FOTD: Warpaint.

Some people call it make-up. 

I call it warpaint.

Especially after all the rubbish stuff going on, I am tired of people saying I look "tired" or "ill."

So I wore a smokey eye to work. Of course.

Base: No.7 Stay Perfect Primer, No.7 Stay Perfect Foundation (Calico), Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder (Sand), No.7 Blush (honey)

Concealer: No.7 Matchmade Concealer (Calico), Maybelline The Eraser Eye (Light)

Eyes: MUA Smokin Palette, Kiko Eye Pencil (Shade 8), Barry M Lash Modelling Mascara

Lips: Rimmel London Kate Lipstick (08)

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De-clutter, storage and playing with pretty make up.

Oh I do love a de-clutter.

Finding forgotten products, forgotten memories, forgotten...stuff!

Seeing as I am leaving for uni in about 5 weeks, I figured now would be a good time to think of some new make up storage. I pondered the classic #bblogger clear acrylic storage, but it just doesn't suit me and my needs. However, my big hessian bucket just isn't working for me.

Mum remembered the box in the loft which she used to store nappies in when I was a baby. (Sounds pleasant eh?!) I have decided to store all my favourite make up in it now, so that I am used to it for when I am at uni. The great thing is, EVERYTHING fits in there, so I can just close it up and pop it back under my desk when I have finished with it. Only thing is, I am having to use it now, as I will never get used to it when I am in Reading!

I have put eye shadows in one bag, lip products in the bee bag, concealers and mascaras in another. Half of my nail varnishes are in the little box; these are my darker colours as it will be Autumn/Winter when I am at uni.

At the top are my face products. I will store my brushes in their jars on my desk or will pop them in the bottom.

That means that I have lots of spare products, which I have popped in a drawer, ready to be replacements.

I also sorted through all my make up,  freebies and samples and decided to chuck away all this:

I have my favourite gold eye shadow in here...which I have had for nearing on 10 years now. It's time to say goodbye. *sob!* There are also a LOT of Avon perfume samples which I will never wear and some Avon face products which will not suit me.

Doing this has made SO much more room on my dressing table and my drawers, which I am loving. A clearer dressing table can help me focus more.

I am about to wash my make up brushes too. Ahhh I feel a lot better now!

I don't know about you but I LOVE storage posts and organising posts, so it was about time to do my own! Please send me links to your storage posts, I love them! Comment below or tweet me @AshiTheseDays.

(P.S. If you want to see any of these products reviewed, please feel free to ask me to!)

Black velvet on that little boys smile,

Black velvet and that slow southern style.

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July Empties

Oh it feels so good seeing all those full sizes empty.

Haircare

Avon Naturals Superfruit Soufflé Hair Masque 

Nyahhh...eghhhh.....Review HERE

Would I repurchase? No

Herbal Essences Seductively Straight Sleekening Intensive Mask

Oh I miss this already.

Would I repurchase? No, because it costs like, a tenner! Silly discontinued lines. Review HERE

Facial Skincare

Bobbi Brown Concealer

This was the only concealer for me. Then I met the Collection one...

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Barry M Lash Modelling Mascara 

I opened it, I hated it. I persvered, I love it!

Would I repurchase? Yes, I stopped myself buying this today!

Facial Skincare

Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets 

Addicted to these! Leaves make-up intact and makes me look less...damp. Winner! Review HERE

Would I repurchase? Already have done, found them in 99p Store!

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel

Nyahhh...eghhhh.....Review HERE

Would I repurchase? Yes, why is this not in my life again?!

Avon Clinical Eye Lift Pro sample

I think this works.

Would I repurchase? Very tempted.

Moisturiser

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Moisturiser

To be honest, nothing compares to this line of moisturisers.

Would I repurchase? Probably.

Champneys Vitamiracle Rejuvenating Hand & Nail Cream

Such a lovely hand cream. Smells like orange yoghurt (in a good way.)

Would I repurchase? Maybe, I have others that I would buy over this though.

Perfume

Lady Million sample

OH GOD I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

Would I repurchase? Very tempted, every time I see this in the stock room...

Miscellaneous

Boots Cotton Pads

Not as good as other brands to be honest.

Would I repurchase? Nah

2 x Dove Invisible Dry Compressed Deodorant

I don't think these suit me anymore.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. Review HERE

Sure for Men Invisible Ice

Okay, let me explain. Jamie left this behind and I hate wasting things. Especially when cans are half full.

