1276 The First Empties of 2020

Well, it is that time again. I have used up another load of products and thought it was about time to tell you about them. If I liked them if I hated them if I want to use them again etc.

It is a bit of a mixture of items today but mostly beauty related.

1. No 7 Loose Powder – Translucent

2. Right Guard Women Total Defence 5

3. Tesco Fred & Flo Fragrance-Free Wipes

4. Boots Baby Cotton Wool Pleat

5. LUSH Mask of Magnaminty Self-Preserving

6. LUSH Magic Crystals

7. Johnson’s Cotton Buds

8. White Shock BlanX Toothpaste

9. Body Shop Shower Gel Satsuma 750ml

No 7 Loose Powder – Translucent

Anyone who has been reading or following this page for a while will already know this is a product I like. I have used up about 5 or 6 of them in total. They are a little bulky in size, but the product is lovely. I like it, the packaging is easy to use, the product lasts and looks nice. So far, I haven’t found any issues at all. My only criticism would be the size of the packaging, it makes it not very travel friendly. I do want to try a new one just in case other brands have upped their game. I like the translucent powder; I have always gone from translucent because I am so pale it is just easier to get the least amount of colour in any powder that I use. There are various shades to choose from so if you want to go for something darker it wouldn’t be hard at all. If you want to give this product a go, get yourself down to your local Boots or you can order online using this link.

Right Guard Women Total Defence 5

This is another product that I have used multiple of. The biggest this I love about this product is the size because it lasts forever. I keep an eye out for them when they are on offer because who wants to pay full price and deodorant is not something you want to run out of right? These are a bit expensive as far as deodorant goes but it is due to the size I think, you get a good couple of months out of each can. I usually find it in a B&M or Savers where it is unlikely to be full price. I have never had a problem with the white cast on dark clothing, with it wearing off etc. If you would like to look or buy it for yourself, please follow this link to Boots.

Tesco Fred & Flo Fragrance-Free Wipes

I have never been able to use makeup wipes; they typically have some more chemicals and fragrance etc, so my eyes are not a fan at all. I have never had any problems whatsoever with these wipes. They are also a whole lot cheaper! I mean some makeup wipes are £3 or more for 25 wipes. With baby wipes, I pay about 60p a packet and you get anywhere between 60 and 80 wipes per pack instead of 25. I look at it as if they are safe for babies, they are safe for your face, would you use makeup wipes on a baby? They are also handy to have around the house. Tesco often to a deal of 3 for £1.50 so they are so cheap. My advice is to make sure you get fragrance-free baby wipes no matter what brand you use but I have found Tesco’s ones to work the best for me.

Boots Baby Cotton Wool Pleat

I think these are always handy to have around the house no matter what. Okay, they are not great for the environment, but I am working on it. But they can be used for so many different things. Taking making up off, cleaning, wiping screens, cleaning windows, dressings, nail varnish removal etc. I didn’t mean to get this type if I am honest, I wanted cotton pads but when I went to the shop, they didn’t have any left so I thought I would try this instead mostly because I needed something that was made of cotton wool of this sort. Now I didn’t hate it but for what I needed/used it for the wool pleat is not the best option available. It soaks up a lot of any products, nail varnish remover, water etc. In this instance, I wouldn’t buy it again for this reason. It could be useful in other situations but too much product was absorbed and wasted. It was also a bit too fluffy that when you wiped your face it all fell apart.

LUSH Mask of Magnanimity Self-Preserving

I bought this one on a whim. I had heard good things about it online (particularly on YouTube) and then I happened to be in Oxford Street (Central London) next to the Lush Store. It is a great overall product, the smell is unique, the colour is alright, and the packaging is awesome. It has a lot going for it. I remember it being quite minty which is always very refreshing.

