So Long, Farewell Empties

While my computer is indisposed I'm relying on my little tablet to write my entries on. I have a ASUS Honeycomb with a dock so I can turn it into a laptop to type. However, it does have it restrictions like with some websites (like blogger) it won't let me edit the page as much as I could on a normal desk top. This does throw a little spanner in the works, especially as this computer has my rough drafts of my Masterclasses so at the moment they are on hold until my IT Tech of a husband can get the thing working (It will be worth the wait, I promise!)

Until then we shall carry on...

This is the first time that I have really finished anything that isn't a small sample to actually write a 'empties' post about. The way things have worked out is that all of my favourite long term products have finished all at once so I wanted to pile them together and talk about them.

First up is the Shampoo and conditioner from Ojon that I got in the promotion they did about March/April time. This is where when you spent over £20 you got a pair of their Volume shampoo and conditioner. I started using this about late April/May and finished mid November time (using 2-3 times a week). I am impressed with the lasting time of this, it is a 200ml bottle and I found that you need a small amount like 5p pence to get a good lather. The conditioner is also still rich with the smallest amounts. I do dye my hair I use the given treatment conditioner once a week instead of this, that also extended its use.

The scent is a warm nut oil scent because of the Ojon oil content, I found this pleasant and not overbearing, that also lingers well without over powering. Does it deserve it's £16 per a bottle price tag? I certainly do think it does, it provided a volume and smoothing that my hair needed. Doing the beauty maths each bottle cost me £2.66 a month for the 6 months. The hair oil that I had from the range from my March Glossybox is still going strong at 7 months.

The next product is Tesco's Coco Butter body lotion for the princely sum of £1.15. I brought this when it was closer to the end of the month and money was tighter but I till didn't want to neglect my body. It is basic, and the Cocoa butter scent is sickly and artificial, but it did the job it stopped my skin from drying out and feeling itchy.

Then there is Etat Pur Miceller Water hat I got June time from my latestinbeauty.com YOU skincare box. I didn't know much about micellers waters before this, and I didn't like toners before, I thought there were a waste of money as I never found one I liked. This is designed to be a supplement cleanser, I use it on days where I'm not wearing wearing make up as a water cleanser that refreshes. For when I am wearing make up I use it as an extra cleanser step, it still pulls of dirt that I've missed. It doesn't irritate my eyes or skin, and for about £7 for 250ml I'm repurchasing as soon as possible.

For my last it is the fondest farewell for Estee Lauder's Re-Nutriv Hand Cream. I have had this for 3 years (but only been using it for 2 years), it was a gift from Estee Lauder when I worked for them when we hit an incentive (I think it was selling a lot of mascaras at a new launch). I got this with the matching body cream (which has long gone!). It is £52 lets get that out  of the way, and it is stunningly rich to the point that you need to push a lot into the tube to get this thick cream out. I used it in the evenings before bed, which meant in the morning my hands are softer and my nails stronger. Since I finished this I miss it greatly, and now I am on the hunt for my replacement that can still give me the benefits but maybe not for £52.

Ojon Vs L'oreal in Oil Wars

In March in my Harrods GlossyBox I got Ojon's Damage Reverse Restorative Treatment Serum. It is much of an oil like texture that has their Ojon Oil complex in. I loved the fact that it was lghter than my serum but I also needed the smallest amount to get the benefits. The current bottle I have (in the photo) I've been using since early April and only a quarter is gone (please note my hair is shoulder length at it's longest.) The a few weeks ago my Latestinbeauty In-flight box had L'Oreal's additction to the hair oil market - Mythic Oil.

Mythic Oil is a blend of grapeseed and avocardo oil, and is promoted as a hair nouriser. This is true grapeseed is a wonderful base oil in massage because it's lightweight consistancy and it's is scentless. Avocardo oil can then be added in a smalled pecentage,
this is because it is a thicker oil, but full of fatty acids and vitamin E.

Ojon oil is a bit more of mystery, it says on their website that it was discovered in Central America and that it comes from the Ojon palm nut that grows on the tree. This had been used by the Tawira tribe for centuries and now have been tested to prove it rejenitating effects on hair. A tree will produce 800 nuts on where that would produce 3 cups of the oil.

As I said the first time I used Ojon I was really happy with the results it gave, my slightly dry and frizzy hair was more under control. The curls that I had were more defined, and the roasted nut scent was pleasent without being over powering. For the 25ml bottle I got it is £16 (there is a 50ml for £22), and it is lasting well, with an investment into the rest of the range.
With my first try of Mythical Oil I was impressed with the almost water light texture compared to the Ojon. The scent was more towards typical hair product/coconut smell, but same again it isn't unpleasent or overpowering. It still tamed my frizzy hair, normally with the Ojon if I apply too much it can go greasy, with the Mythical I found that if I need more after drying I could with this happening. You do also get more for your money - 250ml for RRP £15.95 (however I have found it for £12.55 on feelunique.com).
While I love my Ojon, realistly I cannot warrant spending that amount of money on 25ml when I can spend less and get more on L'Oreals offering. Sorry Ojon.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner

It now is a documented fact that due to mother nature, that I dye my hair, this mixed with the fact that I have natural fine frizzy hair means that it suffers greatly. It hates humidity and needs regular cutting it turns into a style that's based on The Muppet's Animal (especially if I've decided on going red).