Would I repurchase? I already have and it's working pretty well!

Elmo shower gel

A present from Mum. got to say, I really enjoyed it. Lil watermelon-y smelling monster! ;)

Would I repurchase? I might do!

Have you tried any of these products?

Anybody here love Elmo too?!

In the day we sweat it out on the streets of a runaway American dream,
At night we ride through the mansions of glory in suicide machines

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May Empties

I must be in a permanent state of confusion! I thought I did not write last months empties post, so I DOUBLED up this month's post...turns out I did. OH GAHHHD TIME WASTED. Ooops.

So, here we go!

Facial Skincare

B Pure Micellar Water

This stings your eyes like...I dunno, something painful. Probably not as good as higher-end brands, but I like it as a pre-cleanse.

Would I repurchase? Already bought one!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.

They're alright. On Andy they worked RIDICULOUSLY well. For me, not so much. Were good for stripping the oils off my nose though.

Would I repurchase? Maybe.

Dermalogica Ultracalming cleanser

I say this every month, a great cleanser, you can even use it on your eyes.

Would I repurchase? Nope, I pinch Mum's.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

I say this every month. Not my favourite.

Would I repurchase? No.

Haircare

Avon Naturals Almond Oil and Avocado Conditioner

Yeeeeah was pretty good.

Would I repurchase? Probably not. Review HERE

Make-up

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in 

Shade 1 - Pale Yellow

Shade 5 - Soft Sand

These are my go to powders, love them! I have two shades, one for Winter and one for Summer.

Would I repurchase? I always have these.

Bath products

Bayliss & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Luxury Shower Creme

It's the last one! FINALLY.

Would I repurchase? It's nice, but it's more of a gift thing?

Miscellaneous

2 x Dove Invisible Dry Compressed Deodorant

My staple deodorants.

Would I repurchase? I have loads! Review HERE

Avon Clinical Eye Lift Pro sample

I think this could be working

Would I repurchase? Gotta get through the samples first!

Oral B 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste sample

It tasted alright, I think it did brighten my teeth...and it was purple!

Would I repurchase? Maybe, it's kinda expensive.

Benefit It's Potent sample

Another eye cream, not sure if it really did much for me...it might have been open too long?!

Would I repurchase? Probably not

Soap and Glory Hand Maid

I hate grapefruit but I love this?!

Would I repurchase? Just purchased it!

Oral B Pro-Expert Toothpaste sample

This tastes JANK. Not minty at all. But you get used to it and it genuinely does leave your teeth shiney, even  til when you wake up.

Would I repurchase? Undecided

Got there eventually! My confusion lasted for weeks apparently!

Have you tried any of these products?

Happiness. 

More or less.

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Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream

When I buy my foundation and powder from Bobbi Brown, I end up spending an obscene amount of money. That's just what happens. I think the ladies might recognise me now.

I believe that this is the best and only foundation out there for me, therefore I do not want to waste money on  trying anything else.

(Although I am intrigued to see if anything could beat it. I am not dismissing any other brands!)

Anyway, as I spent a fair bit of money, the lady at the counter kindly gave me a sample of their Hydrating Face Cream.

To be honest, I really thought I wouldn't be that bothered by it. The lady did say that it would suit combination skin, so I tried it.

Then I fell in love.

It does what it says on the tin. It hydrates. All my dry patches were gone. You know those bits where the spots just dry out and won't budge? GONE. This could be down to the Algae extract?! (Sounds grim but hey, if it works...) My oily zones...not added to either!

This moisturiser is also a great base. I have never used a face primer before, but the lady told me that it would be an ideal primer. My make up definitely lasted longer compared to using my normal moisturiser.

Honestly, if  I had £36 to spend on moisturiser, I would buy this. My tiny little jar lasted ages. But I don't. So unless I am given any vouchers for it, I will be begrudgingly staying at home, without any of this product.

If you want to buy this moisturiser, you can buy this HERE for £36.00. Bobbi Brown is also at John Lewis or House of Fraser.

Are you recognised at your favourite make-up counter too?!

In your heart, in your mind,

I'll stay with you,

For all of time

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January Empties

Hi everyone! It has passed the 4th of the month which means that I am suitably late enough for my empties post! These past few days of delays are not good for me or my blog!

Body Moisturisers

Soap & Glory Righteous Butter - Travel Size

There's no need for any introductions, we have all tried it!

