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Autumn 2024 Empties

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Welcome to the autumn 2024 edition of the beauty and skin-care products that I have used up over the autumn of 2024. I wanted to showcase the products that I have used so that I can remember which ones that I would purchase again and recommend. I was able to use up many products over the autumn, so keep reading below to see what I thought of the products.

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Bath and Body Works body shimmr mist in 'crisp orchard leaves': I love the brand and some of the scents produced, and this autumn scent left a shimmery shine to my skin when applied. The scent is fruity and reminds me of fresh apples, and I loved it. Would I buy it again? Yes, I love the brand.

Kiehl's skin-strengthening super serum: This serum promises to help aging skin and boost texture and radiance. Would I buy it again? This was only a sample, so I did not see any results, so I wouldn't.

Aussie protection serum: This hair serum promises to protect hair when using a straightener or curling iron. Would I buy it again? No, the product was too oily and made my hair fall flat and look greasy.

Bath and Body Works hand soap in 'Pink Peach Blossom': I love gthe brand, and this hand soap was foaming and smelled like fresh peaches. Would I buy it again? Yes, peaches is one of my favourite scents.

H2K Harrogate body lotion: This body lotion contains vitamin E and can be used on the body or hands for moisture. Would I buy it again? No, the lotion felt a little too thick and did not absorb.

The White Company moisturizing lotion for hand and body: This hand and body lotion has a pleasant grown-up and relaxing scent. Would I buy it again? I have a lot of hand and body lotion, but I would consider to buy this.

Fab First Aid Beauty hydration lotion for dry skin, suitable for sensitive skin: This lotion is easy on the skin and hydreates dry skin and can be used on hands, face, or anywhere else on the body. Would I buy it again? I would consider to buy the product again.

Jane Iredale in 'forever pink' lipstick: This lipstick matches skin colour with the lipstick and makes it appear natural. Would I buy it again? Yes, I did buy a full size.

Sisley anti-age: This serum promises to reduce wrinkles and add moisture to skin. Would I buy it again? I would consider to buy this product again as it absorbs into skin.

Baby Lips balm: I bought this ultra-hydrating lip balm in a pink colour, and this product really hydratd my lips and made them feel ultra-soft, and it also addd a pink tint to my lips. Would I buy it again? Yes, but I would choose a different shade. The product made my lips soft.

Pumpkin Purifying 24k Mask by Tool Cool For School: This facial mask is in a gold colour and promises to hydrate skin. Would I buy it again? No, the product does not work at all. It is a novelty item with gold peel. It had no benfit.

Ctaphil oily skin cleanser: I used this skin and makeup cleanser on my skin, and it promises to be good for skin that is oily. I don't suffer from oily skin. Would I buy it again? The cleanser did not really effectively cleanse my face nor the make-up, so I would not purchase it. Perhaps someone who has oily skin would benefit more from this.

Nail colour in mint green: I received this mint green nail polish. Would I buy it again? No, the product was a waste of money because the nail colour did not dry.

Beauty Made Easy Vegan lip balm: This lip balm is a vegan product and promises to make lips soft. Would I buy it again? No, I didn't see anything special about this product in the results.

Bath and Body Works hand soap in 'Sparkling Watermelon' I love the brand, and this watermelon-scented hand soap smelled lik fresh watermelon. Would I buy it again? Yes.

Clinique mascara: This little travel size bottle of mascara is from the Clinique brand. Would I buy it again? No, I think there are better mascara products.

Liplicious lip gloss in vanilla cupcake: This sticky lip gloss has a scent of vanilla cake. Would I buy it again? The product is too sticky and takes moisture off my lips, so I would not buy it.

Victoria's Secret lip gloss in watermelon: This is a watermelon-scented and high gloss lip product. Would I buy it again? The product is too sticky and takes moisture off my lips, so I would not buy it.

Cowshed moisturising hand cream: This hand cream is absorbed into the skin and does not feel too heavy. Would I buy it again? I would consider to buy this product again.

DKNY perfume 'Be Delicious': This apple-scented perfume is playful and comes in an apple-shaped bottle, and it smells like a Red Delicious apple Would I buy it again? Yes, I loved it, but I would consider the longevity on the product is not the best.

Benefit Frat Boy blush: This is a sample size of the brand's blusher with a vintage scene. Would I buy it again? The product was a little too bright in colour for my skin.