One thing I did not know about the product is that it is a body mask as well (which could be a waste, I mean how much product are you going to use if you put it over your body? I couldn’t see myself using it as a body. I enjoyed the fact that it was pretty much completely natural, who doesn’t love a natural product (sometimes the price isn’t great) but the product usually is. They also have a high loss rate for companies as it goes out of date quicker which is probably why there is pressure to sell them quickly. It has the gorgeous vanilla absolute in there, evening primrose seeds (great for all ages) smell amazing and have exfoliating magic powers, and the peppermint oil will wake up any dull and lifeless skin. I would recommend trying this, as always be careful if you have sensitive skin. The last thing I want is for you guys to have reactions to the products I talk about. I am not sure I will be repurchasing it because the price has hit the roof at £9 for a small 125g pot (about 10 uses if you go by 10g per past).

Has anyone else noticed how much prices are increasing? It has put me off completely. Ah well, I suppose prices can’t stay the same forever. Once I have used up the masks I have I might look at this one again but I am trying to use products up so I will hang on for now.

LUSH Magic Crystals

This one was recommended to me by a store employee again in the Oxford Street branch. I even got a demo which has never happened to me before. I mean I walked into a shop in London, and someone asked me if they can wash my arm. It was a strange but oddly pleasant experience and my arm smelt amazing!

It is a nice product; the smell is a little too strong for me, but I didn’t hate it. The colour is a very vibrant purple and not one to be hiding in the shadows. I must say I wasn’t a huge fan of the mint; I love the scent and the look but if you have ever washed with minty products before you feel the cold well after. Other than that, it is exfoliating, refreshing, awakening, lathers beautifully, and a little goes a long way but the mintiness doesn’t do me any favours. I think this has also gone up in price quite a bit. It is a shame because I love Lush, but I am not prepared to spend £11 on a 300g body wash. It does have Epsom salt in it which does amazing things for our skin but £11 is still quite the price.

I do enjoy the recycling idea Lush has, and I am holding on to their pots because I want to return them when I have enough as it is only fair that you return the favour to a company putting in so much effort to help the environment. I believe all their products and packaging are 100% recyclable, and some of their products are packaging-free. I do recommend this product, I will be repurchasing a shower scrub but possibly not this one because of the mint, I enjoyed everything apart from the cool feeling after.

Johnson’s Cotton Buds

These are self-explanatory don’t you think? (A little note for you is to NOT buy the cheaper ones). Some of them are okay but some of them can be dangerous. If they leave a bit of cotton behind anywhere it could get infected and not end pleasantly/ So, I stick to Johnsons and Boots on principle. However, I have recently bought some bamboo ones with the plastic wastage thing that is going on in the news now. I think if we all change one small thing when it comes to plastic, we should make an impact right.

White Shock BlanX Toothpaste

I have been using this on and off for a while now but without the light. I know it probably means it isn’t doing what it is meant to do (without the light) but I like it as toothpaste just as toothpaste in general. I don’t buy it for the whitening factor, although if that was a by-product of using it, I wouldn’t hate it. I have a question though. Why is some toothpaste so expensive? Some of them are £5 or more. I mean it is just toothpaste if it cleans that’s all you need right? I will admit that I only buy this toothpaste when it is on offer, I often find it in B&M and Savers. I refuse to pay full price for it, it isn’t worth it, I do recommend it, and I will be repurchasing it in the future. I have a few that I need to use up first.

Body Shop Shower Gel Satsuma 750ml

LOVE this product, I found this by accident about 3 years ago and it is pretty much the only thing I have used since. It lathers nicely, the smell spreads throughout the bathroom and you can even smell it for a little while after (Which I am a little obsessed with). I have got my friends and family using it as well. I like the packaging because it is hard to pick up, so they put a pump on it (very helpful). They have currently discontinued the large bottles. I have recently found out that it is because they are looking for another way of packaging it with less plastic. It is a shame, but I have my fingers crossed for a speedy return.

It is not the cheapest product to buy but one bottle lasts about 4-5 months. Which makes it about £2 a month which is nothing if you think about it in the big picture. It is often much cheaper to buy bigger bottles in the long run. I recommend this product to everyone, my mum steals it, my sister uses it, and my dad doesn’t hate it. I will be repurchasing it for as long as I can. Body Shop, if you are reading, please bring the big bottles back out.