Hey guys! Welcome to my skincare and make up empties #4. Like always I've delayed putting this post up and now I have a rather big pile to tackle. Without further ado I shall commence.
Cleansers, Toners and Makeup Removers
Superdrug Cleansing Facial Wipes For Dry Skin
Part of their individual ranges for different skin types, these wipes were okay, not moist enough unfortunately but did an okay average job at removing most of my makeup or for fixing makeup mistakes, probably won't repurchase as I've tried better wipes.
Superdrug B. Pure Sensitive Micellar Cleansing Wipes
These wipes however (mentioned before HERE) are better, they do a decent job at removing makeup as well as stubborn liquid lipsticks, they could have been softer and a tiny bit more moister, but not bad overall, I have enjoyed using these.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
I've used plenty of these before, (briefly mentioned here). A reliable makeup remover, removes makeup fairly well but doesn't remove liquid lipsticks easily depending on the formula you might need to rub a little extra, though I prefer to use baby oil to remove liquid lipsticks or any waterproof long wearing makeup. Not my favourite as I feel this does leave me feeling a little stripped and dry but definitely a reliable one.
Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash
I've realised foaming washes leave my dehydrated skin feeling really tight so I've switched to cream washes instead. I've used this both as makeup removal with a flannel as well as second/morning cleanse and it's been working fine, It doesn't dry me out and it does an okay job at removing makeup, it's cheap and cheerful, probably would repurchase, not the absolute best for removing makeup but not too bad either.
Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cream Wash
Mentioned previously HERE, I use this for second cleanse or morning cleanse and really like how smooth and soft it leaves my skin feeling, this doesn't remove makeup so I use it mainly in the mornings. I like how it doesn't leave me too dry and how it gently cleanses my skin in the morning, this does have some little beads as well as tinsy particles in this which aid exfoliation even though it isn't labelled a scrub or exfoliant. Would definitely repurchase.
Superdrug Gentle Creamy Cleanser
Mentioned HERE, I like this cheap and cheerful cleanser, it removes makeup well with a flannel and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight. Smells comforting and feels lovely. Will definitely repurchase.
Clean & Clear Morning Energy Skin Brightening Daily Facial Scrub
I used to use this a good few years back and really liked how it used to brighten my skin, I never really believed product names but this product did noticeably leave my skin a little brighter. Fast forward to now I thought I'd give it another go and see if it did the same magic, I find it doesn't really make me glow like it used to and find it really really dries my skin out and leaves me feeling quite tight. Won't repurchase unfortunately.
Nivea Creme Care Cleansing Lotion
Nivea recently came out with a cream wash and after reading the backs of this and the other I chose this one because it removed makeup as well as cleansed with drying the skin out. This broke me out, it was horrible, small spots, big spots and tons of congestion. It was after a good few weeks of good skin and a steady skincare routine using the same products, enter this one cleanser and I break out, so I definitely know that it was this. It did remove makeup well with a flannel and my skin did feel soft but my skin obviously didn't agree with it unfortunately. I tried using it up as shave cream/gel but it wasn't working out, in the bin it goes.
Simple Pore Minimising Toning Cleanser
I got this to use as an extra cleansing/toning step for after removing my makeup, to remove any possible traces of makeup or cleanser and to tone at the same time. It doesn't remove makeup very well, but I got it for toning purposes, something that doesn't strip or leave my skin feeling tight like most astringent toners do. It's a gel like formula that feels cool and refreshing on the skin, I advise to use this on damp/wet cotton rounds as it glides better on the skin this way, otherwise it may drag, it does leave my skin feeling cleaner and I'm left more assured that I haven't left any traces of cleanser or makeup on my skin. Would probably repurchase as its affordable and my skin doesn't mind it.
Avene Thermal Spring Water
I love hydrating mists and the description and claims drew me in. Erm, I can't say much, its water, I payed £10 for a can of water :D. okay okay it does feel very refreshing, I love how delicately the mist falls on the face and I definitely got a lot of use out of it during the summer heatwave we had earlier this year. Would I repurchase though? Erm... probably not... I can't tell if I got any of the benefits of the thermal water to be honest.