Lush Halloween 2024

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Halloween is nearly here, and I love this time of the year even though it means saying goodbye to summer. It is the time of the year to enjoy the last of decent weather before the nights grow longer, and it is the perfect weather to practice some self care and take baths. I enjoy checking out the different seasonal displays and products from companies, such as Lush, and I headed to the Oxford Street store to see what was on offer. (I really wish they'd bring back their Covent Garden store; as a Londoner, I hate going to Oxford Street and Westfield as they are always too busy). Let's check out the Halloween 2024 at Lush products!

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I Want My Mummy bath bomb: This pink and white mummy-shaped bath bomb has citrus fragrance, and it fizzes in the bath. It is made from rice starch, which helps soften skin.

Punkin Pumpkin bath bomb: This citrus and cinnamon bath bomb is in the shape of a pumpkin jack'o'lantern (see the above picture).

Ghostie bath bomb: This white bath bomb in the shape of a ghost has pink and blue colours that emerge when in water. The bath bomb has a lemongrass fragrance.

Bob bath bomb: This one was inspired by the "Beetlejuice" film, which is all the rage at the moment. It is a creepy-looking face and creates shimmering water.

Monster Octopus shower jelly: This pink octopus has a sweet scent and helps soothe and soften skin. Blackcurrant, vanilla, passion fruit, and orange blossom are used in the scent.

The Afterlife bath bomb: This green, purple, and black sphere or orb is also inspired by the "Beetlejuice" films. It has a sweet scent with orange and juniperberry, and this one pops in the bath.

Brain Freeze bath bomb: This skull-shaped bath bomb releases vivid blue and purple colours into the water, and it has a mint fragrance.

Bat Art bath bomb: This black bat-shaped bath bomb is photographed above, and it releases pink and blue colours into the bath. It has a citrusy smell.

The Juice is Loose shower gel: This purple shower gel is inspired by "Beetlejuice" the movie and is a sweet scent similar to the "Afterlife bath bomb".

Glow in the Dark shower gel: This shower gel glows in the dark and uses lemon as the main scent.

Pumpkin Crumble bubble bar: This bubble bar is a spicy festive scent with warming feeling, and it is shaped like a pumpkin (see below photo).

Magic Potion bath bomb: This bottle-shaped bath bomb has popping candy and uses mental and mood-stimulating fragrances to help you relax.

Dancing Skeleton bath bomb: This skeleton bath bomb has an orange fragrance that is released in the bath, and the scents help to boost mood.

Enchanted Fairy House bath bomb: This is an unusual one (pictured above) promises to add sparkle to the bath. It is filled with a powder, and the container itself is grapefruit-based. It helps make the skin soft.

Alien bubble bar: This green alien head bath bomb (pictured above) has citrus aroma and promises to moisturise skin.

Never Trust the Living bubble bar: This bubble bar is photographed above and is another product inspired by "Beetlejuice".

The Scream bubble bar: The purple bubble bar has a ghost image on it, and it is pictured above. It is a herbal and earthly scent.

Witchy Wood bubble bar: Pictured above is the green and black swirly bubble bar with a refreshing fragrance.

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Bubble Baths: Goldfinder bubble bath: There were several different reusable bubble bath products this year: Goldfinger, Worry Monster, Bonehead, Monster Jay-Hawk, Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble.

Toil and Trouble Shower slime: Peppermint and lavender make the fragrance for this green product with a bat design on top.

Bubble Lugosi bubble bar: This product is sweet and fruity with blackberry and woody scents. It is shaped like a vampire's face.

Space Girl bath bomb: Grapefruit oil is the prominent scent of this bath bomb, which is shaped like a UFO.

Pumpkin pie soap: Real pumpkin was used along with other fragrances to create a scent. The product is shaped like a jack'o'lantern.

Hocus Pocus Socus bubble bar: The main scent of this bubble bar is lemongrass.

Frankenstein bath bomb: The bath bomb has a fruity scent and is in the shape of Frankenstein's face.

Demon in the Dark Soap: This is a previous product that has been around for years and brought back.

Ghost in the Dark Soap: This ghost soap glows in the dark.

Invaders from Mars bubble bar: This pink and green face has an alien appearance based on 1950s comics.

