May & June Empties

I’m back for another round of empties! Between travelling and being busy with certain unexpected & not-so-great life events, I’ve collected a sizeable stash of empty products over the last two months just to share with you and let you know what I love and what’s not been so popular. As always, let me know below what you’ve finished up lately, and if you’ve tried any of these products yourself! 

 

Skincare (Body)

1. Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner (from £16.50 via Lush) – An all-Lush selection of bodycare empties! Ro’s Argan has the same beautiful smell as the coveted Rose Jam shower gel and bubbleroon – simply use all over the body in the bath or shower after cleansing, then wash off for super-soft, rose-scented skin. I did initially love the smell of this but have gone off it over time, and I’ve yet to try a Lush body conditioner that I happen to adore the scent of. They’re fine to use in the shower and do leave skin soft without being too greasy, but in the bathtub it has a habit of leaving a greasy ring around the tub and making the water feel slimy. I’d recommend for anyone into fruity-rose scents or loves the Rose Jam scent from Lush, but this took me so long to use up (and eventually expired) I won’t be repurchasing. Repurchase? No.

2. Lush Kitchen Creamed Coconut & Almond Smoothie (currently unavailable) – A Lush Kitchen exclusive, the Creamed Coconut & Almond Smoothie has quickly become a favourite of mine. Smelling more of almond and vanilla to me, this pairs well with fruity, nutty or cocoa scents to gently moisturise and nourish skin in the shower. All the butters in the formula leave my skin super-soft, especially great when I’m not in the mood to be using lotion afterwards. I already bought 2 more tubs when it came back to the Kitchen a couple of weeks ago. Repurchase? Yes.

3. Lush D’Fluff Shaving Soap (from £5.75 via Lush) – Not your average shaving cream, this buttercream-esque non-foaming soap formula works by lathering over the skin before using your razor. These days I prefer to use more natural formulas as I’m a lot more health-conscious (hence the large amounts of Lush empties), though they can be expensive, so when trying to save money by spending less you can’t always justify the almost-£6 price for a tiny pot of shaving soap, or £10 for a large one. This is definitely my favourite scent out of the Lush shaving products, a light natural strawberry scent that leaves skin soft and helps prevent razor burn. As mentioned, due to the price it’s unfortunately more of an indulgence than a necessity for me sadly! Repurchase? Yes (when I have more money).

4. Lush Dream Cream (from £6.50 via Lush) – Such a popular & effective product! Dream Cream is ideal for sensitive skin, used as either an all-over lotion or moisturiser for specific problem areas. I use it under my arms, as the skin is very dry and thin after prolonged issues and medical treatment from a particularly bad allergic reaction a few years ago. I do prefer the thicker self-preserving formula they offer, though the original one is great too. Smelling slightly of lavender, this gently soothes and hydrates skin, absorbing quickly without being greasy at all. And as I only need a tiny amount at a time, a large pot lasts ages for me. Hoping I don’t have to be without it! Repurchase? Yes.

5. Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub (from £8.95 via Lush) – A bright blue cherry blossom scented liquid salt scrub! I find the scent of this really refreshing and uplifting, and the coarse salt works as a decent scrub without being too abrasive – ideal to use before shaving. My only suggestion would be to use this in the shower instead of the bath if possible, as the salt dissolves very quickly! Repurchase? Yes (soon).

6. Lush Celebrate Body Lotion (currently unavailable) – A Christmas limited edition! I always accumulate these from festive gift sets and have ended up with quite the collection of little Celebrate lotions. The consistency is thick and buttery, strongly scented with a zesty lime and vodka scent. I feel it’s more suited to summer scents due to the citrus, so I’ve been using it alongside fruitier baths to suit the warmer weather (or just a little less cold in England’s case). I’m not the biggest fan of lime so only use this occasionally! Repurchase? No.

7. Lush Kitchen After Tango Foot Mask (currently unavailable) – A Lush Kitchen release from a few weeks ago! At first I wasn’t too interested, but noticed it was still available when I made a Lush order for my mum, so helped myself to a pot. Similar to their Volcano foot mask which smells quite peppery and strong, After Tango is a little more refreshing and lightly scented, containing lots of nourishing avocado. To use, simply spread generously all over both feet and place inside a plastic bag for 20 minutes or so, then wash off. My feet felt so soft, soothed and refreshed, and it didn’t leave the more pungeant scent that puts me off using Volcano more often. I even managed to get 2 sessions out of the tiny pot. I wish this was permanent as I enjoyed it so much – hopefully they’ll make more soon! Repurchase? Yes (if available).

8. Lush Softy Foot Lotion [Sample] (full size from £7.95 via Lush) – Since my feet can get especially dry, unfortunately this lighter lotion wasn’t quite as effective as I was hoping! A relaxing lavender-ish scent, but sadly quite a runny texture which doesn’t moisturise tough feet as well as I need it to. Purchase? No.

 

Skincare (Face) & Makeup

9. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (£5.99 via Amazon) – Someone tell me why these aren’t readily stocked in the UK already?! Okay, £5.99 is a whole lot more affordable than they used to be on Amazon, but it’s still more expensive than they should be, not to mention a hassle to order them and then wait around for the parcel to arrive. These are by far the best face wipes I’ve ever used, super-thick and wet, removing most makeup so quickly and easily without burning or irritating at all, even thick eye makeup. I always follow with a full cleanse, but they remove the bulk of my makeup beforehand which makes cleansing so much easier. I always make sure to pick up a few whenever I’m in the US for around $10 for a pack of two. Repurchase? Yes.

10. Boots Fragrance Free Cleansing Wipes (£1 via Boots) – Always on offer at Boots, but really not the most effective wipes! They’re thin and fairly dry with very little product on, and struggle to remove much makeup. At least they’re unfragranced and don’t irritate my skin. I’ll be using up any others asap just to be rid of them! Repurchase? No.

11. Boots Simply Sensitive Face Wipes (£1.99 via Boots) – Preferable to the last ones, but still not near as effective as the Neutrogena wipes! Again, they’re thin and don’t have much product on at all, but fine for sensitive skin. Repurchase? No.

12. L’Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Water (£2.45 via Superdrug) – Glad to finally use this up! Although the packaging looks sleek and smart, it’s definitely not as luxurious as it looks – the plastic hinge on the lid broke off after just a few uses, not to mention the mess from the product awkwardly squirting out onto my table and floor as it doesn’t pour so smoothly. The product itself wasn’t great either, making my eyes sting if I used too much around my eye area. Very glad I get to move on to a different micellar water now! Repurchase? No.

13. Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£29.50 via Space NK) – A little disappointed the price keeps going up and can’t believe I’ve paid almost £30 for a cleanser a few times already (!!), but I’ve yet to find anything near as effective as this! The unscented gel formula is gentle on the skin and delicate eyes whilst melting away makeup without leaving any residue or greasiness. It does last a couple of months at least, but is still more than I’m comfortable paying for a cleanser! Repurchase? Yes.

14. Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask (£6.95 via Lush) – My current favourite Lush face mask! Ideal for brightening and calming all skin types, this is packed with fresh blueberries and smells good enough to eat. It immediately makes my skin skin look brighter, smoother and less red. I used to like their BB Seaweed mask for oily, blackhead-prone skin, though I definitely prefer CC now my skin type has changed! I actually got this one for free for trading in 5 full size Lush pots. Repurchase? Yes.

15. ELF Lip Exfoliator (£4.50 via ELF UK) – A brand that seems to have disappeared, yet still does sell online, albeit with their prices a little higher than before (much cheaper to buy in the US if possible). The lip exfoliator works much the same as a sugar lip scrub, exfoliating with a sugar scrub and balm formula to scrub whilst moisturising. However I stopped using mine as it gets quite gross quickly as you can imagine, so I had to discard it! The standard sugar scrubs are much more hygienic. Repurchase? No.

16. Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength 2% BHA [Trial Size] (£6.75 via Paula’s Choice UK) – My skincare saviour! Since using this I’ve had zero blackheads, barely any spots and it’s really changed the texture of my skin. I use it every 2-3 days to keep away breakouts and also gently exfoliate to keep skin smooth and clear. I was a little wary about using it since my skin can be sensitive, though it’s caused no issues at all using it just every few days instead of every single day. This tiny size lasted ages and made a big difference after using for just a week – I’d recommend it for anyone else with similarly troubled skin! Repurchase? Yes.

17. Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask [Sample] ($92 via Sephora) – A tiny Sephora sample I managed to get a couple of uses out of! I truly noticed my skin looking more hydrated and well-rested after using, though it’s impossible to tell any long-term benefits from a small sample. And as this is a rather large $92, I may have to try another sample when possible to see if this makes a difference in the long run! Purchase? Undecided.

18. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream (£9.99 via Boots) – My current favourite summer base! It’s so quick and easy to blend with fingers, and neutralises any discolouration without looking orange or cakey in the least – it looks incredibly natural on the skin. Plus the extra SPF is a bonus for sunny days. Bourjois is usually on offer in Superdrug and Boots, so I always stock up on this and the matching concealer when I can – love them both! Repurchase? Yes.

19. TonyMoly Broccoli Sheet Mask & Pomegranate Sheet Mask (£10.88 for 11 via Amazon UK) – Not only is the packaging cute on these colourful little face masks, most of them actually perform really well! Both work brilliantly for hydrating and brightening skin, ideal after a long flight or busy week. I feel that the Pomegranate mask was more effective for me, wish it was easier to purchase my individual favourites! I just wish they fit larger faces better!

20. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere / Hydreane Riche Moisturisers (£9 each via Escentual) – My favourite pair of moisturisers, as you probably all know by now! I use the Legere (Light) formula during the day, and Riche at night. Non-scented and non-greasy, they absorb so quickly into the skin to give it hydration without leaving residue. A simple, straightforward & effective formula. I must have been through dozens of both by now! Repurchase? Yes.

21. Indeed Labs Hydraluron Facial Serum (£16.66 via Boots) – Normally a rather expensive £24.99 but often on sale! This little tube may be pricier than my other favourites but it’s ideal for when skin needs an emergency moisture boost, especially important when travelling on a plane or during the coldest winter weather. If you suffer from dehydrated skin like I do, be sure to stock up on these while they’re on sale! Repurchase? Yes.

Hair & Miscellaneous

22. Tigi Bed Head Resurrection Shampoo 750ml (£14.35 via Look Fantastic) – One that’s usually in TK Maxx for an excellent price, hence the massive size of this! My hairdresser uses Tigi products in his salon, so I usually end up picking myself up a few to use at home. I do find that this makes my hair feel more sleek and hydrated without being greasy, which is a bonus, especially when it’s feeling a little dried and damaged from bleach/colour and weather! It’s also perfectly safe to use on coloured hair. Although I can’t quite put my finger on the scent – a slightly floral vanilla, possibly?! It performs and smells wonderfully though! Repurchase? Yes.

23. Lush H’Suan Wen Hua Hair Treatment [Sample] (£9.75 via Lush) – I picked up samples of this as well as the next product from the lovely Melody at Lush in Bristol! I’d never really got into Lush haircare as I prefer to use very colour-safe products most of the time, but as my purple was fading out I decided I needed some ultra-conditioning products to prep my hair for my next salon visit. I actually loved this sample so much I ended up purchasing the full size soon after. I used 1/4 of the full-size pot all over dry hair, left on for 2 hours and then washed out. It made my hair incredibly soft, smoothed and conditioned – even my nan commented on how great my hair was looking. This conditioning treatment contains plenty of natural goodness from avocados, bananas and eggs to keep hair soft and shiny but not heavy or greasy in the least. Loved it! Purchase? Yes.

24. Lush Retread Conditioner [Sample] (from £5.95 via Lush) – My hair absorbed much of the sample so it didn’t last long at all! I felt like it didn’t do a lot to truly condition my hair and didn’t leave it feeling conditioned or hydrated afterwards. I didn’t like the smell either – the ingredients do sound lovely, but the synthetic musk scent was just a bit much for me. I may try again in the future but there are plenty of very effective conditioners out there for much cheaper! Purchase? No.

25. MAC Brush Cleanser (£12 via MAC Cosmetics UK) – I’m fairly sure this used to cost much less! This was ideal for giving my brushes a second disinfecting rinse after washing with baby shampoo to help kill any bacteria. It worked excellently, kept my brushes looking good and lasted a while, but as mentioned it is a little expensive if you wash your brushes once a week as I do. I’ve been experimenting with some DIY brush cleansers from various Pinterest recipes which have actually worked surprisingly well, so may stick with the more affordable DIY option for now! Repurchase? No.

 

I hope my latest Empties reviews were helpful! Please let me know below what you’ve used up and also what you think of any of these products if you’ve used them before – I’d love to know! 

March & April Empties / Products I’ve Used Up

Hey all! I’m back in the chilly UK, currently awaiting any signs of sunshine or warm weather – keep me updated if you spot any! I’ve been trying my best to downsize my belongings in order to save space and money (and also earn a little more to fund my travels), so I’ve been doing my best to use up all my beauty products.. and telling you all about it afterwards! This edition is a particularly small one since I was away most of April, but I hope you enjoy.. and let me know if you’ve tried any of these before, I’d love to know!

1. Redken Colour Extend Shampoo [1l size] (£37.99 via Salon Skincare) – My all-time favourite shampoo for keeping my dyed red/purple hair wonderfully vibrant for as long as possible! I believe it has now been reformulated and repackaged as the ‘Magnetics’ version, but unlike most reformulations it actually still works just as well. I picked this up at TK Maxx for just under £20 – always worth checking for your favourite hair products, as you can find some brilliant deals. This shampoo doesn’t lather well, but keeps my coloured hair looking fresh as long as possible and allows me to go at least an extra month between colour treatments. Repurchase? Yes.

2. Lush D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap (from £5.75 via Lush) – Definitely not an essential as it’s quite a bit more expensive than your typical supermarket shaving cream, but one of those products that’s fun to indulge in once in a while! Rather than being your regular foaming or gel formula, simply pinch off a chunk of this soft, squishy pink soap and rub all over your legs, underarms, chin or anywhere else you like to shave. It does leave my skin noticeably softer thanks to all the extra moisturising oils, great if you live in a climate where your skin dries out easily. Not to mention the delicious strawberry smell! It did take much longer to use up than expected and I really enjoyed using it – I’m sure I’ll buy it again when I can afford it. Repurchase? Yes.

3. Lavanila ‘The Healthy Deodorant’ Stick Deodorant ($14 via Sephora) – Gorgeous-smelling and aluminium-free, I had to try this deodorant as I’m always hopefully in search of healthy alternatives. Unfortunately, I do get quite sweaty easily, so although this smells divine and feels comfortable on the skin, I have to use stronger products during the day so I’m not able to give up on the chemical deodorant just yet. However I love using this in the evening when I’m less active – it smells soft, fresh and beautiful and doesn’t irritate my skin at all. I even purchased a couple of the Pure Vanilla scent on my last trip (as they were out of the Vanilla Grapefruit) – I just wish it was more effective for daytime use!  Repurchase? Yes.

4. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Riche Moisturiser (£13.50 via Escentual) – My favourite night moisturiser! Unscented and basic (in the best kind of way), yet extremely hydrating without being greasy at all. I apply this over my serum of choice every evening and I wake up with wonderfully hydrated skin – especially helpful in the chilly British weather. It’s fairly affordable yet works so well – I don’t see myself switching to anything else anytime soon! Repurchase? Yes.

5. MAC False Lash Waterproof Mascara in Stay Black (£19 via MAC Cosmetics) – I believe this was discontinued for a while but appears to be back now! I bought this from a Cosmetics Company Stores outlet at a discount, but still disappointed even though I saved some money. The effect was definitely not one of false lashes; neither was it waterproof at all! The mascara made my lashes look short and stubby and smudged onto my lower lids. Needless to say I was not impressed! At least I can use it towards my next Back 2 MAC freebie. Repurchase? No.

