Empties – December 2014

Vichy Idealia Life Serum

I’ve reviewed the Vichy Idealia Life Serum previously here. I’ve really enjoyed using this serum although I have to say that I preferred another Vichy serum more – I would say this is my second favourite serum.

Chopard Wish Eau de Parfum Spray

It’s really odd to finish a perfume that isn’t a sample or travel size. But this is such a great everyday fragrance that I’ve found myself wearing it almost every day since I bought it.

They say:

“Created by Chopard in 1997, Wish is an elegant, refreshing, woody fragrance that contains a blend of woodsy and spicy florals, with notes of patchouli, incense, sandalwood, and amber. Wish is recommended as a daytime fragrance.”

I love the bottle, it looks good on my dressing table – that’s always a plus for me. So I’m sad to say goodbye to this one. It’s available though for the amazing price of  £18.95 here at the moment so I could easily replace it. Maybe I will!

Soap & Glory Heel Genius

I won this Soap & Glory Heel Genius along with a couple of other Soap & Glory items when I just started blogging and I didn’t know a thing about Soap & Glory. I can’t say that it’s as amazing and marvelous as it claims to be but it’s not bad for the price (£5.50 here) and I’ve used it all up! The main issue I have with it and practically all foot creams is that is has that minty/menthol smell and I find it really off-putting. Can anyone find me a foot cream that isn’t minty?

L’Erbolario Accordo Arancio Shower Gel

I went to the only UK franchise of the delightful LErbolario in Islington last week. You can read more about that here if you missed it. Among all the glorious goodies that I brought home with me was this sachet of Arancio (orange) shower gel. To be perfectly frank the gel didn’t blow me away – sure it was orangey and bubbly but nothing remarkable what I have totally fallen in love with is the illustrations that are so stunning on every product.

L’Herblario Verbaluce Brightening Face Serum

Another lovely sample from L’Erbolario which I used for a couple of days instead of my usual serum. This wasn’t long enough to be able to detect any lasting effects but the extracts of  Mullein and Primula are said to ensure a visible lightening effect to the face and to make brown spots less obvious.

Lancôme Advanced Génefique

Here’s one of those samples that you find at the bottom of your stash when you run out of your favourites – it’s the Lancôme Advanced Génefique serum. I found it perfectly pleasant but I can’t say that it blew me in the couple of days that my trial size lasted for. It hasn’t made me want to splash out the £53.10 that this 30ml size is available here.

They say:

“Our #1 serum for younger-looking and radiant skin. Advanced Génifique Serum targets 10 signs of youthful-looking skin. Its patented formula feels incredible to the touch. Drop by drop, skin feels younger at your fingertips.”

I’m guessing that if it rates that highly then there must be something I’m missing and it’s fair to say that this may be one of those products that have a great effect over time. I think though that I like to be impressed straight away so I’m not easy to please.

John Frieda Full Repair Strengthen and Restore Conditioner

I’m continually looking for a conditioner that will sort out my hair and sadly this John Frieda Full Repair Strengthen and Restore Conditioner is not the one. It promises that it reverses the damage with every use. I can’t say that it’s a bad conditioner, because it isn’t. It’s just that it’s just very ordinary. It’s a bit moisturising and makes my hair a bit shiny – it’s just underwhelming. They say:

” Strengthening formula, with Inca Inchi Oil, rich in omega-3, reverses the look and feel of damaged hair as it restores strength for full, bouncy styles without weighing the hair down. Protects brittle strands, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.”

If you’d like to give it a try – maybe your hair isn’t as difficult as mine – then you can find it here for £5.89.

L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner

And I’m sorry to say that this L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner didn’t impress me either. Now that’s not to say that it was so bad that I put it in the cupboard under the sink as a backup for the day when I run out of conditioner. I did use it all up but it wasn’t anything to write home about – or even blog about really – which is why this conditioner only made it as far as inclusion in an empties post and not a full review.  So to sum up – it’s a perfectly adequate conditioner – I just don’t think it meets the claims that it makes.

They say:

“Non-sulphate cleansing system. Indulgent care to help protect over-processed, frizzy hair. Specifically designed for coarse and frizzy hair, the EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture range is a Smoothing Care System with non-sulphate cleansing and smooth conditioning care. The formulas are enriched with botanical sunflower extract and help nourish and smooth the hair, for a frizz-controlled look. “

If you’d like to give it a go then you can find it here priced at £5.99.

Well, that wraps up my empties for December and for the year. I hope that you’ve found some new favourites and had some help to decide what will and won’t suit you. And I figure if nothing else these posts give you some odd kind of insight into the things I like to try.

Thanks for reading.

Hazel

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