Bird and Blend Tea Autumn Cosy Collection

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Brand Bird and Blend are a brand who creates flavoured blended tea, and they have recently created an autumn collection, Cosy Collection, with some of their autumn tea and chai flavours. I recently ordered the collection, which came in an autumnal decorated box "Let's get cosy". The box is filled with all things autumn. The box came with the following items:

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In the collection, I received a golden tea measuring spoon and a tea infuser with an orange lid. I also received some flavoured chai, loose leaf tea, and matcha tea. Spiced Pumpkin Pie was on of the loose leaf traditional teas. I received two matcha pots, Spiced Pumpkin Pie Matcha and Toffee Apple Matcha. I also received Baby Spice and Apple Cider Bobbing loose leaf caffeine-free tea and Spiced Pumpkin Pie and a new Bonfire Toffee Sticky Chai loose leaf.

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The packaging comes with autumn colours and illustrations. 

Summer Empties 2024

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Welcome to my summer 2024 edition of empty beauty and skin-care products that I have used up this summer. The purpose of this post is that I wanted to post products that I used up to help me remember which ones I would purchase again, and it may help others with deciding which products to purchase too.

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Clinique Super City Block: This is a daily sun cream that can be used underneath foundation but also suits as a foundation as well, but I always wore it underneath. Would I buy it again? No, I have gone off of this brand some time ago and am just using up the product, which lasted so long. The product is a bit thick and feels oily, and I prefer something that doesn't sit on my skin. It isn't the best with warmer weather as I found it ran and was easy to sweat whilst using it.

Afternoon Apple Picking Hand Soap from Bath & Body Works: This autumn scent smells like an apple orchard and fresh apples. Would I buy it again? Yes. I love the brand, and I love the scent.

Foot Moisture Pack: Wearing these foot moisture socks is meant to increase the moisture in feet and remove dead skin. Would I buy it again? No, I have tried a few brands and it didn't really make my feet feel any different.

Cow Shed Horny Cow Body Lotion: This sample of body lotion had a seductive warming scent perfect for bed time. Would I buy it again? No, I just don't like the way body lotion feels on my skin and has an oily thick texture.

Joik Lavendar Bath Truffles: These bath truffles add moisture to the bath as well as release a lavender scent. Would I buy it again? No, I just did not think this product was for me, but it was not a bad product.

Philip Kingsley Body Building shampoo and conditioner: The shampoo and conditioner promises to add volume to hair. Would I buy it again? No, I did not find that it worked.

Marks and Spencer Summer Daze perfume: This perfume is in a travel size and reminds me of late summer, and I liked the scent. Would I buy it again? This was an old product that I used up this summer, and I would not purchase it again as it did not have longevity.

Botanicals Beautiful Hands: This moisturising hand lotion promotes conditioning of hands and nails. Would I buy it again? No, the product felt too oily for me.

YSL Forever Young Liqudiator: This is a primer that promotes a youthful appearance to skin when used on the face and under the eyes. Would I buy it again? No, I did not see the benefits of the product.

Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner: This sample size of primer promotes fresh and youthful skin and helps minimize the appearance of poors. Would I buy it again? Yes, I liked that the product was absorbed into skin and felt that it did minimize pores and wake up my skin.

Molton Brown shampoo, conditioner, shower gel: These sample sizes of Molton Brown products are good for travel, and this brand creates nice scents that do last awhile. Would I buy it again? I would not purchase the shampoo nor conditioner, but the shower gel and soap is good, but I don't need to purchase any of that until I use up what I have.

Balmi lip balm: These travel sized lip balms by Balmi were all the rage several years ago and looked attractive in square-shaped cases. I got the melon flavour. Would I buy it again? I felt that the balm was a little too thick for my liking, and I found the box was sticky and I didn't like the feeling of it when I touched it, so I would not buy it again.

Anna Sui Secret Wish perfume: I was a fan of Anna Sui perfumes, especially "Flight of Fancy" being my favourite. I purchased this one to try the scent, which is a fruity and floral tone. The bottle comes with a fairy perched on top. Would I buy it again? I would not purchase the product again because it wasn't my favourite scent.

The White Company Flowers Shower gel: I like this brand, and the shower gel named "Flowers" has a crisp and floral scent. Would I buy it again? I like the brand, but I have enough shower gel, and I wouldn't buy shower gel from this company as it is expensive for what it is.

Japanese bath powder (daruma doll): This bath powder is a red colour and made to bring good luck, and it is also good for skin and contains snake gourd plant extract. Would I buy it again? Yes, I loved the scent and the fine powder, which lasted in my bath for a long time.

