Product Explosion... and a Few Reviews!

This morning, I was woken by the house phone ringing at 7.43am. On a Saturday. Rude. I still have no idea who thought it necessary to call at such a time and, as I struggled out of bed, I spent at least five minutes cursing the day they were born. It turns out they did me a favour. The sun was streaming through the windows. I was awake. It was a perfect opportunity to get ahead, so I got to work. Don't you just love productive weekends?

Task one: Finally address my ever growing collection of junk products. I'm almost ashamed to post this:

And this isn't even the half of it. A similar amount clutters the bathroom. More are found dotted around the house, in my handbag, in my gym bag. You get the picture.

One of my main objectives for 2010 was to spend less and declutter. Doing so has almost become a part-time job. I have so. much. junk stuff. I attacked this product explosion today! It got me thinking about which products I love and which I pretty much loathe. Expect several reviews over the coming weeks.

For now, I leave you with three of my least expensive, but most loved, products:

01 Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover £2.99

This stuff is a-maz-ing!

I've tried all kinds of removers over the years (many from high end brands) and never been satisfied. Most of them simply didn't work. I always wondered 'how can it be so hard to manufacture a remover that works? Surely it can't be so hard? It's not rocket science'.

But alas, I finally found my holy grail. The search is over.

Glides on beautifully using a cotton wool pad, reducing the likelihood of dragging the delicate skin of your eye. Quite oily in consistency but any residue left behind is easily washed away with cleanser/water. I am a dedicated user of waterproof mascara - this product removes it so easily.

The price is also pretty cool. as is the packaging. botanics is often on a buy 2 get 1 free offer or is sold with a third off. i have 3 bottles in stock thanks to a recent offer. cheap enough to buy full price but I'd recommend waiting for an offer - one bottle will not be enough.

Rating = 10/10 // holy grail status

02 St Ives Apricot Scrub £4.29

I've bought this exfoliating facial scrub four times over. If i lost it or ran out I'd make it a priority to quickly buy again.

This latest bottle is a new 'blemish fighting' formula for oily/blemish prone skin. It seems pretty similar to the previous version - I can't say I've noticed much difference. Some people say they use it everyday. That would be a little harsh for me, so I tend to use it three times per week at most. It makes skin super smooth and creates the perfect base for primer and foundation.

Despite it's claims it hasn't succeeded in preventing those pesky blackheads that some of us are unfortunate enough to be afflicted with. Here's a little tip for application - using your fingertips apply to your damp face (I do it in the shower). With a firm, smooth action massage the product into the skin in a circular motion. By pressing quite firmly you avoid 'scratching' the skin and the circular motion seems to give a much more even, smooth result, whilst also promoting circulation.

Rating = 8/10 // excellent value for money

03 Loreal Elvive Full Restore Haircare (as marketed by Cheryl Cole) from £2.55

I am a marketer's dream. Cheryl Cole well and truly sucked me in. Her promise of restoring my weak, limp, lifeless hair had me running to the supermarket quick smart. Luckily, I wasn't disappointed.

I do believe in premium haircare. There's no doubt about that. But now that I no longer dye my hair (I'm embracing my natural brunette) and my hair is in reasonable condition I felt like I could get away with a drugstore haircare brand for a little while. I've appreciated the extra cash in my pocket - I previously used Pureology at £16+ per bottle. Gasp!

This range really does do what it says on the tin. And that's all I ask of a product! Geez, that's all any of us want. We don't expect miracles - we just wish they lived up to their claims. Using this combination, I immediately noticed that my hair appeared glossier, healthier and stronger. It looked fuller and no longer lifeless. Bought on offer, all three products cost just short of £6.50. I couldn't be happier.

Rating = 8/10 // will buy again

So, that's all I have for you today. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend. the weather is absolutely glorious! Before you leave, why not share your inexpensive but oh so wonderful product discoveries in the comments section? Help a sister out! I'd love to hear them!