October 2018 Empties

 

Skin Care Empties

 

KEY: WR - Will/have repurchased; MR - Might repurchase at a later date; WNR - Would not repurchase.

 

Quite a few full sizes finished up in October  - including a couple of leading roles in my skincare routines.

 

* The Body Shop- Chinese Ginseng and Rice Toner. (WNR)

This clarifying milky toner seemed promising at first but as time wore on, I noticed that at seemingly random times, it would sting my skin a little. Looking at the ingredients, here's nothing in there that I could see could be a problem for me (as far as I know) so that remains a mystery. Nice and hydrating, but the occasional sting puts me off buying any more.

 

* Anita Grant - Lemon Floral Water (WR)

I absolutely loved this floral water and also the brand - I'll definitely be repurchasing this in the future plus I'd like to try more of Anita's products. I used this mostly as a morning cleanse, but, seeing as it comes in a handy spray bottle, sometimes as a refreshing mist too.

 

* The Hero Project - VIT C-30 Serum (MR)

I reviewed this product recently HERE.  Despite bemoaning the fact that I couldn't use it in my morning routine because it was a little too oily, I'm actually missing the potency of this Vitamin C serum - 30% is the highest amount in a UK product, so any other Vitamin C products are bound to feel a little measly in it's wake.

 

* A.Florence Skincare - Super Serum (WR)

An intensely nourishing and hydrating serum, but I got through this 10ml travel size far too quickly! Here's the information from the website: "The multi-correctional formula is an antioxidant powerhouse, designed with actives such as Vitamin C (10%), Co-Q10+, Astaxanthin, Green tea, Superoxide Dismutase and potent botanicals, including  Arctic Cranberry and Amazon Pequi oil, to nourish and shield skin from environmental pollution, while working hard to prevent collagen degradation and pigmentation. 
 Furthermore, our proprietary signature infusion of anti-inflammatory herbs - Dandelion, Liquorice, Ginkgo biloba, Lemon balm, Marshmallow, Plantain and Calendula works in synergy with Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides and Cholesterol to address skin conditions such as dehydration, pore congestion and loss of vitality. Super Serum leaves your skin smooth, calm, hydrated, and perfectly prepared for moisturiser and make-up."
Yes, Yes and Yes! But despite all the adulation, I'm actually going to purchase the Intense Night Repair and Hydration Booster next (which I've previously tried as samples) because together - they are even better than the Super Serum.
 
* Dr Medica - Capillaries Serum (WR)


This is the second bottle of this and I absolutely swear by it for keeping my redness at bay. However, I've currently swapped this for some Hylamide Sensitive Fix that I've had sitting in my stash for a while and this is the only product that this would replace (for the time being anyway). I'm starting to feel a bit antsy that I don't have a back-up of this ready and waiting, so I'll most likely repurchase it really soon as I can't imagine being without it!

 

* Ultrasun - Face 30 SPF (WNR)

I really didn't like this! It was too greasy to wear under makeup plus it had a really off-putting mushroom smell. On top of that, I would prefer to wear an SPF of 50. So, this is an absolute no from me.

 

* Elemis - Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (WR)

One of my all-time favourite cleansing balms. It's lucky that these deluxe mini sizes pop up everywhere - in fact, I already have a back-up.

 

* Suki - Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser (MR)

I purposefully ignored this for several months because it just looked too harsh in the pot for me to feel comfortable with. I don't know what made me try it, but I'm glad I did! First impressions can be really deceptive as this was an absolutely delightful exfoliating cleanser. With a fresh lemon scent and a mix of foam and sugar scrub - I really enjoyed using this once a week and will be on the look out for a full size in the future after I've cleared out more of my stash.

 

* Bella Aura - Gentle Purifying Cleanser and Night Cellular Renewal (MR)
These minis both came in the Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and Bella Aura were a brand I'd not heard of before. I loved both of these. My only negative about the Gentle Purifying Cleanser that you can't use it on your eyes and I do prefer a cleanser that won't hurt if I get it near my eye area. The Night Cellular Renewal was outstanding - although it's a relatively light cream, it really packed a punch and I could feel it doing some amazing things to my skin overnight. Evident in the morning by how my skin looked and felt on waking up. I'd love to repurchase the Night Cellular Renewal, but it is on the pricey side for me, so it's something I'd consider at a later date. 
* Purito - Centella Green Level Buffet Serum (WR)
It's very rare to try and sample sachet and get enough of a feel for it to fall in love with a product instantly. But that's exactly how I felt about the Purito Buffet serum! This would make an ideal first serum and it's at the very top of my wish list.

* Tula - Exfoliating Treatment Mask (MR)
I don't very often choose physical exfoliating products, so they take me ages to get through when I do have them in my stash. This was nice enough, if not a little too harsh for me. 
* Elemis - Skin Bliss Capsules (WNR)

Although not particularly old, I felt that the remaining capsules in the pot may have gone slightly off as I was finding little nuggets of the outer capsule in with the oil. They were nice enough, but didn't really do anything that a basic facial oil could do but for a much higher price.

* My Scheming - Rose Dew Moisturizing Mask (WR)
What?! Only one sheet mask for the entire month? I'm definitely slipping. I love these basic My Scheming sheet masks and the Rose Dew is a lovely hydrating mask.

 

Body, Makeup and De-Clutters

 

* Florence Anne - Patchouli & Clove EDT (WNR)

Here's a general rule I need to stick to: Don't buy things at the arse-end of the Boots post Christmas sale even if they are really cheap.

Insipid and it vapourised pretty much as soon as it hit the air - just entirely meh!

 

* The Body Shop - Shea Shower Cream (WNR)

One of the less-inspiring of the Body Shop range.

 

* Monu - Warming Ginger Bath and Body Oil (MR)

This was a beautiful body oil. So perfect after swimming. And I loved how the scent of ginger would pop up at later stages throughout the day when wearing this. I would repurchase this, but I'm going to be cheeky first, keep the bottle and make my own d.i.y version of this to see how that compares before I do!

 

* Missha - Under Eye Brightener (MR)

This was a fantastic brightening under-eye concealer and I'd certainly reconsider re-purchasing once I've whittled down some of my current concealers in my stash.

 

* MUA - Red lipstick and Red Lip Liner (WNR)

It was worth trying these out as they only cost £1 each. It didn't pay off though and I de-cluttered both.

 

* Benefit - Roller Lash (WR)

This mini lasted for ages. Which makes me wish that all mascaras came in mini versions, because they have such a short shelf life and I can never finish a full size in the recommended given time. Benefit sell these as minis - so I will be repurchasing. It's one of my favourite mascaras.

 

* Ellis Faas - Concealer (WNR)

I remember that this was pretty good when I first opened it. But after a few months of not using it, it had turned an orange shade so I'm thinking it had probably oxidised. Had to de-clutter it.

 

* Philosophy - Amazing Grace (WNR)

I wouldn't buy this as it's only a 'nice enough' scent. But it seems to pop up regularly as a free sample, and I'm not adverse to using them up.

 

* Serge Lutens - Fleurs D'Orangers (WNR)

This was such a shocker to me as I usually love anything by Serge Lutens. But sadly, the dry down on this was really quite offensive and disturbing. So it had to be de-cluttered.