6. Lush Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream (discontinued) – It breaks my heart that this is no longer sold in Lush stores or online, but if you’re reading this soon after it was published, it’s actually appearing in the Lush Kitchen on Tuesday the 3rd of May, so if you want to try it for yourself be quick! I have something of a small stockpile of these and hope to never run out – I use it on my chest and boob area for subtle softening and firming (but definitely no replacement for surgery). The jasmine scent is something of an acquired taste and won’t be for everyone, but I can overlook this as I do enjoy the effects of the product. Hopefully I won’t oversleep on Tuesday and can grab a couple more to stock up!  Repurchase? Yes!

7. Lush Top of the Blocks Soap (discontinued) – Another unfortunate discontinuation! This little value pack allowed you to try a generous chunk of both Karma soap and Honey I Washed The Kids soap – two gorgeously-scented bestsellers. Karma is a punchy blend of citrus and patchouli, whilst HIWTK is a creamy, toffee/honey scent. You can still buy both of these separately, but I did love these little bundles. The solid soaps also last ages, making them excellent value for money!

8. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir (£15.99 via Boots) – The only self-tan I use, though a little expensive! I apply a couple of pumps wherever I want to look more tanned, cover with a layer of lotion and then leave overnight to develop. The result is a gradual, very natural tan ideal for pale people like myself, and doesn’t stain clothing or sheets. You can apply for up to 3 days in a row, but I find 1-2 applications are plenty. This is my second bottle and I’d recommend it to anyone else who is fair-skinned and not a fan of looking orange! Repurchase? Yes.

9. Lush Blue Skies Liquid Bubble Bath (currently unavailable) – A Lush Kitchen exclusive! This is a liquid version of the Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds bubble bar found in stores, an ultra-relaxing, dreamy mix of patchouli and frankincense. I love using this when I feel stressed out and need the most relaxing bath possible – it really does help! I won’t be devastated when I run out as at least the solid version is still available. Repurchase? Yes (if possible)

10. Tigi S Factor Flat Iron Shine Spray Heat Defender (£15.09 via Amazon UK) – The only heat protection spray that works for me! These days the only heat I use on my hair is a gentle blow dry, but since I’ve been using this over the last couple of years I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the health of my hair and far less fried and split ends. It doesn’t make hair feel coated or sticky and all and has a gorgeous strawberry scent. This is fairly expensive but does last for ages – this bottle lasted me 9 months or so. If you use any kind of heat on your hair at all, you need this – nothing else comes close! Repurchase? Yes.

11. Tigi Bed Head Colour Goddess Colour Combat Leave-In Conditioner Spray (£12.43 via Amazon UK) – Slightly worried this might be being discontinued as it seems to be discounted and out of stock everywhere! I picked up my newest replacement via TK Maxx at a bargain price too. This creme-brulee scented conditioning spray is specially formulated to protect dyed redheads and brunettes and help stop colour fading. I find it smells amazing, helps keep my hair soft and makes it easier to brush it through, and the large bottle lasts months and months. Why discontinue it?! Repurchase? Yes.

12. Lush Key Lime Pie Lip Balm [Sample] (£6.95 for full size via Lush) – I hadn’t tried a Lush lip balm in years but was pleased to notice the creative new flavours now available! Key Lime Pie is a must-have for any lime and citrus fans, as it contains real lime oil and of course smells zesty and just like a key lime pie! Performance-wise, it’s not the most moisturising around but would be suitable for daytime wear. Personally I’m not nuts about the scent, so will be checking out some of the others available. Purchase? No.

13. Tonymoly I’m Real Brightening Lemon Sheet Mask (£6 via Cult Beauty) – Or check out a variety pack of 11 for just under £11 on Amazon here! Like many Asian sheet masks I’ve tried, this doesn’t fit my big British face too well. The lemon smells natural and didn’t irritate my skin at all, but it didn’t seem to do anything else either, even after leaving on for 30 minutes. However I’ve really enjoyed some of the others in the set – at least they’re not all useless! Repurchase? No.

 

Holiday Empties

14. TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado Nutrition & Seaweed Skin Purifying Sheet Masks (see links above) – Two sheet masks from my little TonyMoly bundle I bought on Amazon (linked above). I found the avocado mask did wonders for hydrating my post-air-travel skin, whilst the seaweed wasn’t quite as impressive but did hydrate my skin a little. Neither were particularly strongly scented and had the exact same issue as the lemon sheet mask where they didn’t quite fit my face properly, but I’m glad the two I brought with me worked better than the first! Repurchase? Yes.

15. Sephora Pearl Face Mask ($6 via Sephora) – One I picked up on my travels after being recommended it in store! This fibre sheet mask felt thicker and better quality than others I’ve used, but what I was particularly pleased with is that it actually fits my big face comfortably! This is meant to have a brightening effect – I left it on for the full 30 minutes and didn’t notice a big difference in my skin brightness, but it did feel smoother and more hydrated afterwards. There are 8 different masks available and I’m curious to try more! Repurchase? Yes.

16. Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield [Travel Size] ($14 via Sephora) – A relatively expensive but 100% essential investment for anyone visiting or living in a humid climate – with fine hair like mine, it quickly turns into a frizzy disaster at the first sign of humid air! I found I had to use a LOT of this for it to be effective and that it worked best on clean hair after fully styling. I had to use 2-3x more than the amount of hairspray I’d use normally and really hated the smell, but it did seem to make a big difference in keeping my hair smooth and frizz-free in the crazy Florida humidity – nothing else has yet! The only issue is that using so much every day gets pretty expensive, so at least I was only visiting! Repurchase? Yes.

17. Bourjois CC Eye Concealer (£7.99 via Boots) – I only picked this up just to try at first, but have quickly become a fan! I love the natural look of the Bourjois CC Cream and the concealer complements it perfectly, easily disguising any dark undereye circles by neutralising any uneven pigmentation without looking orange or cakey, or feeling heavy at all. My only complaint is that it runs out so fast and suddenly – these only seem to last me a couple of months! Repurchase? Yes.

18. Lush Rosy Cheeks & Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Masks [Samples] (£6.75 via Lush) –  I received a generous sample of both of these face masks from my local store to try out! I’d used Rosy Cheeks before – a calming, cooling, rose-scented mask to soothe redness and sensitive skin. This definitely felt (and smelled) lovely on my skin! Catastrophe Cosmetic contains real blueberries and is one I had never tried, but it could be in the running for a new favourite! It soothed my skin, leaving it soft and smelling good enough to eat – really want to pick up the full size next time I visit. Purchase? Yes.

19. Lord of Misrule Shower Cream (unavailable online) – Sold in the flagship Oxford Street store, this bright green shower cream is full of patchouli, black pepper and vanilla-scented goodness – one of Lush’s most popular scents! I feel it smells a little sweeter than the bath bomb and solid perfume of the same scent family, but still love it. My only issue is that the bright green pigments stain any dry skin, especially under my arms when I regularly shave in warmer weather, which sometimes puts me off using it! Repurchase? Yes.

20. Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Body Booster Mousse (£5.99 for full size) – A tiny-sized mousse for travelling! This was fine to use in place of my normal mousse – it did give a decent volume boost without feeling sticky or crispy; however the formula didn’t wow me and I’m not a fan of the scent either. The size is ideal and I did use it up, but I might try to find something else for next time. Repurchase? No.

21. Tresemme Salon Finish Firm Hold Hairspray (£3.50 for full size) – Another mini-size hair product! Again, this product wasn’t anything mindblowing but it didn’t smell as bad as the loathed Elnette and did the job of keeping my hair in place without being stiff or crunchy. I prefer my Bed Head Masterpiece, but these are great for keeping in travel bags when you need them. Repurchase? Yes.

 

I hope you enjoyed my slightly-shorter-than-usual Empties post! Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and what products you’ve used up lately!

January & February Empties

Hope your month has been wonderful so far! I’m currently fighting a really nasty bug from food poisoning (just don’t eat shellfish no matter how fancy you may feel) but really happy I’ve finally felt well enough to share my Empties with you! Spoiler alert: if you like discovering new skincare goodies, you’re in for a treat. This is a pretty huge one, so feel free to buckle in and grab some snacks…

Bath & Body

1. Radox Muscle Soak Bath Therapy (£1 via Tesco) –  My go-to bath product for when I’m either sick or achey (or both)! I sprinkle a handful in running water and pair with other favourite relaxing bath bits. I know some people also love Epsom salts for a similar effect – I don’t know the exact science behind it, but they’re so affordable and really help me feel relaxed when I’m feeling rubbish! My boyfriend enjoyed stealing some when visiting this month, since we were so sore from an 8-mile trek around London and these helped a lot! Repurchase? Yes.

2. Along Came Betty Bath Soak in So Much Bubble (£4 via Tesco) – Another bath product I quite enjoyed mixing and matching with others – it paired great with super-sweet Lush bath bombs. It lasted me ages, as a small amount produces a ton of bubbles. The scent is described as ‘lemon and mallow’ – very sweet and fruity with a slight hint of citrus. £4 is decent value considering it lasts numerous baths, but not incredible enough to be something I’d rush out to buy again. Repurchase? No.

3. Lush Calacas Shower Gel (currently unavailable) – Another of my Lush Kitchen favourites! Calacas is one of their most popular shower gels – a zesty but sweet lime citrus scent, ideal for waking you up and feeling fresh early in the morning. Normally I’m really not a fan of lemon or lime scents as they remind me of bathroom cleaner, but this one has a sweetness to it that makes it smell so gorgeous (not at all like toilet bleach). As a bonus, when it’s freshly made it often has an orange/yellow-green duochrome effect to it, which is kind of amazing. This was my go-to gel for the shower for a couple of months and I really loved it! Repurchase? Already did.

4. Lush Gold Fun (£5 via Lush Cosmetics) – If you’re not yet acquainted with the squishy scented playdough-style goodness that is Fun from Lush, why not?! It’s literally playdough you can wash yourself with. The Gold one has the same scent as the It’s Raining Men shower gel, a delicious honey-toffee scent. If you’re not into playing in the bath, no worries – I squish mine into a sieve and run under water for tons of bubbles. I really enjoy the scent, especially as there are no bubble bars in this scent, but already have one in the fridge to use up before I go out and buy another. Note: be sure to keep these refrigerated, as the remains melted (even in my cold, arctic-like bedroom) and made a mess of my Empties bag! Repurchase? In the future

5. Mitchum Advanced 48 Hour Deodorant in Shower Fresh (£2.89 via Boots) – My everyday deodorant! As much as I’d love to make the switch to natural deodorants full-time as I’m becoming more aware of the ingredients used in our everyday products, unfortunately I’m too much of a sweaty person to commit to a ‘healthier’ alternative. Mitchum is the only deodorant that seems to work for me and doesn’t give that horrible sweat-and-flowers stink after a few hours that most of the others seem to do. The scents are okay, ‘Shower Fresh’ smells exactly as you’d expect, I’d prefer unscented but their version smells of plastic. The most effective roll-on out there, I’m trying others but so far this is the only one that works for me! Repurchase? Yes.

6. Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel ($12.50 for full size via Bath and Body Works) – One of those products I was glad to use up! Japanese Cherry Blossom is a somewhat powdery floral scent that I enjoy as a home scent, but don’t get on with at all used on my body. Although this was only a tiny travel size bottle, it took so long to use up just as I dislike the scent on my skin! I eventually finished it off by using as bubble bath (their shower gels foam up really well for this). I find many of their body products a little overpowering for me these days, so I stick to Lush and other favourites instead – just as well, as it’s quite expensive and hard to get hold of here! Repurchase? No.

 

Skincare

7. Orgaid Organic Sheet Mask (via Amazon; currently unavailable)* – I was sent this sheet mask for free via an Amazon reviews site in exchange for a completely honest Amazon review, and I thought I’d feature it here too! I’m new to the world of sheet masks but really enjoyed this one – it left my skin feeling so much more smooth and hydrated the next day after leaving on for 15-20 minutes the night before. The only issue is that I suppose I have a big face, as it didn’t fit my features too well – tall girl problems I guess! I’d be tempted to purchase again, though I believe the full price was £6-7 per single use mask (!) so I’ll definitely be trying out plenty of other cheaper ones first! Repurchase? If cheaper!

8. Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£28 via Space NK) – A blogger favourite, though I swear this was £2 cheaper before! At least you can take £5 or more off if you have points on your Space NK card, although it doesn’t quite excuse this cleanser from being so expensive. I do have to say this is my favourite everyday cleanser – no discernable fragrance or essential oils that irritate, just a gorgeously silky jelly-like texture that melts off dirt and cleanses so gently, even on sensitive eyes, without feeling greasy in the least. You may need an extra product to remove heavy eye makeup. This suits my skin perfectly and lasts at least 3 months of daily use so I’m willing to pay the price! Although I wish they made a travel size and a method for telling when the bottle’s nearly empty – it’s a bit of an expensive habit but to me a necessary one! Repurchase? Yes.

9. Una Brennan Superfacialist Vitamin C Cleansing Oil (£10.99 via Boots) –  My second step in cleansing when I’ve been wearing mascara! After removing as much as possible with a face wipe, I use several drops of this oil to melt away tough mascara and lip products if I’ve been wearing a full face of makeup. Quite affordable considering it can last months and months even if you’re an everyday mascara wearer, since you only need a small amount each time to remove everything. It has a gorgeous citrus orange scent to it and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin or eyes in the slightest. I even decant some into a travel bottle to use on holiday. The only issue is that as it’s an oil product that lasts so long, the bottle gets quite dirty, oily and gross-looking – sorry about that! Repurchase? Yes.

10. Lush Sweet Lips Lip Scrub (£5.95 via Lush Cosmetics) – This one is currently discontinued from the main collection, but happens to be still available in the Lush Kitchen, so if you’re after some be quick! Mine ‘expired’ quite a while ago, but they’re still perfectly good to use after expiry and mine still smelled as sweet and chocolatey when I finished it off as the day I bought it. These little jars last for so long and are packed with so much product I feel the price is completely justified – no need to spend more money on ingredients to make your own. After brushing my teeth in the morning, I rub a small amount into my lips and it does wonders to soften them and remove any dead skin, perfect for giving a smooth base before applying lipstick. Natural, delicious and so effective – now to work on my special Valentine’s edition from last year! Repurchase? Yes!

11. Bioderma Hydrabio Micelle Solution 250ml (£10.50 via Escentual) – Previously my go-to micellar water and that of so many bloggers and Youtubers, but I’ve been trying out others lately. This particular one claims to be more hydrating on the skin – I didn’t notice a huge difference, but it felt soothing, non-drying and didn’t irritate my eyes at all. Nothing earth-shattering, but effective nonetheless! My only complaint with Bioderma is that they make it impossible to decant the product or to re-use their containers, even when using a narrow funnel, which I feel is a little sneaky! Repurchase? Maybe in the future.

 12. The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner (£9.50 via The Body Shop) – I’d never been a toner fan but found this one really effective for my sensitive skin! I use it following my micellar water in the mornings, it really helps tighten pores and reduce redness a little whilst removing any extra dirt or makeup. As a bonus, it’s pretty much unscented and doesn’t strip or dry out the skin, or contain any harsh essential oils. I’m trying out another product at the moment but this is one I’d definitely come back to! Repurchase? Possibly soon!

13. Bee Good 3-in-1 Honey and Wild Water Mint Cleansing Water (£10 via Waitrose) – At £10 for just 100ml (small enough to carry in hand luggage) I probably wouldn’t have picked this up on my own, but I did really enjoy using it after receiving it in a beauty box a while ago! It has a very gentle, pleasant honey and mint scent and doesn’t irritate or dry the skin at all, nor does it interfere with sensitive eyes. I’m trying out other products at the moment and may come back to it in the future, as I did really enjoy it! Repurchase? Possibly in the future!

