Pre Christmas de-stash

C: so confession… I’m a terrible beauty blogger. I have a slight obsession with using up products before I start something new (I hate wasting stuff!) which when blogging about beauty related stuff, isn’t a particularly useful habit to have! So it seemed only natural for my first post back to be talking about the products I’m trying to declutter before I get some Christmas treats and accidentally waste all my money in the sales!

So let’s start off with the no7 hot cloth cleanser. I actually really like this! It’s perfect for my sensitive skin and really helps keep my skin moisturised in these cold winter months. But I’m just a bit bored of seeing it in my bathroom/want to try the Liz Earle bad boy that’s waiting for me in my stash!

We then have benefits hoola bronzer, which is a deluxe sample size that has lasted me FOREVERRRR. (Mainly cos Ivy ran off with it one day and I found it months later hidden inside a pair of her tights. Excellent hiding place). I really like this, but once again i have lots of new bronzers awaiting me!

Also benefit I have a sample of their watts up highlighter that I got for Christmas years ago and had never opened. I didn’t think I liked cream highlighters but have started using this and I actually love it! Once it’s finished and I have decluttered my collection a little I will totally buy the full size of this! A great colour for pale skin that’s easy to blend and lasts all day.

Next up we have a battered and well used w7 in the buff palette. I have been trying to finish this up for about 2 years now… no joke! If you want a cheap neutral palette that lasts you your whole life (minor exaggeration) get this! I have removed the pans I have finished up or hated (there were two silver grey shades that had super chunky horrid glitter in) so now there’s 4 left! After my job and child using this up is probs my current life achievement.

Last but not least is this battered and bruised (also Ivy’s fault) Mac highlighter! Poor thing. It’s annoying me being all broken in my collection but I hate wasting so need to finish it up asap! Will be walking round like Edward Cullen in the sunlight for the foreseeable future in my aim to finish it!

So what do you guys reckon to my use up choices?! Reckon I can finish them by Christmas?? Hopefully these bad boys will be featured in an empties post soon!

Review: No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser

C: after a recent little trip to Boots (I still had a birthday voucher to spend!) I restocked on a few beauty essentials and realised that I had never reviewed one of my favourite cleansers for you! I always keep a tube of this beautiful cleansers from No7 in my stash for when my sensitive skin is misbehaving/feeling a little sorry for itself.

This beauty is designed to effectively remove dirt and cleanse the skin. It is a gel like consistency until you apply it to your skin where it transforms into an oil. As you add water it then turns to a milky texture that helps add moisture and not strip away your skins natural oils. It is so beautiful to use on sensitive skin and even smells amazing – which is a nice novelty when you are used to horrid or non scented hypo allergenic products!

This really does clean my skin effectively whilst calming it down. I have used it several times when I have had a little patch of eczema come up and this has got rid of it over night! It is amazing! I don’t often re-purchase things like cleansers as I am fickle and like to try new things, but this is one product that I will always re-buy and is one of the main reasons I love No7!

If you fancy giving this a go/want to see some other reviews then this is available from Boots here for £9.50 (but they often have 3 for 2 etc offers so keep an eye out for those!) #twolittleowls

Review: Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity 3 in 1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash

C: if you are a regular twolittleowls reader you will know that I am an avid fan of S&G, and in terms of their skincare range I love their Peaches and Clean Cleanser which I have previously reviewed here, and it has featured in numerous of my empties posts due to repeat repurchases. However, due to my love of the Peaches and Clean Cleanser, I had never actually tried any of the other face washes and scrubs that S&G have to offer, which when it is one of my favourite brands seemed ridiculous. Hence investing in this little beauty to try!

“Cleansing, foaming and smoothing •Gently detoxifies, polishes and purifies •Includes pigmentation-preventing antioxidants •Rejuvenates, energises and brightens •Strategically formulated for oily/combination skin”

S&G have attributed many impressive claims to this facial wash, so how did I find it? Firstly it is very pleasant to use, it has a fruity smell and you only need a tiny bit to lather up nicely on your skin for a clean, fresh feeling. It also contains little beads for exfoliating… which don’t really seem to add much in terms of exfoliation for me (and I dislike them being in products after reading London Beauty Queens post on the environmental effects of these little beasts) but all in all it is pleasant to use – the boyfriend is also happy to use this as it isn’t too girly girly.