I am currently loving all the hair oils that are coming out, my hair seems to lovingly drink them and is starting to behave better between cuts. I am currently using the Ojon range that to be honest costs an arm and a leg, which was a 30th birthday present to myself. As you can gather an affordable alternative is always an attractive thing.

Dove had been offering samples of it's new Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner. Blurb is that it is a daily one minute treatment for dry/frizzy hair that has a mixture of Argan, coconut and almond oil that has vitamin E and F to help hair. It says that it is 3 times more nourishing than a 'normal' conditioner.

I washed my hair last night and needed a little more than normal decided to give it a try. I squeezed a 1p sized amount for my shoulder length hair, the first thing to notice is that it comes like toothpaste, a white part with yellow stripes that you rub together before applying. Comb Through with a wide toothed comb, leave then wash off, not exactly brain surgery.

After drying (I put hair oil on my hair when damp - currently Ojon Restorative Oil), I honestly couldn't stop touching it, because i felt really soft. It had a soft nutty smell from the nut oils which I really like and complimented the rest of the products I used. Even now the morning after it's even feeling soft, and the curls look more defined with very little frizz.

LatestInBeauty In-Flight Box

This is now very long over due, however bear with me there is a reason why it's taken a while to get round to this one.

I received my box a few days after ordered and dived straight into it as soon as I got home form work. The box was brimming as you can see.

I pulled everything out and was happy with everything, however I did notice my OPI nail varnish wasn't the colour that was said on the website. I got 'William Tell Me About OPI' (AW 2010 limited Edition), a deep purple creme, when the choice was between two The Muppet's Limited Editions which I had been looking forward to because I missed out on them when they launched.

 I thought why not just check? Within 5 minutes of emailing them I got an email back saying that OPI sent wrong varnishes and that some of these had made it into the boxes, with their apologies, do I want to swap it for another?

After checking swatches out on line, yes I did want to swap and duly sent it back 2nd class to them. A few days later I got Wocka Wocka, a Burgundy red that goes brighter red in the sun and deeper in artificial light (so gorgeous it's getting it's own entry!). I was over the moon with not only the colour but the helpfulness of the customer service.

The rest of the box I still like just as much and have pretty much used all of it now

The whole box was themed like your were going on holiday so you have self tan with Xen-Tan Dark Lotion, Hydration with Urban Health Acai Sachet that was great when a few weeks back I has to go on antibiotics for laryngitis; Good to Go Wipes each with its own sealed packet that have gone straight into my handbag; Balitiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry that I've already had before and loved; L'Oreal Mythic Oil which is going head-to-head with my Ojon in the next few weeks, and samples of Garnier BB Cream which is nearly as good as my MUA BB Cream.

In addition there is also a tin of mints that are actually cinnamon which are very different and do take a little while to get used to but now have become a staple in my handbag. I also have the cutest little bottle of Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist which after putting into the fridge have been the most refreshing thing to spray on my face for the past few days in the heat. This after my StiVectin-SH Age Protection Lotion SPF30 to stop my pale skin burning (with added bonus of a bracelet that turns blue when the sun is really strong to remind you not to stay out in it for too long!). There is also Acqua D'Alfresco a insect repellent that I have passed onto the husband as insects seem to love him at this time of the year!

A lot of bloggers have been mixed about this, some love the mixture (like me) or just didn't like it at all, however this is the beauty of LatestinBeauty = no likie, no buyie.

Things That I Can't Live Without (For Now)

The Collection

While I am working on this weeks Masterclass and I thought I'd show you the loves of my life (currently and including husband before he starts sulking).

Starting from the left:

Bach Flower Rescue Remedy and Night Tine Rescue

Many moons ago when I worked in an office, my so-called manager had a go at me and being the delicate youngster I was cried my eyes out. Our receptionist can to my rescue after discovering me in the staff room, got me drink of water and produced this yellow/brown bottle and told me to add a few drops to my tongue. After a few minutes the tears were gone and I felt rather more human.

This works on the calming effects of a combination of flower essences, and has been in use since 1930's. It's ideal for any stressful situation or one when you need some focus. I've recently had problems sleeping sleeping to all my worries going round my head at night. I've been using the night version and found a great help as part of winding down, a few drops in water while reading a book and it seems to be working.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Why? Oh why have you named it a cream when it's more of thick gel? Apart from that its awesome. I burnt myself last year and once the stinging went down I put this on top, not only did it quicken the healing but I think it lightened the mark behind. Everyday use I use the tinest amount on my dry flaky lips when not split. It now comes in a fragrance-free version, hurrah!