Oils, Creams and Sunscreens
Coconut Oil
I bought this tub of unscented Coconut Oil from Superdrug a while back, the coconut smell was removed somehow but I always got hints of the smell afterwards despite its unscentedness. I like to use coconut oil in my hair as I don't think my skin agrees with it, I remember trying it in the past and getting spots, so I generally keep it for hair use, but because I don't really have a haircare routine it was just sitting there for ages so I used it up as a makeup remover and then second cleansed off any residue.
Argan Oil
Named and famed as liquid gold this bottle of Argan Oil was a gift but I don't think it's the pure stuff as the proper stuff should be kept in dark bottles and the viscosity and scent should be different to what this was, I have used 100% pure cold pressed Argan oil so I do know what it should be like. This wasn't bad, I do use oils regularly and Argan doesn't break me out so probably will repurchase, (I've been gifted another bottle of this "diluted" oil so the pure stuff will have to wait).
100% Pure Cold Pressed Almond Oil
My skin does like Almond Oil too, though I probably won't repurchase as I quite like Rosehip Oil and since Almond has a balance of oleic and linoleic acid it's not the most safest option for acne prone skin. But generally I do like it.
Bravura Collagen Moisturising Cream
This is the more moisturising version of the two moisturisers that Bravura do. I did like it at the beginning but near the end I didn't find it moisturising enough, I'd find my self reapplying 2-3 times every half an hour. I don't know if it was my skin but I actually prefer their blue Azulene jar they do. Though I love how nice the inci list is and how I actually know what each ingredient is. It's good but won't repurchase as it just wasn't working for me strangely enough.
Pestle & Mortar Hydrate Lightweight Moisturiser
I received a sample of this when I bought my theBalm Luminizer Sister trio and was hooked. Considering this is quite pricey and was way beyond my budget I just had to have it. Luckily I got it as a gift and also managed to get a backup at a very reasonable price. Why I had to have this in my life was because I have the most confusing messed up skin type, I NEED hydration and moisture but I can't stand heavy sticky formulas and it must be acne prone skin friendly, mentioned here before I simply adored how lightweight and hydrating this felt on my skin, a little went such a long way and it was like a generous, much needed drink of water for my skin, it also has added peptides and anti-oxidants with an airtight and hygienic pump dispenser, my only qualm is that it is quite fragranced and I've been trying to clear my routine of any fragranced products as my skin is easily irritated and extremely irritation/congestion prone. I will use up the backup tub I have and may have to consider letting go of this I think, I'll see, I'm using other moisturisers atm and my skin is alhumdulillah at a good place right now so I'll see how my skin behaves when I bring it back into my routine.
Simple Protecting Moisture Cream SPF 30
Mentioned HERE and HERE, I have used up around 3-4 bottles of this but have found formulas better suited for my skin. It's good for normal to slightly dry skin but not the most absorbent and does sting my eyes a little if I take it up too close. Loved how affordable it was, it was £5 before, now they've bumped it up to £7. Luckily I've found better formulas for my fussy skin now. Won't repurchase.
Boots Soltan Dry Touch Suncare Cream
Mentioned before HERE. This is what I've replaced the Simple Cream with, I ADORE the formula for this, it's creamy not greasy, well absorbent, doesn't sting my eyes, doesn't leave a hideous cast on my skin and it's moisturising enough. At £6 it's very affordable and I can use the recommended 1/2 -1 teaspoon on my face without looking like a greaseball.
Serums, Treatments and Masks
Paula's Choice Samples
Quite a while back I bought a whole load of sample sachets from the Paula's Choice website and was trying out different products and formulas to see which ones I liked, I must admit that my skin was looking so healthy when my whole routine was Paula's Choice products. Trying out all these samples helped me decide which products and formulas I wanted to buy full sizes of, I'd definitely recommend trying out their sampling service as they do reasonably priced sets too and have since bought a couple of full sizes.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
This was a proper treat, I enjoyed using this, it was hydrating, comforting and I'd wake up to nourished feeling skin. But I won't repurchase, I feel as if it is overpriced for what it does and I'd have to use it consistently to see any results if any. I much prefer my Paula's Choice Antioxidant Serum with Retinol (mentioned here) and The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% as I got more definite and obvious results, that too sooner. If you can afford then go for it. Won't repurchase.