It is however perfect for combination skin as it helps keep oil production in check without drying out the rest of my skin – formulated to do just so as this product is not a soap, but is a foaming facial wash specifically aimed at not causing the dryness associated with applying soap to your face! Since starting to use this I have noticed that my skin has remained clear and blemish free – so it has obviously carried on my Peaches & Cleans good work, and I am definitely glad I invested in this as for £8 (available here, and often on offer) it is going to last me such a long time!

Have any of you guys tried this facial wash? It certainly won’t be replacing Peaches & Clean in my heart, but it will be repurchased and used as an alternative so I don’t get bored (I am very fickle with my beauty products I am afraid!) #twolittleowls

Chloes July 2015 Empties!

C: Hello Summer! Another month, another empties post for you guys! Once again I have done quite a good job of using up my beauty stash this month – if that isn’t a reason to justify shopping then I don’t know what is! I have basically used up my horrendously huge stash now – I hadnt been shopping apart from for beauty essentials since before Christmas! So more pre-baby beauty shops are definitely in order now and the perfect way to celebrate starting my maternity leave, so keep your eyes peeled for some epic hauling!

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter – this is one of my favourite body butters, and since being pregnant I have been moisturising like cray to try and avoid the dreaded stretch marks! This is super moisturising, sinks in quickly and keeps skin moisturised all day – plus it smells amazing!

Repurchase – yes if I didn’t have several more lined up already!

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Cleanser – I wont go on about this as I reviewed it here, but this is my go to cleanser at the moment! I bloody love it!

Repurchase – I have already started my next bottle, so yes!

Anatomy Nutrients Instant Renewal Body Oil – I received this sample in a Birchbox I think, and when my skin got super dry I decided to give this a go and see if it worked better than my normal body butters. It did a good job of moisturising… I just hate the oiliness! Just not the product for me I’m afraid, I hate feeling oily and sticky but if you are a fan of body oils then I reckon you would love this!

Repurchase – Nope!

Models Own Nail Polish in Grape Juice – another product that I reviewed here, and I love it! This was one of my favourite colours in my collection but unfortunately I didn’t put the lid on properly and it spilt! I was so sad! I got a couple more uses out of it, but it is time to admit it is ready for the bin!

Repurchase – I certainly would buy this again if they still make the same shade.

Prada Infusion D’Iris Perfume – I am finally working through the samples Annie’s mum gave me just after Crimbo, as they are perfect for putting in my work bag! I wasn’t keen on this though, it apparently smells like clean linen sheets, ambience and italian voyage… bit weird. Smells like old people to me.

Repurchase – no thanks!

Jimmy Choo Perfume – I knew I liked this already as Annie has it and I steal some sometimes when I go round (soz Annie). This is a lovely floral fragrance that lasts all day. Beautiful.

Repurchase – I don’t like buying myself perfume, but it will certainly be added to the Christmas list.

So there we have it, another month of mini reviews for you all! Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you thought of them! #twolittleowls

Chloes June 2015 Empties!

C: I am writing this post in advance, as this month is super exciting as I AM FINALLY MOVING HOUSE. Now due to moving house I cannot justify packing a box of empties… and I have also been using up as many half used products as I can. So here is my early written June empties!

Cetraben Emollient Cream – an essential for any eczema sufferers! I spoke about this badboy here if you are interested in eczema skincare, but for me this is a bathroom essential! I don’t have to use it all the time now I have my eczema under control, but I use it up to four times a day when I have a flare up and its AMAZING. It literally gets rid of dry eczema in a couple of days. True love.

Repurchase? Always.

Soap & Glory Hand Food – one of my favouritest hand creams! I love the smell of this, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and it gets rid of dry skin super easily. I have recommended this to several friends who had really dry hands and they now love it too! (side note: don’t leave out in the sun – it doesn’t like it).

Repurchase? I got 3 for Christmas… but once they are used up I will indeed be repurchasing!

Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy Perfume – not keen on the name of this… or the bottle as you cant stand it up, but love the scent! I stole this from my mother, who I am sure has noticed by now but not bothered telling me to return it (her bathroom is just a free shop). The scent lasts all day and is quite sweet, which is perfect for me as I am a child and like to smell like candyfloss.

Repurchase? I never buy myself perfume… I’m not sure why. But if I did I would happily repurchase this little gem.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser – both Annie and I reviewed this here if you fancy a look, so I won’t bang on about it! But basically… love this. Great cleanser for sensitive skin.