14. Lush Dark Angels Cleanser (£6.95 via Lush Cosmetics) – I didn’t finish up the whole thing but this was long expired – a tiny amount goes such a long way, the small size is more than enough for anyone! This black scrubby cleanser works so well to exfoliate all skin types (and stain your towels), especially good for combination skin and blackheads. I’ve since switched to a different routine so no longer buy this, but I did really enjoy the results on my skin. Just be sure to use old towels and washcloths to avoid staining! Repurchase? Maybe in the future.

15. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere Moisturiser (£13.50 via Escentual) – One that seems to make an appearance every single post! My absolute favourite daytime moisturiser which is perfect for sensitive dehydrated skin – the mildest and blandest of formulas and yet so effective, non-greasy and so hydrating. I’ve been using it for a couple of years now and not sure how I’d carry on without it. Absolutely worth the money, so little else seems to work for me. My only slight complaint is that there is at least another couple of weeks worth of product hiding inside the tube once you cut it open, so I slice it up and decant the rest into a small plastic tub. Repurchase? Yes.

16. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm [Sample] (£22 for full size via Feel Unique) – I received a few of these little sample pods as freebies during the Sephora VIB sale in November while I was away – I’d heard so much about the product, but was reluctant to purchase due to the price. The balm feels very similar in consistency to coconut oil – it melts on your skin in the same way but doesn’t feel greasy, nor does it have any kind of scent. I was impressed at how well it seems to melt away makeup, including mascara, without leaving a residue. I definitely need to try it out a few more times – it could well be worth the investment! Purchase? Maybe.

17. NYX Green Tea Blotting Paper (£5 via Boots) – I’d bought these on a whim on an Ulta visit in the US a while ago, but only recently finished up all 100 sheets. The claims are interesting and the papers are definitely quite pretty, but I didn’t notice any notable differences from any other blotting papers. My Kleenex and Clean & Clear ones definitely seem to absorb more oil than these. Repurchase? No.

18. Lush Enchanted Eye Cream [Sample] (£12.95 for full size via Lush Cosmetics) – I’m always the cheekiest and ask for samples of this whenever I can, just to help make my mind up! This eye cream is super-light and hydrating, made with simple and safe ingredients, a tiny amount goes a very long way, it’s pretty affordable and packaged in a handy and very practical mini pump bottle. After much deliberation I think I’ll be purchasing it as soon as I’ve used up all my other eye creams – I don’t need anything too heavy just yet and I’ve been quite enjoying it! And do I really need any encouragement to take a trip to Lush? Purchase? Yes (eventually).

Hair

19. OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo (£6.99 via Boots) – I got very excited for this shampoo but ended up a little disappointed! It has a very unusual stringy, jelly-like consistency and a pleasant candy-like smell which I just can’t put my finger on. Initially it did seem to give a small boost of volume to my fine, flat hair, but towards the end of the bottle I noticed my hair shedding more than usual when I used this shampoo. Which definitely isn’t what I want from a shampoo! A shame, as it seemed like a good one initially. Repurchase? No.

20. Johnson’s Baby Powder (£1.05 via Boots) –  A bit of a controversial one at the moment – a woman in the US has sued Johnson & Johnson claiming that their baby powder causes cancer. Side note: I didn’t realise ladies use this as a feminine hygiene product? You learn something new every day! Talc is used in so many powder-based cosmetics, scientifically shown to be just as safe if not safer than many other cosmetic products, and in the UK at least, there are such stringent cosmetic safety regulations I think we’ll all be okay to keep using our favourite powder products a bit longer. I use this as dry shampoo to massage into my roots when they’re particularly greasy – it works just as well if not better than many dry shampoos for me! Repurchase? Yes.

Makeup

21. Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation in 150 Buff ($11.19 via Drugstore.com) – Unfortunately this brilliant formula isn’t available in the UK, but keep an eye out for it on Amazon or Ebay as it occasionally pops up! This is my absolute favourite all-day long-wear foundation – a natural looking matte finish that’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t budge on even the busiest days out. It’s so easy to blend and apply, and Buff matches my light, cool-toned skin perfectly. My one complaint is that the packaging is ridiculous – the huge glass jar is chunky, heavy and a little unnecessary. Repurchase? Yes.

22. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (£16 via Feel Unique) – My mini primer potion dried up so I had to get rid of it unfortunately – just as well, as it’s a pretty old one! This cult favourite is possibly the best out there for keeping powder eyeshadow in place, although powder shadows crease every time on me, so I usually stick to cream formulas instead. A great investment if you regularly wear powder eyeshadows! Repurchase? In the future.

23. Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner in Black (£2.99 via Superdrug) – One of my makeup essentials! I wear this liner every single time I wear full eye makeup – it’s one of the cheapest out there as well as the most effective and easiest to apply. Personally I just can’t get on with gel, pencil or brush tip liners, so this is my one and only. It always looks great and wears so well – I hope they never discontinue this! Repurchase? Yes.

24. Maybelline Full ‘n’ Soft Waterproof Mascara (£8.16 via Amazon) – Another one of those great products that sadly isn’t easily available in the UK for some reason, but at least Amazon has them (if a bit overpriced once shipping is added). The best waterproof formula I’ve found – if it can survive the Florida summer, it can quite literally do anything. Lashes look naturally defined and lengthened, no clumps or spidery business here. I stock up from Target or Walmart when I’m in the US where it’s a little more affordable. Repurchase? Yes.

25. Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express Mascara / Waterproof Mascara (£7.99 via Superdrug) – I’d purchased both versions expecting great things but unfortunately felt a little disappointed, not to mention like I’d wasted my money. Both versions seemed very similar to me – average, spidery lashes that stuck together and smudged on my lower lids, even the waterproof version. A shame, as they’re not the cheapest out there and I was expecting good things considering their popularity. Repurchase? No.

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Thanks for checking out my last 2 months worth of Empties – what a journey! Let me know below what you’ve been using up lately, or even link me to your own Empties post, I’d love to see! 

September – December Empties!

FOUR months worth of empties in one go! Okay, admittedly there isn’t quite as much as usual, due to being away for 6 weeks, and using travel products instead / buying new items to keep me covered whist gone, but this is what I’ve managed to use up since September – hope you enjoy! Let me know what you’ve recently used up in the comments! And if you’ve been using any of these products, let me know if you’re loving them or loathing them – I’d love to know 🙂

Hair

1. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original (£2.48 via Superdrug) – Looks like Batiste packaging has changed yet again! I only wash my hair every 3-4 days so dry shampoo is a must to prevent it looking too greasy. I use this on the mid-sections and ends of my hair to give it the illusion of being soft and fresh, and use a more volumising product at the roots. I actually prefer the smell of this one to most of the others – it’s quite clean and fresh without being too strong, I can’t stand scented hair products that compete with your perfume. An essential that does the job for me, and doesn’t cost a fortune! Repurchase? Yes.

2. Batiste Dry Shampoo in XXL Volume (currently unavailable) – Slightly worried this HG essential is being discontinued, as I can no longer find it online! All I can find is an ‘improved formula’ which contains oils – why would I want extra oils on my roots?! Lots of people seem to dislike this product, as it’s easy to go overboard on first use and end up with tangled sticky hair, but just a few small sprays at the roots gives a great boost of volume whilst also absorbing excess oil. Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

3. Boots Expert Build-Up Removal Shampoo (currently unavailable) – Sigh..another discontinued hair product?! Okay, I’ve had this one a while – the packaging is practically ancient! The latest version came in a very muted, ‘classic’ looking slim cream bottle with silver and black print – really hard to spot on the shelf, even if you were looking for it. I prefer the old packaging! Although I don’t use this much, especially with coloured hair, it’s ideal for removing excess product (I’m a big dry shampoo fan as you can see) and keeping hair clean and healthy. I always follow up with a deep conditioning mask to avoid drying my hair out. This was totally affordable and did the job – any other recommendations? Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

Bodycare

4. Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser in Aloe Fresh (£2.45 via Superdrug) – I actually just finished this one up this morning! Ideal for warm days in the summer, but this doesn’t get much use for me in winter as I’m normally far too cold to mess around with lotion in the morning! Ideal for anyone who’s bad at body moisturising, as this is so fast and easy to apply, sinking in almost immediately without leaving any sticky/greasy residue at all. I find the Aloe scent is the most mild and non-offensive, as it just smells light, fresh and clean! Repurchase? Yes.

5. Lush Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub (from £7.95 via Lush) – A tiny size from a gift set last Christmas! This was my first time trying out Ocean Salt, & I really enjoyed it. The zesty, clean smell is so refreshing, the coarse sea salt gives a good scrub without being overly abrasive, and avocado butter softens your skin at the same time. Not to mention, like everything else Lush it’s completely natural. I rarely purchase body scrubs for myself as I enjoy my Salux so much, but this was a lovely one to try out! However it’s very expensive for a scrub so not sure I’d repurchase right away! Repurchase? Maybe in the future.

6. Lush Comforter Moisturising Shower Cream (from £4.95 via Lush) – I was thrilled that Lush released a Comforter-scented shower product, since I love the bubble bar so much! Unless they’ve been reformulated since I purchased earlier in the year, I feel it does smell a little more sugary than the classic bubble bar, not to mention the shower cream formula can be a little gritty. I also find that if my skin is quite dry, these stain as they’re so pigmented! I had this issue when on holiday in the summer, as my underarms were so dry from regular shaving. I do prefer the shower gel formula I managed to snag in the Lush Kitchen, & will most likely repurchase when I’m all out of the gel too, as the smell can’t really be beaten. Repurchase? Soon!

7. Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom PocketBac ($1.75 via Bath & Body Works) – One I’ve had around for a while – it does take me ages to finish these up! I always have a selection of different scents to throw into bags whenever I go on a trip, as they’re essentials if you’re using public transport (or just out in public in general). I did used to love the pretty floral Japanese Cherry Blossom scent but now it’s a bit strong for me. Repurchase? Yes, in another scent.

8. Lush Golden Handshake (£2.95 via Lush) – I’d bought this to use for both my hands and feet before going on holiday. After following the instructions, it was nothing like the creamy paste pictured on the website – the product barely melted & just remained as chunks floating around. I’d definitely recommend using in boiling water and just leaving to cool, as hot tap water as mentioned in the instructions isn’t quite adequate (at least where I live). It was a bit frustrating (and messy) & I would have got the same result just using a hand & foot cream! Repurchase? Probably not.

9. Dr Bronner’s Organic Rose Castile Liquid Soap 59ml (£1.99 via Dr Bronner’s UK) – I used this one for washing my brushes! I’d heard a lot of good things about it, so decided to try it out. However I’m not sure I’m a fan –  although the rose smell was lovely, the soap felt drying on my skin and still felt like it left a slight film on my brushes. Think I’ll go back to using baby shampoo! Repurchase? No.

Makeup

10. MAC Prep & Prime Lash (£13.50 via MAC Cosmetics) – Unfortunately this didn’t really seem to do anything for me! Whilst good lash primers give the look of length and definition, this didn’t seem to do anything. Also it didn’t dry properly at all – a shame when MAC products are so expensive! Repurchase? No.

11. MAC Pen in Lingering (£14 via MAC Cosmetics) – ..Wait, has this always been £14?! I swear it used to be less! Though I can’t complain too much when it keeps my brows nicely filled whilst still looking natural due to its super-fine tip and lovely taupe shade – no ugly orange-brown brows over here! My only complaint is that I do go through them very fast! Repurchase? Yes.

12. Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer  [Deluxe Sample] ($22 for full size via Sephora) – I wish it was easier to get such great samples & mini sizes for free over here – god I love Sephora! I probably wouldn’t have even considered this product otherwise. It really does give great length and definition under regular mascara and I definitely see a difference whenever I use it. I made sure to pick up the full size on my last visit!  Repurchase? Already did!

13. ELF Cream Eyeliner in Black (£4.50 via ELF UK) – I didn’t quite finish this one up – it’d dried out so I had to get rid of it sadly! Though I just stick to felt tip style eyeliners these days, as they’re just easier and less messy. If you do use cream or gel eyeliners, this is so similar in formula to the MAC Fluidline liner and works just as well – a great product for the price, but just one I don’t use anymore! Repurchase? No.

 

14. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (£3.79 via Amazon UK) – My favourite makeup wipes! It makes me sad that these aren’t so easily available in the UK. They’re thick, super-soft, extra-moist and remove makeup so easily, even on sensitive eyes. Using anything else is always frustrating! I’ll always use these as long as I have some stashed away. Repurchase? Yes (when I can!)

15. Indeed Labs Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue (£24.99 via Boots) –  My favourite eye cream! I don’t enjoy the idea of paying £25 for an eye cream, so I always purchase when they’re on sale in Boots, or search for a new one on Ebay. This is probably the only one I’ve used where I’ve actually noticed a difference in smoothing out fine lines under my eyes, which means both my skin and my makeup look better. It doesn’t give me those horrible milia spots either, which are often caused when creams are too rich for your skin type. I’ll keep repurchasing if it keeps up such great results! Repurchase? Yes.

16. Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover [Deluxe Mini] (£17.95 for full size via Amazon UK) – I used to use this regularly and loved it, but I’ve had this one such a long time so thought it best to get rid of it! The oil-based formula is ideal for quickly breaking down tough waterproof mascara, but now that I use an oil-based cleanser I rarely need to use a separate eye makeup remover. I also found this leaves an oily film behind, so I tend not to reach for it anymore. Repurchase? No.

17. Mudd Original Mask [5 application pack] (£3.06 via Amazon UK) – My HG face mask! I’ve been using this for a few years now & it’s still just as effective as ever. It does a brilliant job of drawing dirt out of pores, leaving the skin smooth, soft and clear without being overly drying or irritating sensitive skin at all. And it’s great value – a decent face mask doesn’t need to cost a small fortune. Repurchase? Yes.

18. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick (£11.69 via Amazon UK) – The first time I’ve ever finished a lip balm! *cue confetti* A new HG for me – many lip balms just seem to make my lips even drier; this is one of the few that actually seem to help and ensure my lips don’t feel dry during the day, especially in the chilly winter weather. The only con is that the RRP price of £20 is a bit crazy for a lip balm, and that it’s quite a soft formula so seems to get used up very quickly!  Repurchase? Yes.

19. Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum [Sample] (£85 for full size via Space NK) – One of the many little samples of this wonder I picked up from Sephora. I know I went on about it in my Sephora haul so I’ll keep it short and sweet – an absolute wonder serum for keeping skin smooth and youthful-looking without irritation, seeming to solve a wealth of problems for me. Just a shame about the crazy price tag! Why must some expensive products be so amazing?! Repurchase? Yes (when I can afford it).

20. Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream [Sample] ($40 for full size via Sephora) – A little sample sachet that lasted quite a few days! This thick cooling gel product felt so soothing on the skin and left my undereye area quite moisturised; however it didn’t do anything incredible, especially for the price. I’d try others first! Repurchase? No.

21. Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil (£29 via Escentual) – My go-to oil for when my skin’s feeling particularly dehydrated (which is all too often). Quite a pricey option but absolutely worth it – mine lasted me a few months, and never breaks me out or makes my skin appear overly greasy. I use this under my REN Frankincense night cream, a brilliant nighttime combination for sensitive/dehydrated skin in the cold weather. Repurchase? Yes.

22. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere (£9 via Escentual) – I’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve used up! My favourite daytime moisturiser for my sensitive dehydrated skin. Free of oil, fragrance and colouring, it never irritates my skin or looks greasy. Just lightly hydrating & very effective for troubled skin in the daytime. Repurchase? Yes.