Votary facial oil Head Your Skin: This facial oil promises to heal and repair skin as well as keep moisture, and it is a cult product. Would I buy it again? I would not purchase it again as it felt too sticky on my face.

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser: I purchased this product to cleanse skin and remove make-up. Would I buy it again? No, I did not like the product at all. It was very oily and did not cleanse my skin.

Penhaligan's Juniper Sling shower gel: This shower gel is the Juniper Sling scent. Would I buy it again? No, I wouldn't purchase shower gel from this brand as it is too expensive and I have brands I perfer, but it is a nice scent.

Bath and Body Works Champagne Toast body spray and shower gel: I like this brand of scents, and I received these products in a small size as a gift. Would I buy it again? No, i wouldn't purchase the scent again although it was nice, but I prefer their other scents. I also find that the body sprays do not last long.

I Love Makeup Lip Lava: This purple lip gloss glides on and has colour that lasts long, even though the gloss was not long lasting. Would I buy it again? I would not purchase this colour, but I would try a berry shade.

Penhaligan's perfume - Halfetti and Orange Blossom: These two scents I received in an advent calendar, and I have used these for travel. Would I buy it again? I like some of the scents from this brand, but I find that they do not have longevity, so I would not purchase again.

Lush Sticky Dates body scrub and dream cream: One of the samples is a body scrub, and the other is a conditioner cream. The body scrub smelled delicious, and the cream was absorbed into skin. Would I buy it again? I would purchase the body scrub again once I am in the need for one, but I have a few other products to get through first.

Penhaligan's perfume - The Ingenious Cousin Flora: This is a floral and playful scent. Would I buy it again? I like some of the scents from this brand, but I find that they do not have longevity, so I would not purchase again.

Crayon Touch Me lip gloss: This lip gloss adds a slight colour to lips and a good shine. Would I buy it again? I would not purchase it again, and I could not get the remaining product out of the container, even after turning it upside down.

ESPA overnight hydration therapy: This product is an overnight facial cream. Would I buy it again? I did enjoy the product as it did absorb into skin and had a pleasant scent. I would consider purchasing it again.

Trene Forte day and night creams: I received these sample products from a hotel, and there was day cream and a night cream. Would I buy it again? I liked the products, but I have other ones to use up.

Last month, I met up with some friends for Sunday lunch in Hampshire. Afterwards, we went to the Vyne Estate, which is managed by National Trust; this was my second visit to The Vyne this year having been once at the start of the year. We had a sunny day, and it was not too warm, but it felt like late summer. My friends and I had attempted this visit in late June, but we ended up only doing the meal as that was the day that England went was playing having made it to the semi-finals.

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Our first stop was to the Frog and Wicket pub near Basingstoke for our Sunday roast. When we visited it June and our friends had to leave after the meal, we said that we would plan a phase two! So during the first visit in June, we were sat in the extension bit near the door. It was not the warmest of days, and the pub got very busy. A bunch of children were running in and out of the doors, and we did not like to be sat near here where it disturbed our meal.

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We had Sunday roasts, and I had the brownie for dessert.

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The August visit was sunnier and warmer, and the cricket was being played opposite. 

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I also informed them to sit us in the main restaurant. During this visit, the pub was virtually empty with only a couple of other tables being used. As it was school holidays, I believe that everyone was away on their vacations. The food this time was not nearly as good as our first visit.

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I had the Sunday roast again, and I liked the look of the lemon dessert that one friend had. This time, the dessert looked a lot different and included raspberry jam on top. 

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After the Sunday lunch, we drove to The Vyne and had a walk around the estate. I attempted this circular walk with my friend back at the start of the year, but it was too muddy to complete it. We completed the walk along the river, then through the woodlands. 

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The river empties into some wetlands further along, and the woodland walk allowed som views over this. There is also a bird hide to see birds.

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We then decided to sit and have a chat. We did not go into the house this time as we had visited it before.

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Afterwards, we had a light refreshment and then went into the walled gardens.

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Some previous visits to the Vyne are below: 

January Walk at The Vyne (National Trust, Hampshire)
Spring Afternoon at The Vyne (National Trust, Hampshire)

Days Out: The Vyne in Basingstoke, Hampshire

Craft Gin Club: August 2024

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August's monthly subscription box from Craft Gin Club finally arrived, but it had a couple of missing items that they had to resend out as the box got delayed in transit and had opened up, judging by the new packing tap and condition that the box came in. The Craft Gin Club subscription box contains a full-sized bottle of gin, mixers, snacks, and a magazine with gin cocktail and food recipes for ideas to either pair with the gin or that use gin as an ingredient. In this post, I cover the August 2024 subscription box. This month's full bottle of gin is from the Chile and is Gin Provincia Andes Dry. It is made using glacial waters and botanicals native to Chile.