Repurchase? Hella yeah.

Avon Super Extend Mascara – I got this free with another Avon purchase, so decided to give it a go rather than repurchase my Benefit They’re Real straight away… which I regret! Now I know this is meant to extend lashes, which it does do… but it also offers zero volume. So I just get strange spider legs lashes that I don’t enjoy. It also seems to have disappeared off my lashes by later in the afternoon, and ran out super quickly. So basically… soz Avon as usually I love you, but this mascara is not the one for me!

Repurchase? No!

So there we have another month of mostly positive empties, and another successful month of using up my stash! I haven’t been spending my pennies either, so I will basically have no stash soon! Shock Horror! Anyway… let me know if you have tried any of these products, and if you agree with my mini reviews! #twolittleowls

Review: No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser

C: I mentioned in my previous post about No7 nail polishes (which you can see here) how much I adore the brand and think they are super underrated. So after the popularity of that post, I wanted to introduce you all to another No7 product that I really and truly love – their hot cloth cleanser. Now these posts are not sponsored, I honestly recommend them and really enjoy using these products.

 

 

 This hot cloth cleanser is available from Boots for £9.95, which I think is pretty good value for money for 200ml of product when compared to some of the more expensive options out there. So what does the product aim to do? Boots says:

“Enjoy the luxury of a spa facial in your own home. The combination of this rich indulgent cleanser and the gentle exfoliating muslin cloth removes dead skin cells and daily grime whilst stimulating circulation, leaving your skin deeply clean, soft and radiant”

All you have to do to use is gently massage a pump of the beautifully thick formula into dry skin in upward circular motions. You then soak the muslin cloth (which is provided, and is very good quality) in as hotter water as you can manage (don’t be silly about it… I’m a wuss so I can’t go too hot!), wring out the cloth and place over your face to open up your pores. It feels so amazing and relaxing, particularly on a winters evening when your skin is in need of some pampering! You then lightly polish off the cleanser and splash your face with cool water to ensure the product has been properly removed and to close up your pores.

It really is a pleasure to use, and 100% gives you the at home spa experience. L even lets me use it on him sometimes because it feels so lovely! Afterwards you are left with soft skin that feels super clean and lovely. It has never irritated my sensitive skin and is really good at clearing out your pores and removing any last trace of make up!

Have any of you guys tried this hot cloth cleanser? I have tried so many and this really and truly is still my favourite! #twolittleowls

A Long Overdue Skincare and Beauty Haul

C: if you have been following our little blog for any amount of time you may have realised I have been trying to use up my immense beauty stash and have been keeping you updated with my process through monthly empties posts. This meant I haven’t actually bought new stuff properly since before Christmas (other than essential repurchases!), so I have actually started to run out of supplies… and you know what that means? Shopping. My favourite. So as I have had a week off I decided to pop into my local Boots store and pick up some essentials that I have been running out of, and here is what I purchased:

First up skincare, and therefore Soap & Glory skincare was all 3 for 2. I love S&G’s Peaches and Clean cleanser (which I have reviewed here) but hadn’t tried much else from the range as I kept just repurchasing this! So I made the most of the opportunity and got these:

Face Soap and Clarity 3in1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash – I liked the look of this as it has little exfoliating beads throughout and smells very fresh/citrus-y meaning its a product both my partner and I can use. It is also technically not a soap, which is excellent for people with super sensitive skin like mine! I can’t wait to try this out!

The Greatest Scrub of Them All – it would be silly to get a face wash and not get the exfoliator from the same brand wouldn’t it? Yes of course it would. Another product that will look nice and non-scary in the bathroom so the other half will actually use it too!

Drama Clean 5in1 Micellar Cleansing Water – I got this as I hadn’t seen it around before, and I haven’t actually seen any reviews of this so I was intrigued (if you have reviewed it post a link to your review so I can have a goosey please!). I am currently using the Garnier Micellar water which I have really enjoyed using so it will be interesting to see how this compares. Plus I am going to have a baby soon… so easy to use multi use products are going to be essential I think!

Bourjois make up was also on offer for 3 for 2 across the whole range, so it would obviously be rude of me not to buy something…

123 Perfect Colour Correcting Cream – I haven’t seen any reviews on this previously, but I was looking for a new BB or CC cream, and this was literally the only product in the store (we only have a little Boots here!) that wasn’t orange/was super pale enough for my skin. So I bought it on that reason alone… review to come I am sure!