23. GrandeBrow Brow Enhancing Serum (£39.50 via StrawberryNet) – Extremely expensive, but a must-try for anyone else who has sparse brows because of over-plucking, accidents or genetics. I used this one up until it was completely dry – it’s the first growth serum I’ve tried that actually works. I started seeing results within a couple of weeks and my brows really improved, though I wasn’t able to get hold of one for a while and I believe you’re supposed to apply weekly or so once you’ve achieved the brows you want. My brows are very sparse partly due to an unfortunate accident as a child on one side, and partly due to overplucking. I’m trying again with a brand new tube and hopefully I can get them to grow nice and full again! Repurchase? Yes.

Holiday Empties

24. Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish 40ml (£9.50 via Feel Unique) – A useful little texturising spray for travel – I used it up over my last couple of trips. I found it only gives light texture to the hair, not much more than a dry shampoo would. It was just okay, & in the meantime I’ll try something else! Repurchase? No.

25-26. More Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and Batiste Original Dry Shampoo – see above!

27. Elizabeth & James Nirvana White Perfume [Sample] (from $25 for full size via Sephora) – A tiny sample size which lasted several uses! Nirvana White is one of my all-time favourite scents, a gorgeous peony and musk which is gorgeous to wear in warmer weather (or any weather really). It always reminds me of holidays, so very appropriate to take with me! I love the White version & have recently become a fan of the Black, a new favourite of mine for winter and evenings. Repurchase? Yes.

28. Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets (currently unavailable) – I use up SO many of these! Very similar to the Clean & Clear blotting sheets – an essential for me as my skin gets very oily through the day. I’d recommend them to anyone else looking for decent, effective blotting sheets which don’t take off half your makeup with them! Repurchase? Yes (if possible).

29. Lush The Olive Branch Shower Gel (from £4.95 via Lush) – My last empty of 2015! Olive Branch is an old favourite of mine but I hadn’t used any in ages. The gorgeous smell and ultra-moisturising formula makes it a pleasure to use in the shower – skin feels silky soft afterwards, even without lotion. My boyfriend mentioned it smelled amazing too (slowly converting him to Lush). Anyone who’s never used it needs to try it!

 

So those are my last Empties for 2015 – I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up! Remember to let me know what you’ve used up below, & if you have any favourites from my list! 

July & August Empties!

Welcome to a brand new edition of Empties for July & August! Okay, I haven’t used up a huge amount of products, but I did spend all of July across the ocean & have some travel goodies to show you, as well as plenty of makeup as well as Lush products I finished up! Read on to find out what I thought…

Skincare (Face)

1. Boots Essentials Fragrance Free Cleansing Wipes (£1.50 via Boots) – Unfortunately not a fan of these – I think I’d bought lots ages ago on offer! They’re very thin, dry and don’t do enough to get off stubborn makeup. They’re fine as cheap wipes for festivals or travel, but typically I’d want something a little better quality than these! Repurchase? No.

2. Mudd Original Deep Cleansing Mask [10 Application Pack] (£5.10 via Amazon) – Always my go-to mask when I need something to remove blackheads and clear my skin! I’m sensitive to ingredients in most face masks including menthol, but this is ideal for my super-sensitive skin – thoroughly cleansing pores and removing dead skin and dirt without causing any redness at all. These resealable packs travel well and are great value for the price – I always try to stock up on Amazon. Repurchase? Yes!

3. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light Moisturising Cream (£11.45 via Escentual) – My everyday moisturiser! I’ve gone through numerous tubes of this and it’s still my number one choice. Being fragrance-free, it’s ideal for sensitive skin types, and hydrates without being oily at all. I apply a small amount after toner or serum in the morning and before applying makeup. The only flaw is having to cut open the tube to completely finish it up! Repurchase? Yes.

4. Benefit ‘It’s Potent!’ Eye Cream [Travel Size] (£25.50 for full size via Feel Unique) – I received a mini size of this eye cream as part of a set, and it was ideal for my little travel bag! The glass jar isn’t the most ideal for travel, but it’s still super-tiny. There wasn’t quite enough in the jar to properly trial it as a skincare product, but the thick cream did sink in quickly and make my undereye area feel hydrated. However it did make my eyes sting a little when I applied too much, so just be aware if you have sensitive eyes! Also it is a little pricey for a full size, so I’ll be sure to try out some more affordable alternatives first. Repurchase? No.

5. Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets (unavailable) – These are on every single Empties post of mine without fail, after bulk-buying them a couple of years ago for just 29p each at Home Bargains! They work just as well as the popular and more expensive Clean & Clear oil blotting sheets to easily remove excess oil without affecting my makeup – absolute essentials for travel and going out anywhere! Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

Skincare (Body)

6. Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel 250g (currently unavailable) – This Rose Jam wasn’t just from last Christmas, it was from the one before! Despite ‘expiring’ a good 8 months ago, it still smelled of its delicious trademark fruity rose scent, just not as strong. I’m not usually a rose scent lover, but this one is gorgeous – a rose/lemon combination that even my 90-year-old grandma is totally into (she uses it as shampoo). It also works really well as bubble bath, though a rather expensive one! It’s unfortunately been limited edition and only been released at Christmas for the last couple of years, so hopefully it will make a reappearance in a few months time, as the scent is so unique and lovely! Repurchase? Yes.

7. Lush Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream (discontinued) – I was devastated when this staple product of mine appeared on Lush’s discontinued list back in June! Despite being around £16 I stocked up on a couple to stash away, along with my seasonal and discontinued Lush bath bombs and lotions. In addition to moisturising well and smelling like beautiful jasmine, it gives a subtle tightening and firming effect to skin when used regularly – no substitute for surgery but I do notice when I haven’t used it in a while (I forgot to take it on holiday & missed it). I know other ladies also swear by this for undereye bags, thighs and bums, so this is a true multi-use product! I just hope they release something similar ASAP, as other products like this are even more expensive and it really does what it claims. Repurchase? Yes, if I could!

8. Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner (£16.50 for 225g via Lush) – I actually picked a couple of these mini pots up at the car boot sale ages ago for mere pennies; I just wished I’d remembered to use them sooner as they were in date when I bought them! Unfortunately by the time I got around to finishing this, it had gone quite goopy and lost almost all its smell. But normally it’s a lovely lotion-y texture with the same sweet scent as the Rose Jam shower gel – they are wonderful used together, and you don’t even have to use a regular lotion afterwards. A real bathtime luxury! Repurchase? Yes.

9. Lush Dream Cream [Sample] (from £5.95 via Lush) – I received this as a freebie from Lush after I got super-dry underarm skin while I was away – lovely, right?! A combination of heat, humidity and regular shaving can cause the delicate skin to become very dry and sore, though after returning home to cooler temperatures, shaving less and applying this daily my skin returned to normal very fast. Dream Cream absorbs so fast and does a wonderful job of soothing and calming problem skin – I’d also recommend this for conditions such as eczema and for use on problem areas, rather than as an all-over lotion. Repurchase? Yes (if needed)

10. Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Skin Shave Gel [Travel Size] (£1.20 via Tesco) – A mini size from another trip away that I only recently used up! Hair conditioner is fine to use for shaving and all, but I really like the gel and foam texture of this shave gel, and the sensitive skin option is ideal for me. The small size uses up minimal space in your suitcase and lasts at least a couple of weeks, even if you’re shaving regularly. My only issue is that I still get some ingrown hairs with this, although I’ve yet to experience any accidental cuts. Repurchase? Yes.

Makeup

11. Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Compact Foundation in Warm Ivory (£33.50 via Bobbi Brown UK) – The first foundation I ever used, and one I continued to use for years! I’m amazed my foundation as a teen was so expensive compared to what I use now – I suppose I used so little makeup back then my parents didn’t mind buying it for me as a once-in-a-while expense! I had to get rid of this particular one since I must have had it around for years and it was smelling a little off. I do prefer the liquid formulas as they’re easier to work with (and not to mention more hygienic), although this formula blended well into skin and looked natural. This does come presented very beautifully in a thick, sturdy compact with a built-in mirror and soft sponge, but I’ll just stick with my cheaper foundations for now! Repurchase? No.

12. NARS Pro-Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 (£26 via Space NK) – Another expensive one but absolutely worth it for me! It’s lasted me a couple of years and wears wonderfully under makeup. The SPF 30 helps protect my skin on sunnier days, and I top up with dry mist sunscreen during the day if I’m out for more than an hour. Makeup applies smoothly on top, and it never clogs pores or gives a super-shiny look like many other sunscreen products. I did have to cut open the tube to get the extra product out, as considering the price I didn’t want to waste any! Repurchase? Yes.

13. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (£19 via Debenhams) – The mascara with the name that got everyone talking! Obviously it’s just a marketing gimmick, it is just a mascara after all. I received this in my BBB Latest In Beauty box a while ago, which was excellent value considering for £20 I got a whole bunch of other products as well. The metal packaging is heavy and feels very luxurious, and the hourglass wand is a bit of a novelty. The formula is thicker than I’m used to and made my lashes looking very long and thick, but a bit too spidery for my taste after a couple of coats. It can flake a little, and once a large flake landed in my eye while I was driving, which really did burn and made my eyes water – extremely dangerous when you’re trying to concentrate on the road! I’ll stick with my cheaper alternatives for now. Repurchase? No.

14. Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment in Clear ($18.50 via Sephora) – A bit of a disappointment for me! I discovered I’m not a lip gloss person, and this clear minty gloss wasn’t anything special – it really didn’t deliver the moisture or ‘definition’ it promised. It went bad after only a few months, going discoloured and gloopy a bit quicker than I’d anticipated. A shame, as this isn’t the cheapest! Repurchase? No.

15. MAC Brow Set in Beguile (£14 via MAC Cosmetics UK) – Amazingly this lasted through almost a year of daily use! This mascara-like tinted brow gel is so easy to apply, and looks so natural. I fill in my brows with MAC Lingering brow pen, and use this on top to colour fine, light hairs. It doesn’t smudge or transfer either – no complaints here! I used this old one until it was fully dried out (see where I’ve scraped the sides!) – I was almost devastated when I thought I’d lost my brand new one after using this up, as it’s a daily must-have for me! Repurchase? Yes.

Hair

16. Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 250ml (£23.16 via Feel Unique) – My holy grail hair mask! I used this once or twice a week – a small amount goes a long way and it lasted me months. Although it has recently been reformulated, it still seems to give great results. The old formula is a gold pearlescent colour and is a little thicker, and the newer one is a peachy shade. I leave this on wet, shampooed hair for 10-15 minutes whilst in the bath and then rinse out – once my hair is blow dried it’s always wonderfully soft and silky. It can usually be found for cheaper on legitimate beauty discount sites, so I’ve yet to pay full price. This was my number one pick for travelling last month and it really saved the condition of my hair from the chlorinated tap water and humidity! Repurchase? Yes.

17. Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment (£8.49 via Boots) – Not quite as good as the Macadamia mask in my opinion! It does give satisfactory results in conditioning the hair, but you do have to use a large amount in one go, so it can be wasteful! But the worst..the smell! Some people may enjoy it, but it’s far too over-perfumed for me and lingers in my hair. And as for the hair growth claims? I doubt it actively helps your hair grow and instead just keeps it in better condition. It does the job of deep conditioning, but not a must-have for me! Repurchase? No.

18. Fekkai Protein Rx Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask (now discontinued?) – I can’t seem to find this exact product online anymore, so I’m not sure if it’s being discontinued or just renamed! It used to be my go-to when I had very brittle and abused hair as it made it feel like new, and I decided to use it again after a long plane journey and 6 weeks of infamous Florida tap water (it’s known to be quite chlorinated and a friend of mine is allergic to it). My dried-out hair was back to its former glory after one use! I’d only use this once in a while since the results aren’t as stunning when used regularly, but I always have one in my cupboard for such emergencies. Repurchase? Yes, if available.

Home

19. Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Espresso Bar (currently unavailable) – A freebie for me, as my guyfriend moved into a new apartment and the previous owners had left it behind! On cold sniff it smelled wonderful – I’m one of those people who loves the smell of coffee but hates the taste, and this smelled like an expensive coffee shop. However when lit, it wasn’t as pleasant! I think there is a ‘chocolate’ scent added which is much more apparent when lit; unfortunately it’s very much an American chocolate, which has a very odd smell to it compared to our lovely British chocolate! I had to quickly extinguish this and get rid of the wax, but at least I have this very pretty jar for storage. Repurchase? No.

Holiday Empties

20. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream (£7.99 via Boots) – A shame this got used up so quickly, as it was a brilliant under-eye concealer! This twist-up pen deposits a small amount of product at a time and I use my finger to apply it under my eyes. Rather than looking cakey or orange like some concealers, any uneven tones are neutralised and look very natural. I love Bourjois’ CC cream for all over my face, so it was no surprise I enjoyed the eye version too. Repurchase? Yes.

21. Gillette Satin Care Olay Sensitive Skin Shave Gel 75ml (£1.50 via Sainsbury’s) – I used up a very similar Gillette shave gel above, though this one is thicker, creamier and a little more moisturising. Sadly I still got ingrown hairs using this, but it does feel quite luxurious for the price! Repurchase? Yes (for travel).

22. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum [15ml and 30ml] (£39.95 / 30ml via Feel Unique) – I took both of these serums with me as they needed using up! I first purchased it in the US after trying out the mini size and thought it did wonders for my skin, but it was really the humidity keeping my skin hydrated! After using it at home I really didn’t notice a difference – it does smell lovely, like orange sherbert, but no point buying it if it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. A shame as I’d heard such good things about it! Repurchase? No.

23. Fresh Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask [Sample] (£49 for full size via StrawberryNET) – Despite only receiving a tiny sample of this mask from Sephora, I did get a couple of uses out of it! It did a good job of retaining the softness and hydration of my skin and I woke up the next morning with super-soft, supple skin. It also doesn’t block my pores or break me out, nor does it feel greasy at all. I’ve been enjoying using the full size 1-2 times a week, although it does work well as a regular night cream too! Repurchase? Yes.

..I guess I did use up a lot of products this month! I really enjoy sharing my empties and opinions with you – I hope you find them helpful! What products have you used up lately, and what did you think? 🙂

May & June Empties

June is far from over yet, but since I’m heading to the US very soon to stay with my lovely guyfriend, I thought I’d post them early! I’ve still been eagerly working on finishing up products rather than wasting them, just so I can tell you all about exactly how I feel about them! So let’s jump into them already..

Skincare & Makeup

1. REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream (£32 via Look Fantastic) – Incredibly pricey for just 50ml of product, but this seems to be the only night cream that truly nourishes all skin types (including combination & oily skin) overnight and doesn’t break me out! I apply a couple of pumps of this over my night serum and my skin always looks and feels very moisturised and soft the next day, without causing any breakouts. Also the airless pump packaging is perfect, making it so easy and hygienic to use. I just wish it didn’t cost quite so much! Repurchase? When I can next afford it!

2. Johnson’s Makeup-Be-Gone Extra Sensitive Wipes (£3.19 via Boots) – Yet more of these blasted wipes! I still feel like the texture is way too abrasive for sensitive skin, they’re too dry and don’t do a great job at removing makeup (but I’ll use them all up anyway). Even the super-cheap Boots own brand face wipes perform so much better than these. Repurchase? No.

3. Lush Rosy Cheeks Fresh Face Mask (unavailable online) – My dad was awesome enough to pick this up for me from the Oxford Street store! I’ve already raved about it before, & finally finished it up – these little tubs are enough for around 5-6 uses, but need to be kept in the fridge and used within a couple of weeks. The results were most noticeable on first use, but not so much on consequent uses, although it still calmed my skin and kept it soft quite nicely. Beautifully rose scented and a must-try for anyone with sensitive skin. Currently it is an Oxford Street and Poole Lush store exclusive, but I have a feeling it’ll be more widely available very soon! Repurchase? When possible.