Boots Time Delay Radiance Booster
This is meant to be a dupe for the Clarins Flash Balm, this is one of those products that I don't use regularly but when I do actually use it I wonder why I don't use it more often. It's a multi use product, it's meant to be a mask, primer and hydration booster all in one. It's good if you need some extra moisture under your makeup, it has a slight tightening effect from the rice ingredient inside it, almost gives the effect of having a light layer of egg white on the skin if you get what I mean. Good if you want to look a bit more dewy and radiant. I probably won't repurchase as it just didn't wow me though a lot of people adore it, don't get me wrong it is actually really good but I'm just too lazy to add it to my routine so it's my loss really. *UPDATE* : I'm actually adoring this product right now! It's really changed my makeup game. My foundations just apply so much smoother and look so much nicer, I love it as a smoothing and hydrating primer and I've actually bought a new tube already! In LOVE!
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
Reviewed HERE I have a soft spot for this as it was one of my first acid products and the beginning of my new skin life/journey, I loved the results of this, loved how soft and radiant it would leave my skin and adored how well my moisturiser sunk in and how my makeup sat better. It is quite pricey as I've found other acid products that work just as good if not better and more affordable too so I probably won't repurchase.
Rodial Skin Bleach Mask
Mentioned before HERE, I love this mask, it's since been renamed to Rodial White Brightening Mask, it's a great acid mask, I love how smooth, soft and supple it leaves my skin, I adore how light reflects from my skin after I use this, it's great at getting rid of dry skin, it's smoothening and gives a nice polished look to my skin. Love using just before an event. Pleasure to use and will always repurchase.
Hair and Body
L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask
Earlier this year my hair went through this weird change where my scalp would get greasy within 48 hours of washing it. Usually I'd hit the 4th day and I'd be in need of a wash but these days I wasn't lasting 2. Right about that time L'Oreal released this range which was targeted for those that struggle with oily roots and dry ends which was exactly my problem so taking this as a sign I went and bought the whole range which was on introductory offer price. They say to use the masque for up to 5 minutes before shampooing and to concentrate the shampoo mainly on the roots and the conditioner on the lengths and tips so I did so. The first time I used the shampoo and conditioner alone without using the masque, I noticed it didn't prolong the time till my next wash and my roots were still getting oily by the second day. However the second time I used the Masque before the shampoo and conditioner, I noticed my scalp felt extra cleaner and lighter than usual and I got an extra day and a half of 'clean-feel'.
This range has a clean fresh cucumber/watermelon-ish kind of scent, it's not totally watermelon because I don't really like watermelon scents, but this one is more fresh in scent, I think the fragrance could've been a bit more feminine to be honest. The shampoo and conditioner is a typical murky whitish colour and consistency. The masque is an aqua green, it actually stains my fingers when I put it on but does wash off whilst I'm showering. I leave it on for 10-15 mins not for 5 as recommended, I got around 6-7-ish uses out of this tub but it finished well before the shampoo and conditioner did. I would probably repurchase these but I'm not overly keen on the shampoo or conditioner as the conditioner isn't as hydrating as I'd like and the shampoo didn't prolong the clean-feel of my hair, masque I might repurchase when it's on offer.
Garner Body Repair Anti-Dryness Moisturiser
Bottle 27,476,378. Nuf said.
Dove Pro-Age Nourishing Lotion
It's okay, bit sticky and clammy if overused which I really dislike, I was intrigued by the lactic acid in this as I thought it would gently slough off some dry skin, it does tingle/sting if you use it after shaving but not as effective on my reptilian dry skin as I was hoping. Anyone with moderate dry skin or lower would really like this. Won't repurchase.
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter
I'm a moisture junkie you should know, I have dehydration not only on my face but over my body too, it's awful and is one of my biggest sorrows so I've always got masses of body lotions and butters in storage to keep my skin somewhatsoft normal. I love the scent of this body butter and its okay at keeping my skin soft but not really enough, at most the softness lasts a day on me. Got this as a gift but wouldn't purchase.
Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish
I was so hopeful of body scrubs, thinking they'd really really help me with my rough and tough dry body skin but they just don't do much for me unfortunately. Unless my body is completely hair free (LOL) I don't see the benefit of scrubs on myself personally. I prefer to use them as a pampering treat once in a while as I don't have the patience or time to include them in my regular bath routine. This is a sugar in oil scrub so make sure you've cleansed your body before using as this leaves a definite oil residue on the skin. It does leave my skin softer and moisturised but only when my limbs are hair free if that makes sense lol, I like total body suppleness okay? It's okay but I wouldn't purchase as it didn't wow me and its just an extra step in my routine.
Miss Sixty Rock Muse Perfume EDT
Ancient cheap buy that I've been trying to use up and finally have! It's quite a unique smell but not my kinda scent overall, it's not that bad but I don't really find it all too special, it was the bottle and name that drew me in to be honest. It's a fruity, zingy, spicy, tangy kind of scent, I don't have anything like it in my fragrance wardrobe so it's pretty unique in that sense but it's not something I'd repurchase.
Makeup
It takes me FOREVER to finish makeup so I'm super chuffed at this little selection haha!
Soap & Glory Kick Ass Powder (full review HERE).
Holy Grail product for me, this is a miracle foundation perfecter and smooth pore-less skin in a compact. If you know me you know I'm a hardcore Kick Ass devotee. This stuff was life changing for me! Would 100% repurchase, I was even discussing this with my sister the other day that I would repurchase this even if it was £40+. I adore the way it takes away unwanted shine off my skin whilst keeping it looking skin like, doesn't alter my foundation shade, fills in my pores and smoothens my skin surface texture, photoshopped/filtered skin in a compact. I finished this ages ago and kept it to include in my makeup empties but it really takes me forever to finish makeup so finally can get rid of it now.
ELF Essential Lipstick in Fantasy
Gorgeous nude colour for asian skin tone, creamy, pigmented and smells yummy. If you've been following me on Insta you'd know how long I've been trying to use this up for, finally a stub I can now get rid of it. Wouldn't repurchase as the formula was too creamy but the colour was too nice to get rid of.
B. Confident Colour Correction Cream SPF45 in Medium (mentioned here)
A really nice hydrating peachy coloured cream that really perked up and brightened my skin. Usually drugstore bases are too ashy or pink, but this peachy tinted cream worked pretty nicely on me, offering light coverage and plenty of spf, I definitely got a lot of use out of this. This was a gift but unfortunately it's not something I would repurchase as it made me look too shiny and I couldn't use it around my mouth as it was far too light and peachy for that area. I would recommend this for anyone NC30 - NC35 and under.
NYC Chocolate Brown Eye Pencil
Mentioned here before, standard creamy dark brown pencil that I loved using more so because of the colour, not so much the outdated formula, as it didn't last unless I mattified my eyelids then set the pencil with some powder, I love using dark brown eyeliner for everyday now instead of black. Wouldn't repurchase this specific pencil but would definitely repurchase a brown pencil in a modern long lasting formula.
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Mini
This came free in a Elle magazine I bought a couple years back, wasn't too fond of it at first as I felt too much product came out on the spoolie and would make my lashes clumpy, but as it dried I started to really like it (obviously). I really like how it lifted and curled my lashes and kept them fanned out and separate, the formula dried quickly on the lashes and it didn't flake. I probably would consider repurchasing this but I already have a firm favourite/ holy grail that offers me everything in one (Max Factor False Lash Effect).
Sleek Twist Up Lip Pencil in 654 Pink Rose
I really like these Sleek Lip Pencils, they are so pigmented and so easy and creamy to use, this was a nice dark pinky rose colour, I wouldn't repurchase this as I have other favourite pink lip pencils.
Am I finally at the end of the post now? Woohoo! It took me too many weeks to complete this blogpost haha, I've been so busy but urgently needed to do this post so that the pile doesn't get too overwhelming and so that I can finally bin those empty products! As always I hope you enjoyed and major apologies for the lack of posts, been really busy and the limited time of good lighting is a big let down for me unfortunately. Any questions or comments? Leave em below!
