October Empties

Here are all of my October empties, and it's mainly the essentials that I have used up this month.

Luster's Pink Glosser - This is an oil spray that also acts as a heat protector. I only tried it because I had trouble tracking down my usual oil spray, and this one is stocked in Boots which is quite unusual for afro hair products. It was an okay substitute but to be honest my hair needed something a bit stronger.

Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel - I love this shower gel. It gives a lovely tingly feeling on the skin which is amazing for waking you up the morning after the night before.

Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream - I quite liked this moisturiser. You can see a full review of hit here

Neutrogena Concentrated Hand Cream - I didn't think much of this one. It has quite an unusual texture for a hand cream. You only need a small amount and it does the job but I didn't think there was anything particularly special about it.

Superdrug Lipbalm - You can barely see the label on this one as it has worn off over time. A very basic lip balm that was nourishing and only needed to reapply once or twice throughout the day. No fragrance or colour, but just a good basic.

Garnier Pure Anti Blackhead Deep Pore Wash - You can see my comments on this one here

Mitchum Advanced Control Deodorant - I am a big fan of the Mitchum deodorant sprays. They smell nice, don't leave white marks and leave you feeling fresh even the morning after a big night. Result.

Beauty Review - Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream

I have quite dry skin and combat this by using a body moisturiser every day. During the summer months a light moisturiser works well but as the temperature drops I find I need something a bit more hard core. I quite liked this body cream by Dove. It is half way between a moisturiser and a body butter so just right for this time of year. It doesn't feel to heavy, absorbs quite quickly and only has a very light fragrance so wouldn't interfere with perfume. Lovely for autumn.

Health Tip - Echinacea

There are lots of things to love about autumn. Halloween, fireworks, Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha's (which sound gross but are totally yum by the way). One of the things not so great about this time of year is the dreaded lurgy that seems to travel around the office and infect everyone. I used to be sceptical about herbal remedies until I started taking echinacea, and it is just amazing. I start taking it the minute I start to notice the first signs of a cold. Usually a scratchy sore throat and a runny nose. If I start taking it early enough, I can sometimes avoid a cold completely. If not, I find that echinacea can cut the amount of time I feel ill for. You can get it in tablet form but I prefer this effervescent tablet from Boots. Dropped in a glass of water it looks like prosecco and tastes like elderflower. As with any medication you should always read the label beforehand and check with a pharmacist or your GP.

September Beauty Empties

L'Oreal Nutri Soft 24 Hour Velvet Body Lotion

Mitchum Deodorant in Waterlily

Maybelline Falsies Volume Effect Mascara

Nanoblur

Organic Shea Butter Moisturising Serum

I haven't got through many beauty products this month. I'm in between flats at the moment so practically living out of a suitcase and only really using the bare essentials. I wasn't overly impressed with nanoblur and won't be buying it again. There was a lot of hype when if first came out but I haven't noticed any benefits to using it. I really liked the Organic Shea Butter Moisturising Serum and found it did a great job of protecting my relaxed hair from the heat of blow drying and straightening. I did try to repurchase but can't find it anywhere! This is the 2nd afro hair product that I have come across, loved and then couldn't find anywhere! What is going on? The stand out beauty product for me this month was Maybelline Falsies Volume Effect Mascara. My eye lashes are short and stubborn, and have been known to scratch my eye balls on occassion. Maybelline Falsies Volume Effect Mascara does exactly what it says on the tin, you look like you are wearing false lashes. Love it and have already re-purchased. An instant classic I will be using for ever.