Java Rice Loose Powder – I have however seen lots of reviews on this… and I really like the packaging so I had to have it! This apparently suits all skin tones, boosts skin radiance and sets make up! Sounds perfect to me and I can’t wait to try it out!

Rouge Edition Aqua Laque Liquid Lipstick – I have wanted one of these for AGES, and have never bought them as I really don’t need more lip products! However, technically this was free… so it still counts that I haven’t bought unnecessary items! I got this in the shade 02 Rose on the rocks, which is a beautiful neutral rose.

So there we have it, my first haul in forever/6 months which is super impressive! Have any of you guys made the most of these offers in store? If you want any reviews on any of these items in particular then let me know! #twolittleowls

Annie’s Skincare Empties

A: So I don’t want any of you to faint with shock, but I’ve got an empties post for you….! I’ve actually only posted one empties since Chloe and I have been doing this blog; I’m terrible at using products up! But after months of forcing myself to, Ive got lots of goodies to share with you – starting with skincare.

This is a mixture of cleansers, toners and moisturisers – admittedly some of them aren’t empty but that’s because I’ve used them a few times and hated them so much that I couldn’t carry on using them!

So let’s get started with Clinique.



I got this clarifying lotion and cleansing foam as part of the three step anti-blemish solutions system. I have always struggled with blemishes and breakouts, but even more so in my twenties, so I eventually gave in and invested in this system last year, fully expecting it to solve all of my problems, because of all of the amazing reviews online. But it actually did the opposite. It irritated any blemishes I had, brought out so many spots after a day of using it. I persevered for three months, as advised, but I was still struggling with my skin. The clarifying lotion is so incredibly strong that it actually makes my eyes water – which makes me wonder what on earth is in it and whether it could actually be any good for my skin. And the cleansing foam had the same effect, but not quite as extreme. The three step system in the trial size versions (which are supposed to last three months) costs £25 from Boots, so I was expecting good things – but I am fully aware that everyone’s skin is different so I’d love to know  if your experience was different! Repurchase? No way!

This Boots Simply Sensitive Eye Make Up Remover was given to me by my Mum, because she didn’t get on very well with it – so I was more than happy to give it a go to see if I had the same experience. And as you can see hardly any of it has been used, between both of us, which can only mean one thing! This was another product that made my eyes sting and water, which considering its branded as ‘sensitive, no fragrance, no colour, hypoallergenic etc’ is disappointing. I do have super sensitive skin so was very much looking forward to using this but I was massively disappointed, and after talking to my mum she had the same experience! Repurchase? Nope!

The Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion was another purchase that I made when I was feeling massively stressed about my spots and bad skin, but to be totally honest with you; I’ve hardly used it. The texture is okay, and the scent too – not too strong and quite calming. But it just sits on top of my skin and doesn’t sink in at all? It’s actually like applying a peel off face mask because you can actually peel it off once it’s dry. Another product that’s promoted as a skin saviour but doesn’t live up to the hype (I promise the rest of the empties are going to get better!). Repurchase? No.

The Natio Rosewater and Chamomile Toner is something I bought from Feel Unique to bump up my shopping cart total so I got free delivery. I love rosewater so I guessed I’d like using this. And I was so right. This has got to be one of my favourite ever products, and it doesn’t exactly what it says on the packaging; it’s calming and soothing and leaves my skin feeling so lovely and soft and super refreshed. It was £6.50, which is a good price because it’s a fairly large bottle (250ml). Repurchase? As soon as I place another order with Feel Unique yes! I seem to have a terrible habit of falling in love with products which are only available online!

The Lacura Aqua Complete Serum is one of my favourite ever products and I’ve gone on about it far too much on the blog already. Just know that I love it and it costs £3.50 from Aldi. Repurchase? Already have! (If you actually want to read more about this, just click here).

Lastly, the Ultrabland cleanser from Lush. My hg skincare product. This really does work wonders, and I buy it in bulk whenever I’m near a Lush shop. You can see my full review here! Repurchase? Already have.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think to them? #twolittleowls

A Christmas Voucher Haul

C: I have been so busy since Christmas (read: found out pregnant, spent all time at work or asleep) that I hadn’t even spent my Boots Christmas vouchers! This is pretty much unheard of for me, normally I would have spent them on Boxing Day! So whilst in town the other day I needed to pick up some essentials, so thought I would have a little nosey round Boots. Now my local store isn’t very large so there isn’t a lot of choice, but I still managed to find plenty of things to spend my £20 voucher on.