Cleansers, Toners and Makeup Removers
Superdrug Cleansing Facial Wipes For Dry Skin
Part of their individual ranges for different skin types, these wipes were okay, not moist enough unfortunately but did an okay average job at removing most of my makeup or for fixing makeup mistakes, probably won't repurchase as I've tried better wipes.
Superdrug B. Pure Sensitive Micellar Cleansing Wipes
These wipes however (mentioned before HERE) are better, they do a decent job at removing makeup as well as stubborn liquid lipsticks, they could have been softer and a tiny bit more moister, but not bad overall, I have enjoyed using these.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
I've used plenty of these before, (briefly mentioned here). A reliable makeup remover, removes makeup fairly well but doesn't remove liquid lipsticks easily depending on the formula you might need to rub a little extra, though I prefer to use baby oil to remove liquid lipsticks or any waterproof long wearing makeup. Not my favourite as I feel this does leave me feeling a little stripped and dry but definitely a reliable one.
Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash
I've realised foaming washes leave my dehydrated skin feeling really tight so I've switched to cream washes instead. I've used this both as makeup removal with a flannel as well as second/morning cleanse and it's been working fine, It doesn't dry me out and it does an okay job at removing makeup, it's cheap and cheerful, probably would repurchase, not the absolute best for removing makeup but not too bad either.
Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cream Wash
Mentioned previously HERE, I use this for second cleanse or morning cleanse and really like how smooth and soft it leaves my skin feeling, this doesn't remove makeup so I use it mainly in the mornings. I like how it doesn't leave me too dry and how it gently cleanses my skin in the morning, this does have some little beads as well as tinsy particles in this which aid exfoliation even though it isn't labelled a scrub or exfoliant. Would definitely repurchase.
Superdrug Gentle Creamy Cleanser
Mentioned HERE, I like this cheap and cheerful cleanser, it removes makeup well with a flannel and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight. Smells comforting and feels lovely. Will definitely repurchase.
Clean & Clear Morning Energy Skin Brightening Daily Facial Scrub
I used to use this a good few years back and really liked how it used to brighten my skin, I never really believed product names but this product did noticeably leave my skin a little brighter. Fast forward to now I thought I'd give it another go and see if it did the same magic, I find it doesn't really make me glow like it used to and find it really really dries my skin out and leaves me feeling quite tight. Won't repurchase unfortunately.
Nivea Creme Care Cleansing Lotion
Nivea recently came out with a cream wash and after reading the backs of this and the other I chose this one because it removed makeup as well as cleansed with drying the skin out. This broke me out, it was horrible, small spots, big spots and tons of congestion. It was after a good few weeks of good skin and a steady skincare routine using the same products, enter this one cleanser and I break out, so I definitely know that it was this. It did remove makeup well with a flannel and my skin did feel soft but my skin obviously didn't agree with it unfortunately. I tried using it up as shave cream/gel but it wasn't working out, in the bin it goes.
Simple Pore Minimising Toning Cleanser
I got this to use as an extra cleansing/toning step for after removing my makeup, to remove any possible traces of makeup or cleanser and to tone at the same time. It doesn't remove makeup very well, but I got it for toning purposes, something that doesn't strip or leave my skin feeling tight like most astringent toners do. It's a gel like formula that feels cool and refreshing on the skin, I advise to use this on damp/wet cotton rounds as it glides better on the skin this way, otherwise it may drag, it does leave my skin feeling cleaner and I'm left more assured that I haven't left any traces of cleanser or makeup on my skin. Would probably repurchase as its affordable and my skin doesn't mind it.
Avene Thermal Spring Water
I love hydrating mists and the description and claims drew me in. Erm, I can't say much, its water, I payed £10 for a can of water :D. okay okay it does feel very refreshing, I love how delicately the mist falls on the face and I definitely got a lot of use out of it during the summer heatwave we had earlier this year. Would I repurchase though? Erm... probably not... I can't tell if I got any of the benefits of the thermal water to be honest.