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Seventeen Tonic Water: This tonic water is also from Chile and uses natural ingredients.

Lemonaid Passion Fruit: This juice drink is made from natural ingredients, and it supports local communities. I've had other flavours of this, and I've always enjoyed it. This time, the drink is used in the cocktail of the month.

Schweppes Blueberry Mojito: This one is not pictured, but I received the fruity cocktail, and I enjoyed it. I'm glad I received this one, but other readers could have received the aperitivo spritz.

Amazon Natural Spring Water: This Brazilian spring water makes donations to help restore the rainforests. This was one of the missing products, but they resent it.

Darling Corn Barbeque: This dried sweet corn is delicious, and this barbeque flavour hit the spot with a gin.

BARE Cinnamon Popcorn: This was one of the missing products. I love cinnamon and love popcorn, so I was gutted it was missing as I really wanted to try this product.

Hippeas Blazin' Hot: I received the Blazin' hot variety, and others may have received barbeque. I liked the product, though I would not consider it to be hot or spicy. The product is made using chickpeas.

Toberlerone: This was one of the missing products, and they resent it to me. I am not a fan of Toberlerone chocolate, and I didn't think it paired well with the gin.

Andes Gold Cocktail syrup: This cocktail syrup makes the gin cocktail of the month.

Dried pineapple slices: The dried pineapple slices can be used to add to the gin and tonic or cocktail.

Craft Gin Club: July 2024

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I recently received the monthly subscription box for Craft Gin Club. Th Craft Gin Club subscription box contains a full-sized bottle of gin, mixers, snacks, and a magazine with gin cocktail and food recipes for ideas to pair with the gin or that use gin. In this post, I cover the July 2024 subscription box. This month's full bottle of gin is from the Mediterranean, and it is Cafe del Mar Gin from Ibiza in Spain. The gin has tones of orange and rose, and I enjoyed this one. Keep reading below to see the snacks and mixers.

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Fentimans Pink Grapefruit tonic: I received two bottles of this tonic, and this pairs perfectly with this gin for the gin and tonic. 

Disaronno Velvet Batida: I received a sample of this cream liqueur with an almond and vanilla taste and velvety texture. This was paired with another one of the mixers I received, the Vita Coco Original Coconut Water. This creates a wonderful and refreshing cocktail, which I enjoyed.

Vita Coco Original Coconut Water: This coconut water contains vitamins and nutrients, and it pairs well with gin and other liqueurs. I used it with the above product, and I also made another cocktail recipe, which tasted absolutely wonderful too and very refreshing with strawberries and gin. 

Tony's Chocolonely Litt' Bits Triple Chocolate Mix: These little bits of chocolate are dark, milk, and white flavours and pair nicely with a gin cocktail. The brand hopes to abolish slavery in the chocolate trade.

Dodoni Jalepeno Chili Feta Cheese Thins: These snacks are made using Greek Feta and natural ingredients, such as chili. These tasted delicious.

Daymer Bay Pineapple Juice: This mixer contains pure pineapple juice from the ripest pineapples. This is perfect to create cocktails, and this is used for the monthly cocktail recipe. 

Rustle Snacks "The Sweet Pepper" Paprika Chips: The snacks in this monthly box were a complete hit with me, and this was another delicious find. The snacks are made with the best potatoes and paprika, and they pair well with gin and tonic.

Nix & Kix Mango Ginger: This drink is 100% natural with no bad ingredients, and it is essentially a flavoured water with mango and ginger flavours. 

This month, I also received a Pina Colada cocktail syrup to make the monthly cocktail, and I received grapfruit slices to use for the gin and tonic combination. 

This box was a winner for me as I liked the sound of the snacks and other products, and I enjoyed the gin as well. This is one of the few boxes where I've enjoyed all the products.