4. Lush 9 to 5 Facial Cleansing Lotion [Sample] (full size from £5.10 via Lush) – I’d been curious to try one of Lush’s non-scrubby cleansers, so it was a nice surprise to find this little sample in one of my Lush Kitchen orders! This creamy floral-almond cleanser smelled so lovely, but I felt it was a little too rich for my combination skin, and would definitely work better for someone with drier skin! I’d use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup if necessary before using this, as it wasn’t so effective at removing mascara. Repurchase? No.

5. MAC Prep + Prime Future Length Lash Serum [currently unavailable] – I purchased this in January to use as a brow serum but strangely it has completely vanished from the MAC Cosmetics website since! Just as well since I wasn’t a huge fan – I used it religiously day and night on my brows for 3 months and only saw a very minimal amount of fine baby-hair growth, nothing that anyone else would ever notice. I believe it was around £25, so definitely not worth it in my opinion! In contrast, GrandeBrow gave me great results & brand new growth after only a couple of weeks, so I’d definitely recommend investing your money elsewhere! At least I have another empty for Back to MAC.. Repurchase? No.

6. Maybelline Full ‘n’ Soft Mascara (£4.84 via Amazon UK) – The mascara I always go back to! As much as I love trying out new products, this is the trusty mascara I always end up returning to when I’ve had enough of overpriced & rubbish formulas. Everything you want in a mascara – lashes look long, luscious and defined without flaking, clumping or looking spidery in the least. Unfortunately it isn’t sold on Maybelline displays in the UK, so you have to get it online or from the US! And after trying out some pretty terrible, overpriced mascaras recently I definitely need another asap! Repurchase? Yes.

Skincare (Body)

7. Mitchum Advanced Control 48 Hour Roll-On Deodorant in Powder Fresh (£2 via Boots) – My everyday deodorant that never fails! I’ve been using the Shower Fresh scent in the new packaging recently, and I don’t know if it’s been reformulated or if my body’s not responding to it as well as usual, but the other variety hasn’t worked quite the same! The scent is light and unobtrusive, and it really does work all day, even if you feel like you sweat a ton compared to others. I just wouldn’t recommend using it for the full 48 hours! I’ve already bought another Powder Fresh, so hopefully it still works just as well as ever! Repurchase? Yes.

8. Gilette Satin Care Olay Sensitive Shave Gel [Travel Size] (£1.50 via Sainsburys) – A great mini size ideal for your next holiday or trip away! This lasted me a couple of weeks of regular shaving, and the Olay formula felt nicely luxurious and softening on my skin – expensive but I enjoyed it! Not exactly a necessity as my regular shaving gels work just fine, but this is definitely a little more softening. Repurchase? Yes.

9. Bath & Body Works PocketBac in Flip Flopped Fruit ($1.75 via Bath & Body Works) – A bit of a victory for me, since I either lose these or get fed up of the scent before finishing them! This exact scent is no longer available, but Bath & Body Works (only available within the US unfortunately) has such a variety of scents there will definitely be something for everyone. I received this in a makeup swap quite a long time ago, and this one smelled like a delicious fruity tropical cocktail – a lovely reminder of summer even when the weather is grim! I use these a whole lot when I’m up in London, they’re so useful when you’re out for the day and need your hands to feel clean and germ-free. Repurchase? When needed (as I have lots).

10. Lush New Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion (from £6.95 via Lush) – A lotion that is wonderful for your skin as well as the planet – 100% of the profit goes to one of Lush’s carefully selected good causes, which is a wonderful incentive to buy! This thick lotion is ideal for use in the evening, as it has a light floral scent and can be a little greasy, but is very moisturising, and works well with most shower gel scents after an evening bath or shower. It took a while to use up this little pot even with regular use, so you definitely get value for money! Repurchase? Yes.

11. The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector (from £5 via The Body Shop) – My all-time favourite hand cream! Nothing else is quite as good as this – it’s super-thick and definitely more of a nighttime cream as it is a little greasy and smelly (you either like it or hate it), but the resulting baby-smooth hands speak for themselves. I’ve gone through so many of the large tubes as I’ve been using this since I was 10! There’s always a backup in my bedside drawer, and always recommend this to anyone. Repurchase? Yes.

Haircare

12. TiGi Bed Head Queen For A Day Thickening Spray (£13.05 via Feel Unique) – A giant can that I’ve had lying around for ages! I used this before blow-drying. I have to say I didn’t notice much of a difference at all, since I use a volumising mousse as well and haven’t missed it since finishing it up – it didn’t seem to do anything noticeable. Probably just as well, since it’s fairly expensive! Repurchase? No.

13. Aussie Colour Mate Conditioner (£4.19 via Boots) – This lasted ages, and I loved the delicious peachy smell! It didn’t seem to do anything mind-blowingly spectacular, but it worked just fine as a creamy conditioner and didn’t strip the red dye from my hair. Repurchase? Maybe in the future.

14. Lush American Cream Conditioner [Sample] (full size from £4.50 via Lush) – I’ve used full sizes of this up before, and while it isn’t the most moisturising conditioner out there, it smells incredible! I have a perfume and body lotion in this scent as I can’t get enough of the delicious vanilla and sage aroma. Super-dry hair may need something more intense, but this one’s about the smell more than anything! Repurchase? Yes.

Candles & Home Scents

15. Yankee Candle French Vanilla Medium Housewarmer Candle (currently unavailable) – Sadly this candle has been discontinued in the UK! I got this as a lovely gift from someone a couple of years ago, and steadily burned my way through it. I always reached for this whenever I wanted a true, rich vanilla scent which didn’t smell at all artificial or overpowering – I really do hate vanilla scents that smell fake. I found it didn’t burn all the way to the edges, but still did quite well! I haven’t found anything quite like it since, but if I spot one I’ll be sure to pick it up! Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

16. Bath & Body Works Paris Amour 3-Wick Candle (currently unavailable) – Bath & Body Works has a full range of body products in this delightfully fruity-floral, girly scent, but I can no longer find the candle on their site. If you typically love your fruity-floral scents, this is a good one to go for! As with all B&BW candles I’ve tried, it had an excellent scent throw; but unlike most of their candles I’ve tried this didn’t burn very well! Two of the wicks kept drowning and extinguishing themselves, so I periodically had to dump some of the wax to save it, and even then it didn’t burn all the way down, so it was a relief to finish it up in a way. In the meantime I’m trying out other ones! Repurchase? Maybe in the future.

17. Ten Digit Creations Wax Melts in The Comforter and Rose Jam ($1.25 each) – Yet more of these lovely melts I’ve used up! Both fragrances are Lush dupes which smell true to their original products – The Comforter smells exactly like the blackcurrant goodness of the Comforter bubble bar, and Rose Jam smells identical to the delicious-smelling limited edition shower gel of the same name. The quality and throw was excellent – I’ll definitely be ordering more when I can; just a shame that shipping to the UK is expensive, so I had a bundle delivered to my aunt’s home in the US. Repurchase? Yes, when possible.

So that’s my empties for the last month and a bit! I left out Lush bath bits this time since I always use up SO many the list gets endless, and now I wrap my Lush bath bombs with cling film to stop them going bad, it’s hard to keep track of the little paper bags. What do you think, should I include them next time? Or include them in my blog some other way, since I’m a little obsessed? I hope you enjoyed this post – let me know what you’ve been using up lately! And I’m going to be away for a while having some much-needed catching up so there probably won’t be any posts on here in that time, but if you want to follow my adventures via Instagram my profile is @beckyalyssa – I’ll follow you back & we can be Instagram friends!

March & April Empties

Spring is here, and so is a brand new Empties post! They’re probably my favourite type to read on other peoples’ blogs, so if you love doing Empties posts too, please link yours below & I’ll check it out! It’s always fun seeing what others have actually been using up, & hearing honest opinions on it since they used up the whole product. Anyway, here are my Empties gathered over the last two months! 

Skincare, Bodycare & Fragrance

1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (£5.30 via Amazon UK) – Sadly these aren’t sold in the UK except from resellers via Amazon who add hefty shipping costs on top, but these typically cost $7-9 each in the US and are usually on offer somewhere – I always cram as many as possible into my suitcase! I can’t find any wipes that are as durable, super-soft, gentle and effective as these – they remove my layers of mascara and eyeliner effortlessly. Of course I always do a full cleanse afterwards, but a great quality wipe makes the job much easier. Repurchase? Yes, when possible.

2. Johnson’s Makeup Be Gone Extra Sensitive Wipes (£3.29 via Boots) – On the other hand, I don’t like these so much! I’m not sure why they’re labelled ‘extra sensitive’ – the wipes are textured which irritates my skin a little, and they’re often on the dry side and don’t do the best job of removing makeup. My family used to buy these on offer so I still have a few to use up, unfortunately! Repurchase? No.

3. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir for Face and Body (£10.66 via Tesco) – I’m the last person you’ll ever find on a tanning bed or sunbathing, so this is how I give my skin a bit of colour! Not that there’s anything wrong with being a pale girl – my skin is naturally a little pinkish, and I find a subtle golden tan shade complements my summer clothing much better. This is fairly affordable for a self tanning product and delivers excellent results – no colour transfer, a natural-looking glow and it can be applied for up to 3 days in a row so you can achieve either the most subtle shade, or a more intense tan. It applies clear, so I apply and rub in well wherever I want some colour (usually chest, arms and legs), leave on overnight and I’m ready to go the next day – my guyfriend even commented that I was getting a “nice tan from the sun” whilst on holiday! Even on super-pale skin it looks extremely natural, and lasts for up to 2 weeks (I applied every 4-5 days whilst on holiday, only using for 1-2 consecutive days at a time). My only complaint is that I’m not a fan of the smell that lingers on my skin when I go to bed, but that is easily covered up with a sweet-smelling lotion. Repurchase? Yes.

4. Lush Celebrate Body Lotion (currently unavailable) – I received this in one of the (several) Lush Christmas gift box sets I bought myself on Boxing Day! In the past I haven’t been the biggest fan of citrus scents, but some of Lush’s unique concoctions have turned that right around. Celebrate is a mixture of oranges, almond oil, lime and cognac to create a very lime-heavy festive scent. Admittedly it’s not one of my all-time favourites, but it complements their other citrus family scents, like Avobath and Fizzbanger, quite nicely. The texture is fairly thick and buttery compared to other Lush lotions and this moisturises my skin well whilst leaving behind its refreshing, zingy scent. Repurchase? Yes, when available.

5. Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Facial Serum (£24.99 via Boots) – A lifesaver for dehydrated skin; just a shame it runs out so fast & costs so much! A small amount of Hydraluron worn under moisturiser hydrates the skin perfectly, absorbs super-fast and isn’t greasy at all – it’s unscented and would be ideal for even the most sensitive skin. The hyaluronic acid hype is real! I took this on holiday with me – normally long plane journeys leave skin looking and feeling wrecked, but applying this a couple of times during my journey left it feeling and looking great afterwards. Wearing this at night also ensured my skin stayed hydrated and smooth despite changes in climate and environment during my travels – I couldn’t recommend it enough for anyone else with dehydrated skin. Repurchase? Yes.

6. Ten Digit Creations Wax Melt in Sex Bomb ($1.25 each via Ten Digit Creations) – There was no doubt my Lush obsession would eventually move on to home fragrance! I’d seen a lot of positive comments on Instagram regarding Ten Digit Creations and their perfumes and homemade fragrance products, some of which are great dupes for favourite Lush scents, so I was keen to try some out! Although they do ship to the UK, international shipping prices tend to be hefty, and as I was heading transatlantically anyway, I bought a few sweet-sounding things to have shipped to my aunt’s US address, including a selection of their wax tarts. I can’t fault their customer service – all my wax tarts arrived safely and promptly with a few freebies thrown in! Using my Yankee Candle tart burner, the scent throw is amazing and lasts at least a couple of full evenings. Sex Bomb is a gorgeous floral and musk scent, not one of my typical picks for Lush bath bombs but works beautifully as a home fragrance! Since purchasing in early March, the company has already added even more Lush dupes to their Lush Types wax melt selection, and I’m sure I’ll repurchase a bunch when I’m next in the US! Northern Lights and Twilight?! I need them! Repurchase? Yes, in the near future.

7. Lush Enchanted Eye Cream [Sample] (£12.50 for full size) – I received this rather generous sample with one of my (many) Lush Kitchen orders – this tiny tub lasted me a good few weeks! Rather than being a powerful, scientific eye cream, it gently hydrates with almond oil, jojoba oil and lavender honey water. The super-light texture means it absorbs quickly and can comfortably be worn under makeup. I wouldn’t recommend it if you need something heavy-duty, but if you’re after something natural to gently hydrate then this is definitely worth trying. Repurchase? Maybe, after using up others.

Hair & Makeup

8. Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo (£3.99 via Superdrug) – One of my everyday essentials! This dry shampoo is ideal for giving a little texture and volume boost to day-old, fine hair. Like other Batiste products, it does leave a white cast at first, but blends easily. My go-to product when I’m lazy and need to get ready super-fast (sshh) – my hair doesn’t look or feel the same without it! Repurchase? Yes.

9. Batiste Original Dry Shampoo Mini (£1.50 via Superdrug) – Is it bad that I get through more dry shampoo than actual shampoo? And that I used up two of these in total?! I left the other at my aunt’s after using it up! I use the above XXL Volume version on my roots, and this on the mid lengths to ends when my hair is particularly in need of washing; though in my defence my hair is coloured and often on the dry side, so I can justify only washing every few days. These little Batistes in the fresh Original scent are perfectly handbag and travel bag sized, and perfect for every event from work to music festivals to your summer holiday – I never go on a long journey without one. Repurchase? Yes.

10. Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer Mini (£15.50 for full size via Beauty Bay) – Apologies that this seems to be sold out everywhere in the UK lately – wish I’d known this ahead of time, as I’m completely out! I received this mini Subversion alongside a purchase of the full size Perversion mascara by Urban Decay. I’d never used a lash primer before and was amazed at what a difference it made – my lashes looked longer, fuller and more defined, and mascara which would usually smudge or flake stayed put throughout the entire day. I’m currently using MAC’s lash primer and sadly it’s not quite doing the same job that this one did for me! Repurchase? Yes, when available.

11. MAC Brow Definer in Lingering (£13.50 via MAC Cosmetics UK) – My go-to brow pencil! I’d used a nicely taupey yet affordable one from Collection 2000 for a few years, but since realising what a difference the ultra-fine point of this one makes, I haven’t turned back. It’s wonderfully taupe and natural-looking, in a super-skinny soft retractable pencil which is ideal for drawing in individual fine hairs. The only issue is that you don’t realise you’ve run out until twisting it up and nothing else is there! Lucky I always have a backup on hand these days. Repurchase? Yes.

12. L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara (£10.99 via Feel Unique) – Normally I go for cheaper options when it comes to mascara, but this one was a gift! Choosing a waterproof mascara is somewhat of a different game from choosing regular mascara – some of the formulas are just horrendous! However this one is truly waterproof, lengthening and volumising lashes without smudging or flaking. I’d happily used it on holiday in September last year, but felt it was time to give it up recently when tidying up my dresser, as it had mostly dried up. I’d strayed to others recently and been disappointed, so I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to this. Repurchase? Yes.

13. Maybelline Anti-Age Eraser Eye Concealer (£7.99 via Boots) – One of those products which made the rounds a while ago and everyone seemed to love except me! Firstly, I couldn’t stand the sponge applicator – it just seemed to tug at my under-eye area and not deposit enough product. It was more useable once removed and the formula was agreeable enough, but no matter how much I blended it just appeared too yellow-toned for my skin. I haven’t completely used it up, but close enough! Repurchase? No.