Oils, Creams and Sunscreens
Coconut Oil
I bought this tub of unscented Coconut Oil from Superdrug a while back, the coconut smell was removed somehow but I always got hints of the smell afterwards despite its unscentedness. I like to use coconut oil in my hair as I don't think my skin agrees with it, I remember trying it in the past and getting spots, so I generally keep it for hair use, but because I don't really have a haircare routine it was just sitting there for ages so I used it up as a makeup remover and then second cleansed off any residue.
Argan Oil
Named and famed as liquid gold this bottle of Argan Oil was a gift but I don't think it's the pure stuff as the proper stuff should be kept in dark bottles and the viscosity and scent should be different to what this was, I have used 100% pure cold pressed Argan oil so I do know what it should be like. This wasn't bad, I do use oils regularly and Argan doesn't break me out so probably will repurchase, (I've been gifted another bottle of this "diluted" oil so the pure stuff will have to wait).
100% Pure Cold Pressed Almond Oil
My skin does like Almond Oil too, though I probably won't repurchase as I quite like Rosehip Oil and since Almond has a balance of oleic and linoleic acid it's not the most safest option for acne prone skin. But generally I do like it.
Bravura Collagen Moisturising Cream
This is the more moisturising version of the two moisturisers that Bravura do. I did like it at the beginning but near the end I didn't find it moisturising enough, I'd find my self reapplying 2-3 times every half an hour. I don't know if it was my skin but I actually prefer their blue Azulene jar they do. Though I love how nice the inci list is and how I actually know what each ingredient is. It's good but won't repurchase as it just wasn't working for me strangely enough.
Pestle & Mortar Hydrate Lightweight Moisturiser
I received a sample of this when I bought my theBalm Luminizer Sister trio and was hooked. Considering this is quite pricey and was way beyond my budget I just had to have it. Luckily I got it as a gift and also managed to get a backup at a very reasonable price. Why I had to have this in my life was because I have the most confusing messed up skin type, I NEED hydration and moisture but I can't stand heavy sticky formulas and it must be acne prone skin friendly, mentioned here before I simply adored how lightweight and hydrating this felt on my skin, a little went such a long way and it was like a generous, much needed drink of water for my skin, it also has added peptides and anti-oxidants with an airtight and hygienic pump dispenser, my only qualm is that it is quite fragranced and I've been trying to clear my routine of any fragranced products as my skin is easily irritated and extremely irritation/congestion prone. I will use up the backup tub I have and may have to consider letting go of this I think, I'll see, I'm using other moisturisers atm and my skin is alhumdulillah at a good place right now so I'll see how my skin behaves when I bring it back into my routine.
Simple Protecting Moisture Cream SPF 30
Mentioned HERE and HERE, I have used up around 3-4 bottles of this but have found formulas better suited for my skin. It's good for normal to slightly dry skin but not the most absorbent and does sting my eyes a little if I take it up too close. Loved how affordable it was, it was £5 before, now they've bumped it up to £7. Luckily I've found better formulas for my fussy skin now. Won't repurchase.
Boots Soltan Dry Touch Suncare Cream
Mentioned before HERE. This is what I've replaced the Simple Cream with, I ADORE the formula for this, it's creamy not greasy, well absorbent, doesn't sting my eyes, doesn't leave a hideous cast on my skin and it's moisturising enough. At £6 it's very affordable and I can use the recommended 1/2 -1 teaspoon on my face without looking like a greaseball.
Serums, Treatments and Masks
Paula's Choice Samples
Quite a while back I bought a whole load of sample sachets from the Paula's Choice website and was trying out different products and formulas to see which ones I liked, I must admit that my skin was looking so healthy when my whole routine was Paula's Choice products. Trying out all these samples helped me decide which products and formulas I wanted to buy full sizes of, I'd definitely recommend trying out their sampling service as they do reasonably priced sets too and have since bought a couple of full sizes.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
This was a proper treat, I enjoyed using this, it was hydrating, comforting and I'd wake up to nourished feeling skin. But I won't repurchase, I feel as if it is overpriced for what it does and I'd have to use it consistently to see any results if any. I much prefer my Paula's Choice Antioxidant Serum with Retinol (mentioned here) and The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% as I got more definite and obvious results, that too sooner. If you can afford then go for it. Won't repurchase.