Good Pair Days Wine Box Subscription

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Earlier this year, I purchased a wine selection box from Good Pair Days. Good Pair Days enables subscribers to receive a box of different wines based on their cost and type preferences. Users can specify the regions or grapes to avoid and enhance their taste by choosing wines that suit their tastes. The subscription takes a note of the customer's wine preferences and then recommends bottles of wine. Customers can customise this by selecting the number of bottles to receive, the type of wine (sparkling, red, or white), and the maximum cost per bottle of wine. Additionally, the wines are recommended, and customers can opt to receive another recommendation or choose their own. I decided to try, and my first box contained a picnic basket with two steel wine glasses. I opted to receive four bottles of wine.

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I've been enjoying the different wines, although they vary a lot. I have really enjoyed a couple of them, and a couple others were not so nice. Each wine comes with its own card to inform the "wine tasting" notes as well as how to best pair the wine. Each card comes with a recipe of an item to prepare to have with the wine too. 

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On the first order, I received a free gift of a cool box with cheese board built in, an insulated wine bottle, and two wine glasses. This is perfect for a picnic.

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I always like to try new things as it is a little bit of a surprise to do so.

Winter and Spring Empties 2024

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Welcome to my winter 2023-2024 and spring 2024 edition of empty products that I have used up. The purpose of this post is that I wanted to post products that I used up to help me remember which ones I would purchase again, and it may help others with deciding which products to purchase too.

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H2K of Harrogate Sensual with Vitamin E Hydrating Conditioning shampoo: This shampoo had a citrus scent and conditions and cleans shampoo. Would I buy it again? No, it is a little bit expensive and I need colour-protecting shampoo.

Opatra nourishing day cream: I received a sample of day cream to test the nourishing of skin due to external factors . Would I buy it again? No, I just was not sold on the product.

Marks and Spencers Autograph nail polish: This nail polish is in a bright purple colour . Would I buy it again? No, I found that the nail polish was a little bit too thick.

Argan Smooth conditioner: Argan is rich in oil and good for hair conditioning, so I decided to give this a go. Would I buy it again? No, I did not find it as nourishing as I would have liked and prefer other brands of conditioner.

YSL long wear glow and YSL All hours foundation: Logn Wear Glow is a product that can be applied thinly or thickly and allows skin to breathe as well as protects from the sun. All Hours Foundation is a breathable and full-coverage product. The samples I arrived were not my skin tone, so it was a little difficult to test, but i did think the product was light-wearing and comfortable. Would I buy it again? I would love to try my shade and see how I get on with the product, but I would consider buying them.

Ayres body butter: This body butter is a nourishing cream that absorbs into the skin to make it feel moisturised . Would I buy it again? No, I don't tend to use body butter, but there was nothing wrong with the product.

No7 Stay Perfect nail polish in 'taffetta': This is a candy-apple coloured nail polish that applies well but did not last as it would easily rub off. Would I buy it again? I have purchased this brand before, but it isn't the longest-lasting as it does rub off quickly.

Ren flash rinse minute facial: This facial product promises to restore radiance and reduce blemishes. Would I buy it again? I like this brand, and this did seem to clear my skin, so I would consider buying it again.

7th Heaven white chocolate fondue facial: This brand produces different facial cleansers, and this one smelled like white chocolate. Would I buy it again? I like this brand, and this one smelled good and seemed to leave my skin feeling soft.

Aveeno daily moisturising lotion: This moisturising lotion is absorbed into the skin and makes it feel soft. Would I buy it again? No, although there was nothing wrong with the product. I just don't need it.

Welda Pomegranate firming day cream: This day cream promises to reduce fine lines and give skin a glow, and it is made from organic products such as pomegranate seeds. Would I buy it again? No, I did not like the feeling of the product and found that it was not absorbed into my skin.

Blistex lip infusions: This is a chapstick that helps to moisturise dry lips. Would I buy it again? Yes, this was perfect for winter and helped my lips.

Clinique anti-blemish: This anti-blemish solution dries out acne when placed on it, but it does dry out the area of skin. Would I buy it again? No, this was harmful to my skin and created more issues when used. In the past several years, I went off this brand.

Burt's Bees deep cleansing cream: This hand cream is absorbed into the skin and helps to keep it moisturised. Would I buy it again? This was a good brand and did help my dry skin in the winter.

Molton Brown lip moisturiser: I received a few travel-sizes of coloured lip moisturisers, and this one was an orange shade. The products help moisturise lips as well as leaving colour, so I used this one in the winter. Would I buy it again? No as there are similar better products, and the small size makes it difficult to remove the product.

Sephora pineapple face mask: This is a sheet face mask with a pineapple scent that promises to hydrate skin. Would I buy it again? No, I did not feel or see any difference.

Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer in 'cococabana': This hand sanitiser came in a travel size, and it smelled like coconut. Would I buy it again? Yes, I like the brand, and these compact sizes are perfect to carry around.

The Body Shop grapefruit shower gel: This shower gel smells like grapefruit, which was uplifting when using. Would I buy it again? Yes, I like the brand, and it smells like grapefruit.

British rose body lotion: I received this body lotion in a gift set, and it does smell like roses. Would I buy it again? No, I do not use body lotion often, and it didn't absorb into my skin.

Benefit highlighter makeup: This sample of the highlighter formula was dried out, so did not get to see it, but it comes in a little tube with a brush. Would I buy it again? No, it dries out too soon and comes with an applicator that is too difficult to use, meaning most product is difficult to get to in the package.

Angel Mugler perfume: I received a sample of this very sophisticated and floral scent. Would I buy it again? Yes, I loved the scent.

Crayon Touch Me Up Gloss in 'Shiny Orange': This is a subtle orange shade of lip gloss that can be worn on its own or on top of another colour to give shine, but the colour faded to a yellow shade very quicklyWould I buy it again? No, this was a waste of money and a poor product.

Bath & Body Works Mahogany Apple hand soap: This hand soap was perfect for the autumn and winter months as it smelled like fresh apple, but this was more of a grown-up scent compared to Farmstand Apple, which was a fruitier and fresher scent. Would I buy it again? Yes, I loved the scent and brand.

Lush Berry Berry Christmas shower gel: This is a fruity and festive scent for the shower, and it smelled of frosted cranberry. Would I buy it again? Yes, I loved the scent and brand.

Elemis hand lotion: This hand lotion is absorbed into the skin and smells just like a spa. Would I buy it again? I like the brand, though I do not need lotion.

BalanceMe Gradual Tanning Drops: These gradual tanning drops promise to add colour to skin gradually over use. Would I buy it again? No, this was awful. The product gave my skin stains or streaks of a yellow colour.

Santuary Spa Signature collection body scrub: This body scrub was an orange-scented scrub that left skin feeling soft and exfoliated. Would I buy it again? Yes, the product was good.

Trene Forte night cream: This night cream helps moisturise and hydrate skin at night while asleep and is lightly-fragranced. Would I buy it again? No, I was not sold on the product.

Craft Gin Club: March 2024

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Craft Gin Club is a monthly subscription box containing a full-sized bottle of gin, mixers, snacks, and a magazine with cocktail and food recipes featuring gin. This post shows March 2024's box, which arrived at the start of the month and celebrates spring and Easter. This month's full bottle featured gin is from Oxfordshire and is Sky Wave White Horse London Dry Gin. This gin is made from English botanicals. 

craftginclubmarch2024.jpg

In this box, I received Navas Original Tonic Water to pair with the gin along with lime slice garnishes. Th Navas Drinks come from Cornwall water, and they have a slight flavour of bergamot and citrus. They also support The Eden Project.

I also received The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth Irish Whiskey in the box, which celebrates St. Patrick's Day in March. It s a single grain and malt whiskey with a fruit, vanilla and slight sweet taste.

Green Orangeade was also added to partner with the gin, and it doesn't contain sugar nor artificial sweeteners.

Frobishers Crisp Apple and Elderflower Sparkling Presse was included as a gin mixer or a simple drink on its own using botanicals. I've previously enjoyed this brand and liked the taste.

I also received another mixer: Dr. Funk Vital Mango and Violet was the flavour I received, but others received lemon and elderflower. It includes seven ingredients and no sugars.

I received the following snacks as well:

  • Popchips Sweet & Salty popcorn, which pairs perfectly with the gin and I am a lover of popcorn, so this was appreciated.
  • Darling Spuds Sea Salt and Chardonnay Vinegar crisps: This is a small family-owned operation of premium crisps using the finest ingredients. 
  • Prodigy Salted Caramel Chocolate egg: To celebrate Easter, I received a delicious chocolate caramel egg; the chocolate comes from South America and this product is vegan and made with only 1/3rd of sugar that the alternatives use. This is also an environmentally-friendly company.
  • Wibble Raspberry Vegan Jelly Crystals: This was added to create gin desserts. The product is vegan and a healthy alternative.

The cocktail syrup of the month was Cloud Nine, craftd by Craft Gin Club. 

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