Lush Bath Ballistics & Bubble Bars

14. Lush The Comforter Bubble Bar (£4.75 via Lush) – My favourite go-to when I need a cheerful, sweet-smelling bath! I also have the accompanying shower gel in the same scent (okay, two of them) as well as the Comforter perfume! A little pricey but when considering you get 4-5 generous baths out of a single bar, it’s not too bad! Gorgeous cassis (blackcurrant) and bergamot make this a truly unique, fruity & comforting classic. Repurchase? Yes.

15. Lush Tisty Tosty Bath Bomb (£3.35 via Lush) – One for the romantic lovers, this contains real rosebuds and rose petals as well as floral geranium, rose and jasmine scents to create the ultimate lovelorn bath bomb. Not to mention, it’s also shaped like a heart. I really enjoyed the rose buds and light floral scent of the bath water – I’d buy as a once-in-a-while treat but for the price I prefer my bath products to do more for me. Repurchase? Maybe.

16. Lush Twilight Bath Bomb (£3.35 via Lush) – One of my favourites – Twilight is the most dreamy, calming bedtime scent for those who hate lavender! The addition of tonka absolute makes the scent sweeter and creamier than your typical lavender – I’d love to have a stockpile of these so I could use one every night! Aside from smelling amazing, this turns the water a captivating pink, blue and purple with plenty of fine glitter to imitate a shimmering night sky. Beautiful! Repurchase? Yes.

17. Lush Floating Island Bath Melt (£4.35 via Lush) – A more recent discovery for me, but I’m so glad I found it! I add half a Floating Island melt to my bath when my skin is feeling particularly dry, and as it’s packed with cocoa butter and almond oil it moisturises wonderfully. Even a quarter of a melt would give some extra moisture, and its gentle sandalwood fragrance is so relaxing. Repurchase? Yes.

18. Lush Karma Bubble Bar (£3.25 via Lush) – One of Lush’s signature fragrances, and yet another favourite of mine! Half of this little bubble bar fills the bath with sweet orange oil and patchouli bubbles. I can’t get enough of Karma in the summer months, and having the Lush Kitchen Karma shower gel, Karma Kream lotion and Karma solid perfume in my possession, I’m more than happy to layer that fragrance up and smell like Karma all the time! Repurchase? Yes.

19. Lush Avobath Bath Bomb (£3.35 via Lush) – I actually received this as a kind freebie from my local store’s manager after receiving a dud product – gotta love Lush’s customer service! I’d never tried Avobath before, and after the unbelievable hype over the Lush Kitchen Avoshower shower gel recently, I felt I had to try it. As mentioned earlier, I’m not typically a fan of citrus scents, but the lemongrass and bergamot was wonderfully refreshing, and the avocado and olive oil left my skin feeling soft and lovely. Even if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, it’s worth a try! Repurchase? Yes.

20. Lush Kitchen Ne Worry Pas Bath Bomb (currently unavailable) – I added this to a recent Kitchen order to try out and wasn’t sure what to expect, but now I’m converted to violet scents! The plain white spherical bath bomb with the small purple hole is nothing incredible to look at, but the sweet violet scent is strong & not overwhelming, and the soy milk leaves the water milky and nicely moisturising. Repurchase? Yes, if more readily available.

21. Lush Kitchen Happy Bubble Bar (currently unavailable) – Another Kitchen exclusive, & one I bought last year! Happy Bubble Bar was my second ever Kitchen purchase, just because I was so intrigued by it – it’s quite strongly sandalwood scented, and I’m a definite fan of sandalwood. And who doesn’t love cheerful bath products?! These chunky bubble bars are ideal for being cut up and used for 4 baths, giving a lovely scent, although not as moisturising as other Lush bubble bars and bubbleroons. Repurchase? Maybe in the future, if available.

And those are my empties for March and April – hope you enjoyed! What do you think of these products? Any you’d consider purchasing? And if you’ve written your own Empties post, don’t forget to leave the link below!

January & February Empties!

The first Empties post of 2015! Have you been keeping up with your New Year’s Resolutions so far?! I’ve been trying my best to use up products, and simultaneously developed a bit of a Lush addiction – oops! But I’m still enjoying keeping track of what I’ve been using up and at least trying not to buy anything I don’t really need! Here’s what I used up through January and February…

Skincare

1. Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel (£17.60 via Escentual) – My HG cleanser for taking off my makeup; shame it’s so pricey! Luckily Escentual has quite a good deal, but despite only using this on days when I wear heavy eye makeup, it still gets used up so fast. I remove the bulk of my makeup with a wipe and use this delightfully jelly-textured product on dry skin to literally ‘melt’ away my makeup, easily and gently – the most effective way to remove stubborn liner and mascara without irritating sensitive eyes. Repurchase? Yes – when I can afford it!

2. REN EverCalm Gentle Cleansing Milk (£16 via Space NK) – Another cleanser, though I don’t love this one quite as much as the Clarins. I used this on days when I was wearing less or no makeup, since it required a bit more work to get everything off! However its creamy, gentle formula meant it didn’t irritate or dry my skin at all – ideal for no-makeup days, and the pump bottle made it so easy to use. Though I definitely need something more oil-based to get all my makeup off, and £16 is a bit steep for me at the moment! Repurchase? No.

3. Barleans Coconut Oil (£17.99 via Amazon) – First I have to say this was around £10 when I bought it – Amazon prices seem to change a lot, and I don’t tend to discriminate between brands of coconut oil as they all do the same thing! I’m sure everyone and their great grandma has already heard how miraculous coconut oil is, and I’ve been using it for just about everything these days, but mostly for areas of dry skin (my skin does not like this winter weather) and as a treatment on the ends of my hair, left on for at least half an hour before washing. It makes quick work of dried-out skin and damaged hair, better than many expensive lotions and conditioners – a must-have multi-use product for just about everything! This giant tub lasted me well over a year, so it’s also excellent value for money. Repurchase? Already did.

4. Bioderma HydraBio H2O (£10.20 via Escentual) – My quick morning cleanser! After waking up, I drop some of this on a cotton pad, swipe all over my face and leave – I love a good micellar water, and this is my favourite. I have to say I don’t notice a huge difference between the HydraBio version and the regular Bioderma, but I find this brand doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin at all – it’s definitely the most gentle and effective I’ve tried. A must-have for me – makes cleansing in the morning so easy when I’m half-asleep! Repurchase? Already did.

5. Johnson’s Extra-Sensitive Wipes (£3.29 via Boots) – I have a considerable stash of these, since my nan would always buy loads when they were on offer! To me, they’re nothing special – despite being labelled ‘extra sensitive’ they are quite rough on the skin and don’t do the best job of removing makeup, but they’ll do when I don’t have others. Neutrogena are still my favourite; though sadly not sold in the UK! If I have to buy wipes in store, I usually go for Simple instead. Repurchase? No.

6. Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets (no longer available) – These always make a regular appearance in my Empties posts, so I won’t go on about them too much! If you can get them cheaper than the much-loved Clean & Clear blotting sheets, they are most definitely worth it – a handbag essential for anyone else with oily skin.

7. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere Moisturising Cream (£10.20 via Escentual) – Another regular in the Empties that I won’t go on about too much! My everyday moisturiser – I’ve been layering this over my Hydraluron serum during the cold weather, for some added moisture. I always go back to this – it’s hydrating yet non-greasy, kind to sensitive skin – an ideal daytime moisturiser for wearing under makeup. And luckily it’s not too expensive! Repurchase? Yes.

8. La Roche-Posay Redermic Eyes (£20.80 via Escentual) – So maybe I’m not old enough to need any kind of heavy-duty anti-aging eye creams yet, but creasing under my eyes is enough to make me a little self-conscious. Of course, on my young skin it didn’t make a huge difference, but the light creases have certainly improves a little; not so much with dark circles though! Repurchase? Maybe when I finish up other eye creams.

Bath

9. Kneipp Herbal Bath Stress Free in Mandarin Orange (£7.99 via Fragrance Direct) – I received this as part of one of my BBB boxes last year – a lovely surprise which I quite enjoyed! I never really use bath oils, but this gave a gorgeous, uplifting orange fragrance that was wonderfully relaxing in the evening. I’m more of a bubble bath / bath bomb person, but I did love this while I had it! Repurchase? Possibly not.

10. Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly (from £3.50 via Lush) – I tend to stay away from Lush’s shower jellies after finding them thoroughly frustrating a few years ago, but I just couldn’t say no to this delicious scent! Sweetie Pie is a coconut, cherry, blackcurrant and bergamot-scented sparkly jelly, not too far from the scent of the much-loved Comforter bubble bar. I still find these wriggly, slippery jellies annoying to work with in the bath, and don’t use them in the shower at all since I’d constantly drop it, but this did smell gorgeous, & fairly useable squished into an exfoliating cloth! Repurchase? Yes, in future.

11. Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel (unavailable) – Found this in a little Christmas gift box from 2013 which I’d forgotten about, oops! It still smelled good but the pretty colour and glitter had all stuck to the bottom, and I have another mini one to get through in the meantime, so I used it as a bubble bath instead! Snow Fairy is a real love/hate product – its scent being almost overwhelmingly sweet, a fruity, sugary, ultra-sweet marshmallow fragrance. I used to love it but now I’m fairly indifferent – a bit too sweet for me! I’m happy to use it up somehow if I’m gifted it, but not one I rush out to buy! Repurchase? Probably not.

12. Lush Roots [Sample] (£10.25 via Lush for full size) – An invigorating treatment for the roots of your hair – clue is in the name! It’s hard to tell from a tiny sample if your hair will like this, so I bought the full size anyway. So far? I used it a few times in the run-up to dyeing my hair in order to help get it in great condition. It’s rather difficult to apply to longer hair – messy and tangly, ouch! After 20 minutes it feels rather tingly from the peppermint, and you wash it out. I haven’t used it near enough to notice if it encourages hair growth or helps maintain condition over time, but I did notice it give a little more volume, and the hair at my scalp felt particularly clean and fluffy afterwards. I’m not totally sure if it’s safe for coloured hair, so I have it stowed in the cupboard for now! I’m not sure if this is really a necessity for me personally, but I’d encourage anyone with dandruff or a dry scalp to try it out, it might really help! Repurchase? Not sure yet!

13. Lush Northern Lights Bath Ballistic [x2] (unavailable) – Possibly my favourite bath product from Lush’s Christmas collection last year! This unusual cylindrical bath bomb is dreamy in every way – gorgeous ylang ylang and jasmine scent, purple, covered in tiny stars and fizzes and foams into beautiful purple, blue and yellow swirls in your bathtub, reminiscent of the Northern Lights in the skies, hence the name. I wish this was a permanent product, but at least I stocked up well! This is my go-to bath product to use for a lovely relaxing evening. Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

14. Lush Unicorn Horn [unavailable] – The beautiful must-have, sparkly, candy star-encrusted, conical bubble bar from Lush’s Valentine’s collection this year! Needless to say I stockpiled these too – they’re just so pretty, not to mention the calming lavender fragrance that is a perfect partner to the Twilight shower gel or bath bomb. I was feeling gluttonous so used an entire bar for one bath, but this could easily be used for two, making them decent value for money. I hope they bring these back next year! Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

15. Lush Christmas Penguin [unavailable] – Sorry for all the limited edition products! I have reviewed Christmas Penguin briefly before, but wish I’d bought a few more at the time. Aside from being completely adorable, this smells very much like the wonderful Olive Branch shower gel, citrus and bergamot scented – one that’s unisex and an all-round pleaser. Why do they not do these all year round?! Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

16. Lush Heart Throb Bubbleroon [unavailable] – My other favourite from this year’s Valentine’s collection, besides Unicorn Horn! One bubbleroon is enough for two baths – the bright red hearts easily break away from the gold glittery middle. Scented with ylang ylang oil, geranium, vanilla and frangipani, this is a slightly floral, slightly spicy, a little bit gourmand fragrance – quite an unusual one. Crumbled under the tap, this produces luscious red bath water, a good amount of bubbles and leaves skin nicely moisturised after. I’d have been more than happy with a few of these for Valentine’s Day. Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

17. Lush Star Light Star Bright Bath Melt [unavailable] – Last one of the discontinued bath bits for now! This was included in one of three (!) 12 Days of Christmas gift sets I bought in the 50% off sale – really good value considering the wonderful items inside! I was really hesitant to use it as it’s somewhat of a glitterbomb (I’m still finding glitter everywhere!) though I changed my mind once in the water. This melt faded into a stunning deep blue, the glitter adding to the beautiful shimmery night sky effect in the water – so pretty! And not to mention ultra-moisturising – my skin felt incredibly soft afterwards and I didn’t need to use lotion. Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

18. Lush Phoenix Rising (£3.35 via Lush)  – A new favourite of mine – not sure why I never tried it before! My personal style lately is very much a witchy/hippie kind of thing, and this divinely spicy cinnamon and bergamot delight just adds to that. I cut it in half before use, which left plenty for one bath. It looks gorgeous in the water – purple and then fizzing into the blue middle. Cocoa butter and shea butter leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling luxurious. A rather unique one that I wish I’d tried out sooner – can’t stop smelling myself afterwards! Repurchase? Yes.

Makeup

19. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory (£8.99 via Superdrug) – My go-to daily foundation for a while, but now I’m favouring L’Oreal True Match since it controls my oiliness a little better. Though this is ideal for when you’re looking and feeling a little tired to create a foolproof radiant look that isn’t just shiny – this saved me many days whilst at uni! Great medium coverage and colour match, easy to apply and pump packaging, which is perfect. A must-have for anyone looking for an affordable, natural-looking, slightly glowy base, even on oilier skin. Repurchase? In the future.

20. MUA Makeup Academy Fixing Mist (£5 via MUA) – I was looking for an affordable dupe for the Urban Decay fixing sprays; sadly this didn’t live up to expectations! It wasn’t a disaster or anything, but just didn’t make my makeup last longer – why waste money on a product that doesn’t do anything? Repurchase? No.

Hope you enjoyed nosing through my empties from the last couple of months – hopefully I can rein in my Lush addiction and start using up more products..especially since I’m going away next month and need to save money! What have you used up lately?

November & December Empties (And A Happy 2015!)

HAPPY LATE NEW YEAR! Hope you all had a wonderful festive season and New Year! I skipped on the December favourites because I spent the month focusing on Christmas and present-buying rather than makeup and beauty products..but be assured I will have one up at the end of the month! I have also been terrible and wanted to put together a giant Lush Haul from Boxing Day; but in a rush to make space, I threw out all the excess packaging, packed everything away and used some of it in the midst of my excitement – d’oh! I’ll be sure to put together another Lush Haul in the near future though, as I’m a little bit obsessed. As you can probably tell from this post. So yeah – I used up a whole lot of stuff and hope to downsize my product stash just a little! Curious to know what I finished up and have been loving or hating? Read on!

More empties than ever before – this bag was seriously overflowing!

Makeup

1. Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [Travel Size] (£20 for full size via Debenhams) – I picked this smaller size setting spray up from Sephora over a year ago, but hadn’t actually used it til recently! It lasted a few months when used 2-4 times a week. Upon recommendation, I sprayed a few times before and after applying makeup. I didn’t notice a significant difference when I was just wearing makeup for a few hours, but definitely on long days when I’d have it on 12+ hours – it made a slight difference in reducing the shininess of my face as well as stopping my makeup ‘melting’ from excess oil. However if you have oily skin, you do need to use hydrating skincare products as no primer or setting spray will suddenly change your skin type! I’m also going to try out MAC Fix+ to see how they compare. Repurchase? Maybe.

2. Collection Pressed Powder (£1.99 via Superdrug) – As you can see, there is some left but I gave up as the broken pebbles got far too messy to work with! I don’t notice a massive difference between high end and low end pressed powders personally – just that they shouldn’t be too yellow/orange or look too ‘powdery’ on my skin. And in a mirrored compact, if I anticipate using it for travelling. This is a perfectly good budget option – an ideal shade for pale skin, nothing fancy, and does exactly what you want! My only complaint is that the packaging can be difficult to work with for travel, but other than that, this is excellent for the price. Repurchase? In the future.