Boots Time Delay Radiance Booster
This is meant to be a dupe for the Clarins Flash Balm, this is one of those products that I don't use regularly but when I do actually use it I wonder why I don't use it more often. It's a multi use product, it's meant to be a mask, primer and hydration booster all in one. It's good if you need some extra moisture under your makeup, it has a slight tightening effect from the rice ingredient inside it, almost gives the effect of having a light layer of egg white on the skin if you get what I mean. Good if you want to look a bit more dewy and radiant. I probably won't repurchase as it just didn't wow me though a lot of people adore it, don't get me wrong it is actually really good but I'm just too lazy to add it to my routine so it's my loss really. *UPDATE* : I'm actually adoring this product right now! It's really changed my makeup game. My foundations just apply so much smoother and look so much nicer, I love it as a smoothing and hydrating primer and I've actually bought a new tube already! In LOVE!
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
Reviewed HERE I have a soft spot for this as it was one of my first acid products and the beginning of my new skin life/journey, I loved the results of this, loved how soft and radiant it would leave my skin and adored how well my moisturiser sunk in and how my makeup sat better. It is quite pricey as I've found other acid products that work just as good if not better and more affordable too so I probably won't repurchase.
Rodial Skin Bleach Mask
Mentioned before HERE, I love this mask, it's since been renamed to Rodial White Brightening Mask, it's a great acid mask, I love how smooth, soft and supple it leaves my skin, I adore how light reflects from my skin after I use this, it's great at getting rid of dry skin, it's smoothening and gives a nice polished look to my skin. Love using just before an event. Pleasure to use and will always repurchase.
Hair and Body
L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask
Earlier this year my hair went through this weird change where my scalp would get greasy within 48 hours of washing it. Usually I'd hit the 4th day and I'd be in need of a wash but these days I wasn't lasting 2. Right about that time L'Oreal released this range which was targeted for those that struggle with oily roots and dry ends which was exactly my problem so taking this as a sign I went and bought the whole range which was on introductory offer price. They say to use the masque for up to 5 minutes before shampooing and to concentrate the shampoo mainly on the roots and the conditioner on the lengths and tips so I did so. The first time I used the shampoo and conditioner alone without using the masque, I noticed it didn't prolong the time till my next wash and my roots were still getting oily by the second day. However the second time I used the Masque before the shampoo and conditioner, I noticed my scalp felt extra cleaner and lighter than usual and I got an extra day and a half of 'clean-feel'.
This range has a clean fresh cucumber/watermelon-ish kind of scent, it's not totally watermelon because I don't really like watermelon scents, but this one is more fresh in scent, I think the fragrance could've been a bit more feminine to be honest. The shampoo and conditioner is a typical murky whitish colour and consistency. The masque is an aqua green, it actually stains my fingers when I put it on but does wash off whilst I'm showering. I leave it on for 10-15 mins not for 5 as recommended, I got around 6-7-ish uses out of this tub but it finished well before the shampoo and conditioner did. I would probably repurchase these but I'm not overly keen on the shampoo or conditioner as the conditioner isn't as hydrating as I'd like and the shampoo didn't prolong the clean-feel of my hair, masque I might repurchase when it's on offer.
Garner Body Repair Anti-Dryness Moisturiser
Bottle 27,476,378. Nuf said.
Dove Pro-Age Nourishing Lotion
It's okay, bit sticky and clammy if overused which I really dislike, I was intrigued by the lactic acid in this as I thought it would gently slough off some dry skin, it does tingle/sting if you use it after shaving but not as effective on my reptilian dry skin as I was hoping. Anyone with moderate dry skin or lower would really like this. Won't repurchase.
