I’m not really a mousse person, I find it makes my naturally greasy hair slick up (yuk!) and never seems to be strong enough to hold it up. This is probably the only product in the box I wont get much use from. I gave it the benefit of the doubt and tried it out, but really I couldn’t see that it did anything to volumise my locks even when following exact instructions. I think my hair is just too thick and long and heavy, or maybe I’ve just never really gotten the hang of using mousse? Either way it’s not for me and will be finding a loving home with my mum (who absolutely swears by the stuff!)

50ml Sample

200ml for £12 from Percyandreed.com

Rituals Zensation Organic Rice Milk and Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Gel Sensation

Product names are definitely getting longer, but I digress, this is the surprise hit of the box for me! I wasn’t expecting to be excited about a shower gel but I can tell already this will be absolutely amazing! It smells divine and the texture is so light and foamy! I love that it’s so compact, so will probably throw this in my gym bag rather than lug around a bigger bottle that could spill!

Full size

£4 from uk.rituals.com

L’Oreal Paris Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara

I struggle to get hyped about mascara but I’ll admit I was curious about this one, in fact it was probably the deciding factor that pushed me over the edge into buying this box! I’m glad to say Miss Manga is an amazing mascara that gives longer thicker lashes and a hell of a curl! I think it’s down to the wand which is tapered at the tip making it perfect for lower lashes as well as upper! Miss Manga has won my heart and will be going straight into my everyday make-up bag!

Full Size

£8.99 from Superdrug.com

I also received a free Dermalogica Starter Kit, but as this offer has ended I’ll be reviewing that separately!

Overall I’m really glad I decided to buy this box as it has some great products at a massive saving and I’ve discovered some absolute treasures!

These boxes are limited edition and have been available for a while so if you do fancy one I’d suggest heading over to Latestinbeauty.com to pick on up sharpish for a bargain price of £14.95 (+3.95 p&p).

Totally hellbent for should I? shouldn’t I? OF COURSE I SHOULD!

– Gem

Skincare

Free Rituals body scrub with Marie Claire

November 18, 2013

Despite our recent falling out with some of Marie Claires ideals (which you can read about in Amie’s amazing post here) I couldn’t resist picking up this month’s offerings as you get a full sized Rituals body scrub worth £10!

The Rituals Fortune Scrub freebie only comes in one scent – sweet orange and cedar – and it is delicious! A perfect early morning scrub that left my skin feeling amazingly smooth, well worth giving a try!

Marie Claire is £3.90 and available at most newsagents.

Totally hellbent for an amazing freebie!

– Gem