Bepanthen

I used to be addicted to Blixtex when my lips are sore, cracked and just not even worth going out in public, however with my economy drive (and it's price at £2.79) I was open to a new alternative. Browsing the blogs a few weeks back The Lipstick Blog wrote a blog on lip care (Please look here) and sang the praises for this. Was in Boots and I thought why not, it was only £1.79 (on offer, usually £2.19) and was expecting not alot. I like being surprised with a few uses lips improved, it is a barrier cream used to protect babys' bums from nappy rash. I got the smallest (30g but also comes in 50g and 100g) and I've only used a quarter of it, great value.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Never got the hype of this product when I worked in a department store, it wasn't until I had some given to me that I gave it a try. My poor skin is now starting to show signs that I am no longer twenty, and it's starting to lose some of it's glow. I used over the top of my moisturiser and got on with my day, walked past the mirror a few hours later and was surprised that my skin not only looked healthy but looked a lot more fresher. Under foundation I looked liked I'd had a decent nights sleep for a change and was being told that I looked great. A pea sized amount does fine for the face so you don't need to nuts with it. Well lived up to the hype.

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Serum

I blame this one squarely on March's Glossy box (Read about getting it here and reviewing it here), fell in love with it the first time I used it. It is a lightweight oil/serum that has a nutty/musky scent. It tames my frizzy hair into soft curls and leaves no residue behind (as long as you stick to amounts the label says). With this my hair could easily rival the Duchess of Cambridge's.

Sally Hansen Double Duty

As I've mentioned I'm in a economy drive, and I love products that I can double up as something else. I have used Sally Hansen and knew they had something that I could use a top/base coat. I know that most peoples reservations on product doing two jobs is that it may not live up to using those product separately, I found with this that it gripped my colour but also still had that glossy top coat finish.

SPAritual

I had this companies catalogue from Professional Beauty 2012 after I was searching out suppliers to use when I open my own beauty treatment business. It's really great at the moment trying out different companies to see who I want to work with (if you are interested, please see my email in the about me section). What drew me to Sparitual is that they are PETA approved and Vegan products, so I applied for an up to date catalogue. Not only did they do that but sent a huge sample bundle worth £5.00 (they do take what qualifications you have so not everyone gets this, they can be purchased!), and I have been working through them since. I came out of the first time using them floating and after the second time my mind was made up who I am using when I get my funding. The names of the products are delightfully named (like Infinity Loving Oil and Open Your Eyes Bath Salts), and use the holistic approach to healing and pampering. I'm looking forward using them (and the rest of the samples up!).

Don't forget Materclass this weekend will be face masks and back to normal next week!

We are also now on Facebook :)

March Glossy Box Update

My box is now no more, it has been used and abused. It came in its alluring white box with 5 goodies for me to try out over the next past weeks, I, of course, obliged and didn't hang around to be told to. If you want to see the original post click here .

The one I most excited about was the Burberry lipstick in Rosewood, a lovely mixture of deep dusky pink and brown. This went one beautifully and was about two shades darker than my natural lip colour, lasting time was OK, around 6 hours for me including lunch and a coffee. Loved the smell a very light scent that didn't offend. Full price lipstick is about £23 which compared against most other high lipsticks is well within the price bracket.

Next was the 5 sachets of Erno Lazio face and eye creams, this was more a mystery considering according to the website that he has been in the business for 85 years. I found that the face creams wasn't marked clearly on the sachets what time they are used for (morning/evening), thank god I hadn't thrown the cardboard away (like I normally would do). Considering this is £175 for the set of 5, I wasn't really won over by this, it did what it was suppose to do and little else on top to warrant that kind of money.

Clarins Firming Cream lived up to the expectations, it was creamy, delicious and melted into the skin. The scent was a very delicate floral (which I am fan of). My only complaint it was a complete nightmare trying to get something so thick out of a whole so small. I ended up having to cut the top of the tube off just so I can get the stuff out! For £42 for the larger pot I think this would make a great luxury present for best mates or Mums, as you don't need a lot (my little tube in the end lasted about three showers).

Next was the Fendi perfume Fan Di Fendi, with notes of soft leather, jasmine and Petitgrain. It's very delicate and perfect for the gorgeous sunny weather we've had recently. I wore it seeing my friends and it has draw compliments that it smell divine. I love my fragrances and I know this is starting to become a favourite as it suits me really well. I am more than overjoyed with this choice.

And now my favourite of the box: The stunning Ojon Damage Reserve (more words here) Serum. I am in love this, I have thick, dyed, and frizzy hair. I also am very lazy and like to have a wash and go approach to it. I warmed two drops in my hands and smoothed it over the ends (as described) which had decided that day to be the least co-operative they've been. Ojon tamed them down into a glossy slightly exotic smelling hair I've had (it even came close those hair adds I sigh over). This was the one I seriously looked at buying, and ironically last week QVC was doing hours on the brand - There's a whole range! Ok price - £22 according to Harrods but I hunted around and you can get it cheaper and in value sets (see previous sentence). Hint: It's my 30th birthday in 2 weeks :)

What ab out Glossy themselves? Really can't fault them, I know reading other blogs there are rumblings that they didn't get what they wanted. That's not the point of these - They are sample boxes and depending on who supplies them it will be hit and miss. With this said I've had to sadly stop my subscription due to money problems (IE I have none!), but I will be back!

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