As promised, a regular post featuring my recent beauty empties – tried and tested until every last drop has disappeared – is back!

Sorry this one took longer than expected. Life, innit!

You can read my first instalment here and as there’s 10 hero products to get through this time, let’s get started!

1 PUKKA WHOLISTIC SHATAVARI

Unlike the majority of products listed here, all sent for me to review (standard practise after nearly two decades working as a Fashion & Beauty Editor) I actually purchased a three month supply of Pukka Wholistic Shatavari on recommendation by the all-round-lovely-person and industry peer, Eminé Rushton.

Please check out her incredible blog The Balance Plan for sage advice on creating a life where balance, purpose and peace all work in sync.

It’s stunning.

And it’s bloody useful advice, too. Plus, Eminé really speaks to my inner witch (I said witch!)

Totally going WAY off point here, ha!

Back in the room.

I was recommended to take this shatavari supplement (wild asparagus) to help deal with my horrendous bouts of hormonal acne and general wellness in terms of my more apparent mood swings. (Could I be perimenopausal?)

It works to readdress the balance thanks to its adaptogenic properties but the advice is to give it three months to notice any difference (I’m on my second month).

I’ll blog more about this soon as adult acne and menopause seem to be a common convo on my Instagram grid.

Expect more later but for now, if you fancy giving it a whirl, it’s a vegan friendly gluten, dairy, soya, wheatgrain, sugar-free female food supplement that I’ve got lots of faith in.

To be continued…

2 RODIAL BEE VENOM EYE CREAM

This is not cheap at £135 but if you are looking for a really good eye cream that actually works – this is it! It’s lasted well over a year, so if you do the math, it works out a bit more than a tenner a month.

I’m not ever here to push product on you – only to recommend and help navigate around an already overly saturated skincare market.

I’m here to help whittle things down so you spend your hard earned cash wisely.

Use every night, applying lightly onto the delicate under eye area – but not too close to the lash line (to avoid congestion). Use along the brow bone, too.

Worth knowing that no bees get harmed in the process and allegedly the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan…

3 GLAMGLOW THIRSTY MUD HYDRATING TREATMENT MASQUE

This looks like the caramel you pour over churros! (Fave!) Funny how we assume how certain things should look. I expected it to be creamy and white but then it is called Glamglow Thirsty Mud, so a little ‘doh’ on my part!

Slather onto cleansed, dry skin and leave on for an hour.

I actually sleep in it as it’s easily absorbed and then simply shower off in the morning. Skin looks plumper and hydrated. Note that if you have combination skin, you can just focus on key areas. For example, I don’t always apply it to my forehead (forever greasy).

This rule applies to moisturisers, too. Apply only where needed. Use a couple of times a week or when skin needs a boost.

4 EMBRYOLISSE LAIT CREME CONCENTRE

I don’t know how to say this without sounding so gushy but this really is THE BEST!

Ask any professional make-up, skincare or beauty bigwig and they’ll agree. And it’s a pretty simple formula too that’s packed with fatty acids, vitamins as well as healing properties.

It can be used on your face, body, arms, feet; it’s lightweight but packs a powerful moisture punch without feeling overly greasy or too creamy.

Once only available in French pharmacies, it’s now readily available and affordable here. The only downside is when the foil packaging cracks and you end up with a bag full of the beautiful white stuff! Other than that, it goes down as one of my cult beauty essential.

It will not disappoint!

5 ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM ALL-OVER MIRACLE OIL

Again, another product that works hard! This miracle oil from the giants at Elizabeth Arden and their iconic Eight Hour Cream cult beauty fame can be used from top-t0-toe.

The spray nozzle makes it mess-free and I find that (as with most oils) it works better on slightly damp skin, thereby locking in more moisture.

It smells wonderful thanks to the blend of beautiful oils.

Downside – it doesn’t last long (for me). I need a bulk shipment of the stuff as I have quite dry skin (legs and arms mainly).

6 ELIZABETH ARDEN CERAMIDE CAPSULES

Another Elizabeth Arden product but this time the devil’s in the travel size detail. I can’t find a link to take you directly to the 15 capsule set (as pictured above) but have added a link instead for the 30 capsules (the smaller size may have come as part of a gift set).

Ideal for overnight stays, weekend breaks and holidays – the capsule form means that your skincare routine doesn’t get shoved to one side and you’re not having to lug an expensive bottle of your favourite serum or elixir in your luggage.

Just pop however many capsules you need in a container, then twist off the end when required (like a Karvol capsule!) and apply immediately.

The concentrated dosage repairs, strengthens and illuminates even the most tired binged-on-a-box-set complexions.

Feels silky to touch. Apply to cleansed skin before bedtime.

7 CLOUD NINE MAGICAL QUICK DRY POTION

My daughter gets most upset when I forget to ask her to shake this up! It’s a mix of two liquids (one clear, one bright turquoise) that once you vigorously shake up, transforms into a pale, creamy blue mixture. A lot of fun for 7 year olds – and 40 year olds alike, ha!

Not only does it act as a heat protector (something you must add to your routine to limit heat damage if you regularly use heated styling tools) it also reduces the drying time by half, which is also better for thin/damaged/coloured and generally weaker hair types.

Spray liberally onto clean, towel dried hair and then blow dry as usual. Or use on dry hair to create a heat barrier before grabbing the ghds!

Remember, regular trims really are the only way to keep hair in optimum condition. If you use heated appliances regularly, aim to get a trim every 8-12 weeks to get rid of parched ends and where possible, cut back usage and use a deep conditioning treatment once a week.

8 AVALON ORGANICS STRENGTHENING PEPPERMINT CONDITIONER

When it comes to the kids, I prefer to buy their shampoo and conditioner from the health food shops (and Waitrose!) because (when I can) my preferred choice is to opt for natural products that are free from all the chemical nasties.

A bit like limiting their consumption of Coca Cola – while I still have the power, I like to know that what they’re using on their scalp and skin, isn’t going to be riddle with the unknown.

As grown-ups they might decide to drink Fanta on tap and wash their hair with Fairy liquid – but while I still have an influence, this is how I like things to be.

I’m not that loyal to any natural brands in particular. If they’re in the sale, even better! We’ve tried Avalon (as pictured) Jason and Green People to name a few.

Both kids have sensitive skin and we’ve had no irritations using any of these mentioned brands.

9 ARK VITALITY BODY WASH

A soap-free shower wash that can also be used in the bath for a lightly foaming, fragrant soak.

Sea minerals, shea butter and a coconut scent lingers long after you’ve showered and skin is left feeling hydrated. Great for drier and mature skins and is ideal for those who are looking for a soap-free alternative.

10 ALGENIST ADVANCED ANTI-AGEING REPAIRING OIL

Last and by no means least, probably one of my favourite skincare brands, this Algenist oil is of exceptional quality.

If you’re not much into skincare but want something that’s easy, will game change your complexion and is suitable for all skin types, this is it, folks!

What it’s done to my skin in terms of improving its texture is smart. Plus, it lasted well over a year, as you only really need a couple of drops a day.

Simply warm up in your palms and apply to cleansed skin and smooth down your neck and décolletage. You can use it under moisturiser if preferred or after a serum, too but I prefer to use it alone, just as I’d crawl into bed and go to sleep.

Remember that skin repairs over night as you sleep so make sure it’s ready before lights out – cleansed and charged with product that works for you. This way you know you’ll be maxing out your beauty sleep potential.

And there you have it!

My top ten hero empties to keep you busy until the next instalment.

As always, any questions or comments, simply scroll down and fire away!

Thank you for reading,