First up, skincare was 3 for 2 and I chose these badboys to make the most of the offer:

1. Nivea In Shower Moisturiser –  I have seen these around for a while now and they have always intrigued me, but never enough to spend £5 on something that is potentially pointless. Now as this was technically free, it was the perfect time to try it! Plus since being preggo my skin has been super duper dry, so anything that may assist with that is worth a try in my book.

2. S&G Peaches and Clean Cleanser – I have reviewed this previously here, if you want a goosey. This is now the third bottle of this stuff that I have bought which is a long term relationship for me and a face wash! I love it even more than I used too, its perfect for keeping spots and blemishes at bay.

3. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water – another product that I have heard a lot about, and know that Annie loves. I normally use a cleansing oil/balm to remove my make up, but I have been so tired recently that I decided to get some of this for those evenings that I finish work late and just can’t be bothered!

Next up, Rimmel is currently 2 for £10! Meaning a huge £5 saving on these:

1. Rimmel Provocalips in 110 Dare to Pink – another product I have had my eye on for a while now. I love Rimmel lipsticks, and these are meant to be super long lasting so I can’t wait to try them out! I decided to go for a pink colour because I am super excited for spring! Let me know if you want a review of this!

2. Rimmel BB Cream in Light – I had the Matte version of this, and due to my currently dry skin and having used it all up I decided to try the normal version. The formula is a lot thicker for this product, so I am not sure if they have actually changed the formula? Anyone know?

So there is what I have been buying recently! I am going shopping with Annie again today, so I shall hopefully have another haul for you guys going up soon! Any of you guys tried these products? #twolittleowls

Review: FAB First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

C: now, as I have sensitive skin I don’t often mix up my skincare routine as I’m too scared of a break out/reaction to any new products. However, I saw this brand mentioned on Essie Buttons blog, and obvs trusted her recommendation/googled it and had a read about the company. FAB are a company  that specifically designs their skincare around sensitive skin/problems such as eczema, aging and acne – which sounds absolutely perfect for me! As a bonus their packaging is lovely, and makes you feel like although you have sensitive skin/eczema you are still allowed to use luxurious, lovely products (a nice change from the chemical looking tubs most eczema skincare comes in!). So obviously I was sold and needed to try it, and Annie also wanted to so I got us both a sample (Annie got hers in the little beauty box I made up for her for Christmas, me being such a good friend and all).

C: First impressions (after the packaging which I have already raved/moaned about lots) is that as a cream cleanser it is lovely and thick/nourishing to use, and the formula is slightly glittery?! I don’t know why that makes a difference, but I enjoy washing my face in glitter (its more of a shimmer and doesn’t make your face all shimmery, don’t panic). I used this with my Magnitone Lucid to really give my skin a deep cleanse and blimey. I loved it. No allergic reaction just soft, clear skin. I now use this twice a day, and it is not too much for my skin (it might be too much in Summer, but then I can just use it in the evening!). This is now my go to cleanser, and I will be repurchasing ASAP!

A: now as far as cleansers go, I was 100% sold on my hg from Lush; Ultrabland (check out my skincare routine including Ultrabland here). But I was really excited to get this as part of my Christmas present from Chloe because of its reviews on the blogosphere; and I wasn’t disappointed when I came to use it. It’s a lovely texture, creamy and rich without being too heavy. It dissolves my make up easily – even my mascara which is amazing cause I wear crazy amounts on account of my super ginger/pale lashes. Like Chloe, it leaves my skin feeling super soft and luxurious with very little residue – which Ultrabland doesn’t. I’m still waiting to see how it affects my spot prone skin – I haven’t been using it long enough to get a real reaction, but I will be keeping you all updated in our soon-to-come Magnitone Lucid Review.

If you guys fancy trying this batboy the FAB website is here and the Face Cleanser costs £14. However, if like me you have super sensitive skin and would like to try it out before you commit yourself to £14 then you can add a sample from Amazon (click here) for £3 if you are spending over £10! Bargain! Let us know what you think #twolittleowlsblog