3. MAC Prep & Prime [Sample] (£21 for full size via MAC Cosmetics) – This was available towards the end of last year as a GWP at MAC counters, or requesting one by mail via a certain online link – not sure if this is still available! I ended up with 3 or 4 of them in total – perfect for my travel bag! Despite being such a tiny size, it did last me a good few weeks. The consistency is more of a cream/lotion feel than a straight-up silicone primer, and it does smooth out the skin to make a noticeable difference in makeup application as well as slightly extending the longevity. Now to use up all my other primers! Repurchase? In the future.

4. ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (£3.50 via ELF) – This took me around 2 years to use up – it just kept going and now it’s pretty much dried up! An excellent budget primer that keeps powder eyeshadow in place all day and longer – you can’t beat the price. Comparable to the much more expensive Urban Decay Primer Potion, although the UD version is a touch smoother and easier to blend shadows on top of. I’d say unless you’re really not bothered by the cost of your products, get this one! Repurchase? Maybe in future.

5. Collection Extreme Length Mascara in Black (£2.50 via Boots) – Not completely used up but I’d forgotten about it and it dried out! When new, this is an excellent affordable mascara for natural-looking length and volume with no clumps, flakes or smudging. Pretty much everything I want in a mascara! Repurchase? When I’ve used up my others!

6. Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner in Black (£2.50 via Boots) – My favourite liner! Lasted for months before turning greyish, always gives the loveliest defined deep black line and is the easiest to apply with the felt tip end – I just can’t seem to do brush style liquid liner! I’m open to trying new products but this really is a fantastic foolproof budget option. Repurchase? Yes.

Skincare (Face)

7. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (£2 via Boots) – My favourite readily-available face wipes. Ok, my ultimate favourites are the classic Neutrogena ones, but they aren’t sold in the UK, so these have to do! Always the wettest, most gentle and most effective at removing makeup before a proper cleanse; my only complaint is that I don’t like the slightly textured feel of these! They are usually £3.50 (but currently on offer at Boots) so they’re more expensive than most, though they are the best out of all the drugstore wipes I’ve tried..and I’ve tried pretty much all of them! Repurchase? Yes.

8. Lush Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser (£6.75 via Lush) – One of my past favourites, but not a product I reach for as much anymore. It is a great combined cleanser/gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin, but I felt a little wasteful having to throw it out when I’d barely used half the tub after 3 months, so I stick to other products. This needs to come in a smaller pot – not sure how anyone gets through the even bigger size in time! This ultra-natural product uses kaolin to cleanse and ground almonds and lavender to gently calm and exfoliate – a must-try for sensitive skin. Repurchase? Maybe not.

9. Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream (£7.25 via Feel Unique) – After a year or so, I eventually finished this up! It is a super-gentle eye cream with hyaluronic acid and emu oil which soothes and hydrates the under-eye area without irritating in the least. Excellent for the price, as some eye creams are so expensive and burn your eyes! This is raved about by just about everyone who tries it, so I urge you to give it a go! Repurchase? Already did.

10. Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm (£5.25 via Lush) – I’ve probably had this lying around for 2 years or so – it’s long expired and I’ve recently become allergic to the peppermint oil in it anyway! I prefer stick or tube balms, as the tin or tub balms are messy and unhygienic to apply, especially whilst travelling. This did a decent job hydration-wise, but if you store the tin in a cool room it is a real struggle to get it out as it so solid! Despite having ‘honey’ in the name, it didn’t smell very honey-like to me, more like white chocolate and peppermint. A good natural balm but not the most practical. Repurchase? No.

11. Nuxe Reve de Miel (£9.50 via Feel Unique) – Another product that took me around a year to use up, but one of my favourites! This cult product is perfect for leaving on overnight and waking up with soft, hydrated lips – add a layer of Vaseline on top for even more softness. It has an unusual thick, matte texture on the lips – not one to wear during the day. Not to mention the delicious chocolate orange scent makes me crave, well, chocolate oranges. However again, the jar format means it can be unhygienic, which I don’t like! If I could have it in stick form it would be perfect. Repurchase? Already did.

12. Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets (discontinued) – Yet another 29p discounted pack of blotting sheets I’ve used up! These appear in my Empties posts so often you know the drill by now, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. These were kept in one of my handbags to keep my face oil-free throughout the day. Repurchase? Yes..if I find them again.

13. Lush Tea Tree Water Toner (from £4.25 via Lush) – I’d only used around half of this before I noticed it smelling less than fresh and got rid of it, but only used it during breakouts so it was already a bit expired. I don’t usually have much faith in toners, but the tea tree mixture helps heal and eliminate blemishes on oily or spot-prone skin, whilst feeling very refreshing. I learned my lesson and got a smaller bottle instead. Repurchase? Already did.

14. Mudd Original Mask (£6.99 via Amazon for larger size) – Another regular in my Empties posts! My go-to, 1-2x a week mask for sucking out dirt and impurities from my skin, without irritating it at all. It makes a real difference in keeping everything smooth and clear, especially if you suffer from blackheads. Repurchase? Yes.

15. Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Makeup Remover (£3.49 via Boots) – Despite the popularity of Simple’s cleansing wipes, this makeup remover is a bit rubbish! It doesn’t do a great job of removing mascara, but at least it doesn’t hurt the eyes. I much prefer an oil-based formula for stubborn makeup removal – I just kept this to correct my eyeliner. Repurchase? No.

16. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (£11 via Boots) – A rare product that caters to both oily and sensitive skin! Adore that all LRP products are non-scented and wonderfully bland – what all skincare needs to be. Great for cleansing oily, spot-prone skin without drying out too much or irritating at all, but I do find this a touch drying in the winter months. Not suitable for removing eye makeup though! Repurchase? Already did.

17. St Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub (£3.99 via Tesco) – I used this all the time as a young teen, but now there are much better exfoliants on the market in my opinion. This does a fair job when you’re in need of some scrubby action, but I prefer other brands (Una Brennan!) that do a better job with less irritation. Repurchase? No.

18. The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator (£10 via The Body Shop) – Another scrub placed firmly in the ‘meh’ category. This doesn’t irritate as it’s non-scented and very gentle on the skin, but then doesn’t do the best job at exfoliating as other products could do. Better than nothing if you’re without, but not something I’d go out to buy specifically again. However this might be ideal for anyone with ultra-sensitive skin who finds that most scrubs are too abrasive. And The Body Shop usually have some great offer on, so forget paying full price for this! Repurchase? No.

Skincare (Body)

19. Mitchell and Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub (£36 via Mitchell and Peach) – Let me just say I didn’t purchase this myself – I don’t think any scrub is worth spending £36 on personally! My mum received this as a gift (can I have friends who gift me crazy expensive beauty products please) but said the smell reminded her of “furniture polish” so I used it up instead. I can see where she was coming from – the smell upon opening is really overwhelming! It’s a sugar scrub in oil with tiny nut pieces to exfoliate. It does do a decent job of exfoliating with the sugar/nut combo and the oil leaves skin lovely and soft, but the smell is just too much! Definitely more for someone who’s into more mature floral scents, as it was too strong for me. And even if I liked the product, it’s an easy DIY. Also the name sounds like the most English phrase ever..”Kentish Cobnut”..heh. Repurchase? No.

20. Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion (£9.75 via Lush) – I managed to pick this up from the car boot sale for either 50p or £1 – something cheap like that! I’d tried it before years ago but wasn’t too impressed, & thought I’d give it another go. Surprise – still not impressed! Although the peppermint scent is good for making your feet smell fresh, it’s not thick and buttery enough to be that moisturising compared to my Body Shop Hemp favourite – this formula is much runnier and doesn’t do much at all to soothe and hydrate genuinely sore, dried-out feet (lovely visual for you there). And it’s a bit expensive for what it is! If I end up with another I’ll probably end up passing it on to someone else. Repurchase? No.

21. Lush Ultrabalm (£8.95 via Lush) – A product I really have had for ages! Ultrabalm is a great natural alternative to Vaseline – use on dry noses, lips, elbows and knees. Unfortunately it had long expired and the consistency had gone a bit weird. A very useful little tin if you’re strict about using all-natural products and need an all-purpose balm. For me, I prefer natural when available but rarely need it anymore, since most of my super-dry skin issues are non-existent these days. Repurchase? No.

22. Victoria’s Secret PINK Sweet & Fruity Hand & Body Cream ($8 via Victoria’s Secret USA) – An impulse buy whilst in the USA last year! I really liked the scent of this but didn’t use it much until this winter, since it’s fairly strongly scented and strong body scents in warmer weather give me a headache. The scent is described as ‘sugar berry and pink grapefruit’ – pretty much what it smells like to be! Definitely more of a young, fun scent. One of my favourite VS scents – I don’t use it much but when I feel like using a scented lotion it’s one I tend to go for. Repurchase? Already did.

Hair

23. Johnson’s Baby Powder (£1.42 via Boots) – My dry shampoo of choice! I prefer rubbing in powder to absorb excess oil at the roots rather than a spray – it’s more effective for me. If needed, I then spray Batiste through the lengths if I have critically oily hair. And yes, I always ensure it’s thoroughly rubbed in – white patches flatter no one! Repurchase? Yes.

24. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Treatment (£12.70 via Feel Unique) – My previous favourite deep conditioning treatment, but the famous Macadamia one has really won me over lately! Although this one is still excellent. The consistency is really runny and I always find myself having to use a lot to cover all my hair so it’s not the most economical choice, but it really does make hair wonderfully soft after leaving in for 10 minutes and then rinsing out. However as mentioned, the Macadamia is my new go-to, so I’ll be using that for now! Repurchase? No.

25. Bed Head Masterpiece Hairspray (£10.19 via Amazon) – Favourite hairspray! I used to love the Tresemme Freeze Hold spray when I had shorter hair, but found it was too crunchy for longer hair, so I use this instead. It feels like you never even used hairspray – a great light to medium weightless hold. It also smells amazing – fruity and not chokingly gross like many others do! Just wish they did this in a travel size. Repurchase? Yes.

26. Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumising Mousse (£4 via Boots) – Love this mousse! A great volume boost post-blow-dry without feeling heavy or sticky, with bonus heat protection. I’m currently using up a Bed Head one which is okay but feels a bit sticky, and will definitely be going back to this. Excellent product, especially for the price. Repurchase? Yes.

27. Oribe Dry Texturising Spray (£38 via Space NK) – Much as I enjoy this product, I cannot get over the price – no can of hair product is worth £38! I bought this less than a year ago in a money off promotion so didn’t pay full price, but it is still ridiculously expensive nonetheless. It is excellent – sexy, lightweight texture and boost in a can for fluffy fresh hair. But there are other texturising sprays which are similar enough and won’t take a significant chunk out of your bank account. Repurchase? Maybe when I’m rich.

Lush Bath Bits – so many they deserve their own section this time!

28. Reindeer Rock Soap (currently unavailable) – After shunning soap bars for a long time, I’m finally embracing Lush’s ones and realising how great they are! Reindeer Rock was a special Christmas edition, a glossy cranberry shade imprinted with reindeers and silver glitter, with the divine blackcurrant Comforter scent. Dreamy! I use the bar soaps on my hands instead of in the shower, and find they are gentle and non-drying – ideal for winter. Repurchase? Yes, when possible.

29. Cinders Bath Bomb (currently unavailable) – Another Christmas exclusive! Dropped into the bath, this smell simulates Christmas to me – warming spices, cinnamon and orange, with novelty popping candy! A must-have for Christmas, but still pleasant to use post-holdiday season. I still have a couple from gift sets as well as some sale bargains. Repurchase? Yes, when possible.

30. Candy Mountain Bubble Bar (currently unavailable) – Fruity Snow Fairy scented goodness. If you don’t like super-sweet, girly fruity scents, you won’t like this. I’m the fan for the name alone, being slightly obsessed with Charlie the Unicorn as a young’un. I cut this pink and white, glittery conical bar in half and crumble under a tap for a pink, fruity bubble bath experience. Though I’m not sure why this one is strictly limited to Christmas, as it’s not super-festive and would be a hit throughout the year! Repurchase? Yes, when available.

31. Granny Takes A Dip Bath Bomb (£3.35 via Lush) – Received as a cheeky freebie from one of my favourite Lush staff members! I wish I’d taken photos as this bath bomb is a true experience. Prepare for divine rainbow psychadelic water with a spicy citrus scent – it feels like you’re bathing in rainbows! Maybe more of a special occasion one, since you really do have to use the whole thing at once and it is a little pricey for one bath. Repurchase? Maybe.

32. Wizard Bubble Bar (currently unavailable) – Still kicking myself for not stocking up on the Halloween exclusives while they were out, and going on holiday instead! To be fair I didn’t realise this one was strictly Halloween, as Christmas and magic kind of go together, so why not keep it around?! Devastated I only got the one! I felt a bit mean slicing his head in half, but it did make the bath smell lovely – described as “juniperberry and fennel”. Repurchase? Yes, when available.

33. Dorothy Bubble Bar [x2] (£3.25 via Lush) – One of my all-time favourites from the permanent collection, but seemingly not a hit for everyone – you either love or hate it! Ylang ylang and orange flower make this bubble bath relaxing and instantly mood-boosting, with pretty blue-green water. One I always save for a bad day! Repurchase? Yes.

34. Butterbear [x2] (currently unavailable) – Pretty much the same as Butterball, another permanent favourite of mine, but smaller and in teddy bear form – so cute! The cocoa butter melts for a gorgeously decadent bathtime fragrance whilst softening and soothing dried-out winter skin. I picked up a small bag full in the Boxing Day sale as they were around £1 each and really help my skin stay moisturised in the winter! Repurchase? Yes, when available.

35. Christmas Penguin Bubble Bar (currently unavailable) – Love this adorable guy – especially when some of them turn out a bit deformed in the manufacturing process! A similar format to the Wizard bar, again I feel cruel slicing it up. A citrus-floral scent very much like that of the Olive Branch shower gel, again rather uplifting, unisex and a good suit-all scent with mountains of bubbles! Repurchase? Yes, when available.

36. Comforter Bubble Bar (£4.75 via Lush) – Anyone who knows me at all knows how much I adore the Comforter scent! Delectable fruity blackcurrant with pretty pink water and mountains of bubbles, plus one of the more economical options from Lush as you can get up to 5-6 uses from just one bar. I even purchased the Comforter perfume and shower gel from the Lush Kitchen recently, along with the freebie Comforter Fun. Obsessed? Me? Never.. Repurchase? Yes.

37. Northern Lights Bath Bomb (currently unavailable) – Again, another which got me a bit confused about season-specific products. I thought this was meant to be a Halloween/Fireworks Night release only, yet more appeared towards Christmas. Not that I’m complaining – I loved this so much I ended up also filling a little Lush carrier bag full of these on Boxing Day. I normally avoid bath bombs as they can be a little wasteful, but this can easily be broken or chopped in half without affecting the product. The scent of jasmine and ylang ylang gives a truly relaxing bathing experience, along with stunning purple waters fizzing into rainbow foam and tiny little dissolvable stars throughout – the closest you’ll get to a fireworks display in your bathroom without becoming seriously injured. Pretty and a great scent – glad I stocked up! Repurchase? Yes.