Would I repurchase? Yes, probably the same travel size though as the smell is strong and my Mum hates it!

 Bath Products

Soap & Glory Flake Away

I really like this, smells great and the different sized scratchy bits feel lovely!

Would I repurchase? Once again, yes but travel sized

Bayliss & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Luxury Shower Creme

Every bloomin' month! Yes I like it, blah blahhh

Would I repurchase? I might have finally run out...not!

Facial Products

Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

A really sympathetic cleanser! So gentle, you can use it on your eyes. Love it, so good for travel

Would I repurchase? No, it's not the BEST for my skin. It works, but I need something better suited for oil. My Mum has this so I borrow hers if I want some.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

Great masque for a good deep cleanse!

Would I repurchase? Possibly

Nivea Pore Refining Day Cream

Nicely moisturing but I don't remember much about it. Will try the others.

Would I repurchase? Need to try my other ones first.

Nivea Express Hydration Primer

I think one sample of this isn't enough to get your head around. Wasn't blown away.

Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Vichy Idealia Pro Deep Corrector

Am using sample number 2 of this now. Review to come

Would I repurchase? Undecided!

Superdrug Energising Peel Off Mask

Not much I can say about it as I had exfoliated first, so the mask stung and I took it off straight away! Will try it again another time!

Would I repurchase? Yes, just to see what the situation is with it!

Make Up

5 x pots of 17 Eye Dazzle 

Not strictly empty, just decanted! See my post about it HERE

Would I repurchase? No

Sachet of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector

I raved about this. Turns out, in daylight, I look terrible in it. REVIEW HERE.

Would I repurchase? No

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Shade 1 Warm Ivory and Shade 2 Sand

My favourite foundation. Shade 1 is winter and Shade 2 is summer for me! Although I have run out of shade 1 though and am using my spare shade 2 now. Nice...

Would I repurchase? Yes yes yes.

Hair Products

Pantene Pro V 2 min Colour Damage Rescue Masque

I don't have colour damaged hair but I love a hair masque on Tuesdays and this was screaming to be used after I had colour put in my hair. Smells lush and hair feels great after!

Would I repurchase? Potentially, really good product

Misc.

Pocket sized Vaseline

Remember when Vaseline brought these cute pocket versions out? Yeah? I bought this then! Could never get in the bloody thing until recently so I have used it on everything, feet, lips, car keys! (Had a little frozen lock situation.)

Would I repurchase? I have so many of these! Probably not anytime soon!

Seems monthly empties posts are a bit easier to manage! Have you written any empties posts recently? I'd love to read them!

A song played in a circle that never skips a beat...

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Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream

This is the Ginerva Green Tea Nude Cover BB cream.

There are such big promises.

• Oil control properties for a natural matte finish
• Flawless coverage for all skin types
• All day hydration
• SPF 30
• Ultra fine nano texture for an even tone and natural look

The website states, "Enriched with premium Green Tea, Ginseng, Chinese Angelica and Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea Nude Cover BB cream provides the benefits of blemish free concealing, sun block effects, whitening, moisturising and reduction of lines, providing a long lasting smooth and ultra light feel to nourish and perfect your skin."

After reading this, I felt the need to do this test properly.

Cleanse, tone, moisturise. CHECK. 

My weapons of choice.

Under eyes concealed. CHECK. (Natural Collection Concealer)

Spots covered. CHECK. (Bobbi Brown Concealer)

All covered up.

Then I put the BB Cream on my hand. The colour looked a bit dark for my winter complexion. (my tan has faded!) Actually it's not a nice colour at all initially.Then I put it on my face.

Well. I thought I was wiping dirt coloured liquid on my face. The colour came out so badly wrong for me, it didn't look natural. I wish the photo could show the colour better.

After my initial shock, the colour calmed down. It looked normal. To be fair, the consistency is lovely and the coverage is great. My wrinkles haven't been made more obvious either. Now it has sunk in, it isn't as bad. My powder has gone on top of it nicely, so the dark colour has calmed down a bit. It smells nice too.

Compared to other foundations and BB creams I have tried, this is a pricey alternative. But, if you have slightly darker skin compared to my pale winteryness, then it could be an excellent alternative. The SPF 30 is an excellent idea; technologically it is a fantastic BB cream.

Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream can be bought from Harvey Nichols or here

If I could, then I would,

I'd go wherever you will go.

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