May Empties

As I only started blogging this month, these empties don't quite represent the whole of May but I am going to write an empties post every month on my blog!

Body and Bath

I have said it before but I love this Soap & Glory daily moisturiser. The packaging is fantastic as the pump allows clean application. The cream smells great and this leaves my skin smooth and soft. I used this twice daily and got nearly 6 months use from one bottle! I will be repurchasing in the future but just now I have plenty body lotions and butters to keep me going. I don't normally think much of bubble baths but this Fresh Raspberry Ripple Bath Milk by Boots had a lovely smell, made loads of bubbles and smoothed my skin. This was part of a set that I got for Christmas and I would happily use it again.

Hair

I'm not really into hair products but I used these samples this month along with my normal routine. The shampoo is something I have used before and I like it. I enjoyed the TRESemme Split Remedy Leave In Treatment because it left my hair smelling gorgeous throughout the day and I found it easier to brush when wet. I don't think I would purchase this though because it was too heavy for my hair.

Skincare

This month I used 2 packets of the T-Zone Cleansing Wipes. I have used these many times before and have no complaints. They remove my makeup well, smell nice and are a bargain! A definite repurchase. I bought the Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Face Mask by Boots because they didn't have the mask I was looking for. I didn't find that it peeled well and this would put me off buying it in the future. Since finishing this Simple Toner I have purchased a new brand to try because I am still new to toner and trying to find one that works for me.

Makeup

I was desperate to finish this Maybeline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation because I had bought Double Wear and really wanted to try it out. This foundation lasted months! I like the colour and I would buy again but I do find that without primer, this foundation is useless! I love the Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara and already have a new one to start using.

Do you use any of these products?

What products did you finish this month?

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My Current Skincare Routine

I will boldly hold my hands up and say - I am new to a skincare routine. I have always been lucky enough to have good, clear skin and so, with the exception of removing my makeup, I have taken little interest in skincare products. However now, at the ripe old age of 25, I am starting to worry about what the future may hold for my skin and think that it might be time for a much talked about 'routine'.

For the past 5 weeks I have stuck to a firm routine of skincare products. I am keen to use products every morning and evening and have also chosen some weekly products to give my skin an extra boost. My current skincare routine is not set in stone. I am new to this and therefore trying out new products and seeing how they suit my skin. I will continue to experiment with new products until I find the routine that works best for me.

Having generally good skin, I am not looking to spend a lot of money on skincare. I want products that can work without breaking the bank. One of my reasons for writing this post is so that my readers can suggest to me products that I might like to try that have worked for them and that are within my budget!

So here are the steps that I have been following lately:

Removing Makeup:
I have been using face wipes for as long as I have been wearing makeup and have never had a problem with them. I know some people who have problem skin choose not to use these but personally I find them the quickest and most effective way to remove the bulk of my makeup. When it comes to buying them I am really not fussy and usually go for something as cheap as I can find. I regularly use these T-Zone Shine Control Cleansing Wipes which have a lovely tea tree smell and are 2 for £1 in Poundworld and Poundland. I use these in the evening to remove my makeup and then in the morning to remove any stubborn waterproof mascara or to correct makeup mistakes!

Cleansing and exfoliating:
I aim to use a cleanser every night but it just doesn't always happen. Cleansing when you are not in the shower is a nightmare. No matter how careful you are you always end up soaking yourself and your bathroom! However in the morning, in the shower, it's a different story. I use either cleanser or scrub every day, usually day about. I have been using Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk since December and I love it. The smell is gorgeous, it feels really smooth on my face and it makes my skin feel squeaky clean. At £7 this is the most expensive item in my routine but definitely worth the cash. The scrub that I am using is ASDA Young Skin Foaming Facial Scrub which is an absolute bargain at £1. I like this scrub. It's gentle enough to use regularly but still feels like it is really exfoliating your skin.
 

Toning:
Toning has always been the step that I have missed out. I could just never really see what it was for. Even now, I'm not entirely sure that I am sold on the idea. I was using a toner by Simple but switched when I ran out simply to try out another product. The toner that I have just now is Garnier Simply Essentials Toner which is £2.99. I use this every morning and evening. I like that it removes any traces of makeup or dirt that have been missed by cleansing but, other than that, I can't feel that it makes any changes to my pores or my skin as a whole. I'd love to try a toner that I can really feel working. Any suggestions?

Eye Gel:
I don't suffer from bags under my eyes or any puffiness so I'm not entirely sure why I am using eye gel! That being said, I do like the cooling feel of this - especially in the morning. Currently I am using the Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50. For the price this is a nice product.

Moisturising:
I love moisturiser! I use various body lotions and potions on my body but always purchase separate products for use on my face. Currently I use two moisturisers; one for the morning and one for the evening. My morning product is ASDA Young Skin Matt Finish Moisturiser, also £1. I apply this before applying makeup in the morning. This moisturiser is perfect for that purpose. It rubs in easily and doesn't leave s greasy residue, meaning it is perfect for applying makeup on top of. In the evening I use NIVEA Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturising Cream, £2.99. This is a lovely smelling cream and a thick consistency meaning it continues to work for the whole night and I wake up with lovely soft skin.

Weekly:
Once a week I use a face mask. At the moment I don't have a particular mask that I use, I just experiment with different ones and mainly buy sachets. I do want to start using the Amie Clay Mask on a regular basis but it is currently out of stock.

Once or twice a week I wash my face using the Nutrogena Wave. I get a really deep clean from this and like to use it when I have a little more time. Sometimes I use the pads that you can buy for the wave and sometimes I just apply a little cleanser to a cotton pad and stick it onto the machine - this works just as well.

Do you use any of these products?

Can you recommend any budget friendly skincare products that I should try?

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