38. 13 Rabbits Bath Melt (currently unavailable) – Is it awful that I only purchased this because it had ‘rabbits’ in the name?! This was my second order from the Lush Kitchen..most likely with many more to come in future. I’d order all the time, but annoyingly it costs nearly £4 to deliver any package from Lush, even though I could technically pick it up from the Poole factory or shop, both pretty much down the road from me, but they don’t allow it! How annoying! I purchased a few of these very limited edition melts along with a Nutts massage bar, yet to try it out (but secretly waiting for someone to try it out with me haha!). A seriously unusual scent – dark chocolate and ginger! Decadent and unique. This smells delicious in the packet, but in the bath mixed with the warm water I found the ginger fragrance was a little strong for my liking and gave me a headache. However despite the overly strong fragrance and dodgy-looking brown bath water, it did moisturise my skin nicely. I’d recommend to anyone who was a fan of Lush Sonic Death Monkey shower gel. Repurchase? Probably not.

Candles

39. Bath & Body Works Dark Kiss Medium Candle (currently unavailable) – A favourite of mine – very upset this isn’t available anymore! I even tried to source it on Ebay whilst in the US, but the only one I found was $50! I’d spotted this on Ebay UK a while ago and got it for around £6 – really glad I did. This is my favourite scent to burn in the bedroom (but not like that!)- a very girly fruity-floral musk which I adore, this was very popular as a body scent when it was out as well. If anyone has another I’ll happily buy it off you! 😉 My only issue is that these old-style medium candles don’t burn evenly as the wick is much too small for the jar, so a DIY foil sleeve around the outside is a must if you want to make the most of your candle. Repurchase? Yes, if possible.

40. Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Fireside 3-wick Candle ($11.25 via Bath and Body Works US) – It makes me so envious when I see how dirt cheap these candles are in the US, and then how extortionately expensive they are on Ebay UK and US import sites! Why must candles be so heavy?! But the reason why this is half-used and in a ziplock bag is because I bought it on Ebay; it arrived smashed and the seller never responded, so I got my money back and decanted what I rescued into another 3-wick candle jar! However this wasn’t a perfect solution, as near the bottom two of the wicks came loose and my candle was rendered useless, so I froze the jar, scooped the wax out with a knife and saved it to use in my new Yankee Candle large oil burner I got in the sales last week. Onto the actual scent: this is one of my essential Winter candles, instantly adding a sense of cosiness to any room. I was so put off for ages as it was described as a ‘smoky’ scent and I can’t stand cigarette smoke or too much smoke due to my asthma, but this is actually lovely with only the slightest hint – a cosy smoky vanilla that is the closest you’ll get to roasting marshmallows round a campfire without leaving the house. Repurchase? Yes, when possible.

41. Bath & Body Works Renew & Refresh Mini Candle (currently unavailable) – Despite only buying in October, this is somehow sold out/unavailable online?! As soon as I sniffed it I knew I had to get a couple of these minis, as well as a 3-wick whilst I was in the heaven that is Bath & Body Works in the US only a few months ago. Described as “jasmine, fresh air and mint”, this is the perfect candle for relaxation that isn’t too overwhelming – some scents get a bit heady for me after a while and I have to put them out, but I could have one of these burning all day and really enjoy it. Light, beautiful and genuinely refreshing! Repurchase? Yes, when possible.

Samples

42. Philosophy Amazing Grace Body Lotion (£29 for full size via Boots) – Still not a fan of the Philosophy cleanser or the lotion – it just smells like plastic to me! Nothing special and definitely not worth the price tag. Purchase? No.

43. Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil (£65 for full size via Space NK) – Only a couple of uses in this sample so hard to gauge the long-term results of this face oil, but it felt lightweight, hydrating and left my skin feeling lovely and soft the next morning. However I couldn’t justify that price tag at the moment! Purchase? When I’m rich.

44. Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (£30 for full size via Boots) – I initially thought this was an eye cream, oops! However it’s a correcting cream for the under-eye area which looks very similar to Benefit Porefessional straight out of the sachet. This was the perfect lightweight product for neutralising my dark under-eye circles on a lazy makeup day without having to cover up with heavy concealer – I was quite impressed. However £30 for a tiny tube of this is a little steep! Purchase? Maybe when I have more money.

45. Origins Modern Friction Scrub (£33 for full size via Boots) – A pricey one for a face scrub! This was way too abrasive for my sensitive skin – even with the most gentle of rubbing, it still made my face feel sore and red. Purchase? No.

46. Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser in Ivory (£45 for full size via Space NK) – More like a foundation than your typical tinted moisturiser, this provides decent coverage whilst still being lightweight. However Ivory (the 2nd lightest shade) looked a bit orange on me! Repurchase? In a different shade, when I have more money.

47. Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation in Shell (£50 for full size via Space NK) – Great coverage, lightweight and made my skin look pretty much flawless! The shade was a good match for me, but there are plenty available. Ideal for oily skin – it definitely held off the shine for as long as possible. Repurchase? Yes, when I have more money.

48. Origins Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil (£39 for full size via Origins) – I got a couple of uses out of this, and despite the strong botanical smell, it made my skin feel so soft and hydrated the next day when worn under my night cream. Like all these samples, this is a little on the pricey side, but something I might consider after using up my current Clarins face oil as I really enjoyed it! Purchase? Maybe.

49. Origins Plantscription Youth-Renewing Night Cream (£48 for full size via Origins) – The same scent as the oil, this was a wonderful combination to wear at night to make my skin look well-rested and hydrated the next morning. However this is nothing unique and I’d probably stick with my cheaper Ren night cream which is a pretty similar consistency! Purchase? No.

Fairly sure this is my biggest Empties post yet – phew! I’m really pleased I managed to use up so much and am being more selective about what I purchase, rather than impulse buying. Fingers crossed for a more organised, selective beauty stash in 2015!

What have you used up this month? Let me know below!

July & August Empties

Thanks for all your kind words and likes recently! I’m no big-time blogger and just like to write about products to share my honest experiences with others and help you discover lovely new things, so any kind of feedback and sharing is so wonderful!

We’ve reached the end of August, which means time to empty out my enormous bag of rubbish and tell you all about it!

 

What a load of rubbish..

 Bath & Body

1. Garnier Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Replenishing Lotion in Shea Butter (£3.28 via Boots) – I think this is the 2nd giant bottle of this I’ve used up? My go-to body lotion: light and fast-absorbing, yet very moisturising and afforable. Ideal for when you don’t have time for greasy, sticky body butters – this stuff sinks right in and doesn’t interfere with your perfume’s scent – brilliant! Repurchase? Yes.

2. Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap in Vanilla Bean Noel (no longer available) – This was part of my Canadian beauty swap back in February, and it took me such a long time to use up this soap! Yes, I wash my hands multiple times a day – it’s just that this was a bit drying to use on my hands too much, despite the heavenly vanilla scent. As much as I love the variety of scents that B&BW offers, unfortunately these dried out my hands way too much. Repurchase? Nope.

3. Mitchum Powder Fresh Anti-Perspirant Roll On (£2.89 via Superdrug) – Despite the less-than-pretty old style packaging, this is by far my favourite deodorant. Talking about armpits and sweating isn’t the most pleasant topic, but getting the right deodorant is so important! As well as keeping underarms dry all day for just about everyone (even teens and athletes), the subtle scent isn’t at all strong yet disguises any odour, so this doesn’t interfere with other fragrances you might be wearing. Despite wearing this every single day, these take me the longest time to use up – the newer packaging is a bit more attractive! Repurchase? Yes.

4. Lush D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap (from £5.75 via Lush) – I featured this in my Lush haul not so long ago, and look how quickly I used it up! It’s not that I’m monstrously hairy – just that you need to use quite a lot if you’re shaving legs as well as anywhere else, so it disappears quickly! Allows for a smooth, close shave and I’ve *yet* (fingers crossed) to cut myself shaving whilst using this. And it smells gorgeous, though more of a rose scent than a strawberry one. Definitely more of a luxury bath item, since if you’re shaving regularly it would get pretty expensive to keep repurchasing! Repurchase? Yes.

5. Lush Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream (£16.95 via Lush) – Lost count of how many times I’ve used and rebought this! Your delicate eye area needs a specialist eye cream, so why not other delicate areas? This keeps my chest and neck area well-moisturised and smelling gorgeous. It’s no boob-lift in a pot, but does give a subtle firming effect. A little on the pricier side, but I notice a difference when I don’t use it and it really does feel like a luxury product. One of those not-so-necessary necessities that I don’t want to be without! Repurchase? Yes.

6. Various Lush Bubble Bars, Soap & Bath Bombs…

• Pink Fun unfortunately melted on me in the hot weather, but at least I could still use it in the bath! I’d bought this before and wasn’t that impressed, but received this as part of a Christmas gift so I used it up anyway. Smelling quite similar to the Creamy Candy bubble bars by Lush, this has a fruity and caramel kind of scent, very sweet and quite pleasant. However it didn’t produce many bubbles and I’m not really young enough to enjoy the novelty playdough aspect of it, but this could be the perfect thing to get little kids to take a bath! Repurchase? No.
• Honey Bee – a sweet smell and sweet name, but a not-so-sweet bathing experience. The only good thing was the tasty honey smell. It looked like someone had urinated in my bath water and it temporarily stained the tub bright yellow, so I had to scrub it out vigourously after finishing – so much for a nice relaxing bath! Not to mention, it stained my pale pink toenail polish yellow – it looked like my nails were mouldy! Bath bombs aren’t exactly cheap, so I kind of feel I wasted my money with this one. Repurchase? No.
• I got through two whole Dorothy bubble bars, a joint favourite with the sweet-smelling Comforter bar. I crumble half a bar under running water and the dreamy ylang-ylang and orange flower scent instantly relaxes me – not something I’d usually pick but it’s my go-to Lush product after a stressful day! Repurchase? Yes.
• A new one for me! I tried out the Karma Soap as a hand soap after receiving a couple of generous sample sizes, and it may have swayed me from liquid hand soap for good. I got put off by the initial dry feeling of soap bars, but it doesn’t linger after drying your hands. Not to mention, the smell is gorgeous – Karma is one of my top favourite Lush scents, a love-it-or-hate-it blend of citrus and patchouli oils to create this dreamy, hippie-style scent. Who needs liquid soap when you have a sweet-smelling Lush soap? Repurchase? Yes.

 

Hair

7. Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment (£7.99 via Boots) – Despite its over-perfumed scent and higher than average price for a hair product from Boots, I’ve really grown to like this deep conditioner! I leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and after rinsing out, my hair is strokeably soft, looking and feeling much more healthy on the damaged ends, meaning it has a better chance of growing out. It doesn’t make my hair feel greasy or heavy at all. Though I still really don’t like the scent – smelling like cheap perfume isn’t my style! Repurchase? Yes.

8. Tigi S-Factor Heat Defender Flat Iron Shine Spray (£11.55 via BeautyBay) – Despite using every few days, this took me well over a year to finish! It’s pricier than your typical heat protecting spray but well worth the money – not just because of how long it lasted me, because it actually works! Spritz this strawberry-scented product sparingly (I use 5-6 sprays total for my long hair since much more can cause serious oiliness otherwise) all over before using heated tools, and it will prevent your precious hair from getting fried and damaged by straighteners and blow dryers. Not to mention you’ll smell fantastic afterwards. Seriously the best heat protection spray I’ve ever used, I don’t ever want to be without it now! Repurchase? Yes.

9. Lush American Cream Hair Conditioner (from £4.50 via Lush) – The hair conditioner I always keep coming back to. It’s a bit of a nostalgic one for me since I’ve used it on and off for nearly 10 years, and it’s one of those products where the smell alone completely transports you back in time. This thick, creamy conditioner keeps hair soft and the mouth-watering vanilla and sage scent will earn you countless compliments – really, you’ll smell amazing. The only downside is that a few months after the expiry date the product starts to turn a strange consistency, meaning I can’t always have this in stock in my bathroom and instead have to go out and purchase it exactly when needed in fear of it expiring early. Repurchase? Yes.

10. Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo (£4.69 via Boots) – The shampoo I’ll always go back to. Whatever products mess up my hair and leave it looking dried out and gross, I can always count on this to do the job time after time. It’s not the most moisturising shampoo out there, but definitely helps when you’re trying to condition dry and damaged hair without the risk of drying it out even further with harsh shampoo. I always have a bottle or two of this stashed away and ready to use! Repurchase? Yes.

 

Skincare & Makeup

11. Yes To Carrots Nourishing Gentle Cleansing Wipes (£3.19 via Feel Unique) – After recently trying out the Cucumber version of these and finding them thoroughly average, I needed to know if the classic Carrot ones were any better. They do have a slight citrus/carrot scent to them which I wasn’t too keen on. Sadly, just like the Cucumber wipes, these stung my eyes! They did an okay job of removing the bulk of my makeup (I’d never use wipes to completely cleanse my face) but I can’t put up with wipes that hurt my eyes. Repurchase? No.

12. Nuxe Contour Des Yeux Prodigieux Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Eye Cream [Sample] (£18.50 via Feel Unique for full size) – Being a big fan of French skincare and loving my Reve de Miel, I was thoroughly expecting Nuxe’s eye cream to blow me away; sadly that wasn’t the case! With a thick serum-like consistency, it did a decent job at moisturising my under-eye area, but I just couldn’t handle the absurdly strong scent for more than a few days. Surely anything this over-perfumed near the eyes can’t be doing them any good?! Repurchase? No.

13. La Roche-Posay Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water (from £2.95 via Escentual) – Invaluable for hot weather after cleansing! During the heatwave I was spraying this all over my face several times a day and it did wonders for briefly and blissfully cooling me down. When my skin’s particularly irritated, I use this in place of toner. Soothing and cooling without menthol or other unnecessary added ingredients. Repurchase? Yes.

14. La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere (£10.20 via Escentual) – Still my favourite moisturiser, day or night – this ultra-light cream absorbs fast and adds moisture to the skin without appearing greasy in the least. I’m such a LRP fangirl lately, but their products work wonders for difficult and sensitive skin. Many products seem to give decent results but don’t actually last; this one has been keeping my skin looking and feeling better than ever for months now. The only drawback is that it runs out too fast – one little tube only seems to last 4-6 weeks for me. Worth it though. And let’s face it, there are far pricier moisturisers out there. Repurchase? Yes.

15. Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets (£2.99 each via Ocado) – Powering through these brilliant little sheets! Before purchasing online though, I urge you to check out your local Home Bargains where I bought a basket full of these for 29p per pack months ago. I keep a pack in each of my handbags at all times as well as at my dresser so I always have them on hand to blot any oiliness. Pretty much the same as the Clean & Clear sheets in texture, far better than flimsy tissue paper-like imitations. I always have my eye out for these, I really don’t want to run out anytime soon! Repurchase? Yes.

16. Origins GinZing Eye Cream (£23 via Origins) – As much as I appreciate what the brand is all about, nothing from Origins has yet to prove itself worthy of its price tag to me! I picked up the GinZing eye cream this time last year, shortly after the range was released. Due to its lighter texture and ‘illuminating’ properties, I used this as my daytime eye cream for 9 months – this stuff lasted ages as you only need a tiny amount. Sadly it’s really nothing special, the glowy-ness is due to the metallic sheen of the cream itself, not because of magic or the product actually working. Nothing special here – a shame, as the GinZing range seemed so promising! Repurchase? No.

17. Collection Longer Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black (£2.98 each via Asda) – Not one but two of the same mascara! The first one I’d opened around a year ago and used a few times (waterproof mascara is a must-have in sweaty, humid summer weather!), but unfortunately it had dried up over time so I chucked it. After enjoying the great longer, defined lashes and waterproof finish this mascara gave me first time around, I repurchased. Sadly, this new one must have been opened previously, as it was pretty much dried up by the time I’d brought it home! So disappointing – after trying repeatedly to get it to work, I just had to throw that one too. As much as I love this formula when it’s in its intended state, I really don’t want to buy yet another and discover I have to bin it right away. Factory-sealed mascara is the way to go. Repurchase? Probably not.

I hope you enjoyed checking out everything I’ve used up over July and August – it’s such a good feeling to finally recycle them! I love reading other peoples’ empties posts, so feel free to share yours below if you’ve written one too!