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter
I'm a moisture junkie you should know, I have dehydration not only on my face but over my body too, it's awful and is one of my biggest sorrows so I've always got masses of body lotions and butters in storage to keep my skin somewhat
Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish
I was so hopeful of body scrubs, thinking they'd really really help me with my rough and tough dry body skin but they just don't do much for me unfortunately. Unless my body is completely hair free (LOL) I don't see the benefit of scrubs on myself personally. I prefer to use them as a pampering treat once in a while as I don't have the patience or time to include them in my regular bath routine. This is a sugar in oil scrub so make sure you've cleansed your body before using as this leaves a definite oil residue on the skin. It does leave my skin softer and moisturised but only when my limbs are hair free if that makes sense lol, I like total body suppleness okay? It's okay but I wouldn't purchase as it didn't wow me and its just an extra step in my routine.
Miss Sixty Rock Muse Perfume EDT
Ancient cheap buy that I've been trying to use up and finally have! It's quite a unique smell but not my kinda scent overall, it's not that bad but I don't really find it all too special, it was the bottle and name that drew me in to be honest. It's a fruity, zingy, spicy, tangy kind of scent, I don't have anything like it in my fragrance wardrobe so it's pretty unique in that sense but it's not something I'd repurchase.
Makeup
It takes me FOREVER to finish makeup so I'm super chuffed at this little selection haha!
Soap & Glory Kick Ass Powder (full review HERE).
Holy Grail product for me, this is a miracle foundation perfecter and smooth pore-less skin in a compact. If you know me you know I'm a hardcore Kick Ass devotee. This stuff was life changing for me! Would 100% repurchase, I was even discussing this with my sister the other day that I would repurchase this even if it was £40+. I adore the way it takes away unwanted shine off my skin whilst keeping it looking skin like, doesn't alter my foundation shade, fills in my pores and smoothens my skin surface texture, photoshopped/filtered skin in a compact. I finished this ages ago and kept it to include in my makeup empties but it really takes me forever to finish makeup so finally can get rid of it now.
ELF Essential Lipstick in Fantasy
Gorgeous nude colour for asian skin tone, creamy, pigmented and smells yummy. If you've been following me on Insta you'd know how long I've been trying to use this up for, finally a stub I can now get rid of it. Wouldn't repurchase as the formula was too creamy but the colour was too nice to get rid of.
B. Confident Colour Correction Cream SPF45 in Medium (mentioned here)
A really nice hydrating peachy coloured cream that really perked up and brightened my skin. Usually drugstore bases are too ashy or pink, but this peachy tinted cream worked pretty nicely on me, offering light coverage and plenty of spf, I definitely got a lot of use out of this. This was a gift but unfortunately it's not something I would repurchase as it made me look too shiny and I couldn't use it around my mouth as it was far too light and peachy for that area. I would recommend this for anyone NC30 - NC35 and under.
NYC Chocolate Brown Eye Pencil
Mentioned here before, standard creamy dark brown pencil that I loved using more so because of the colour, not so much the outdated formula, as it didn't last unless I mattified my eyelids then set the pencil with some powder, I love using dark brown eyeliner for everyday now instead of black. Wouldn't repurchase this specific pencil but would definitely repurchase a brown pencil in a modern long lasting formula.
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Mini
This came free in a Elle magazine I bought a couple years back, wasn't too fond of it at first as I felt too much product came out on the spoolie and would make my lashes clumpy, but as it dried I started to really like it (obviously). I really like how it lifted and curled my lashes and kept them fanned out and separate, the formula dried quickly on the lashes and it didn't flake. I probably would consider repurchasing this but I already have a firm favourite/ holy grail that offers me everything in one (Max Factor False Lash Effect).
Sleek Twist Up Lip Pencil in 654 Pink Rose
I really like these Sleek Lip Pencils, they are so pigmented and so easy and creamy to use, this was a nice dark pinky rose colour, I wouldn't repurchase this as I have other favourite pink lip pencils.
Am I finally at the end of the post now? Woohoo! It took me too many weeks to complete this blogpost haha, I've been so busy but urgently needed to do this post so that the pile doesn't get too overwhelming and so that I can finally bin those empty products! As always I hope you enjoyed and major apologies for the lack of posts, been really busy and the limited time of good lighting is a big let down for me unfortunately. Any questions or comments? Leave em below!
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