January 2020 - Skincare Empties
I've (begrudgingly) welcomed in a new decade with no real resolutions to speak of (I'm in the 'sure-fire-way-to-failure' camp regarding New Years resolutions). However, my feelings towards using up products in a timely manner, ensuring that there's as less waste as possible, and being more mindful about unnecessary purchases remain, as ever, my top priorities with my skincare stash.
That being said, I haven't quite shaken my seemingly endless desire to obtain new products! I was pretty restrained during the Black Friday Sales and over the Christmas period but this month has seen me impulsively buy quite a few new products - some have been essentials but most have been indulgences!
I started off a new panning project this year, called '20 in 20' where I aim to finish up ten of my oldest skincare products and pan (or finish) ten of my oldest makeup products. Another goal is to revisit the products from Beauty Boxes from the last year and see just how well I've done at using up these products. This series of posts will hopefully begin in February.
Key
WR - Will repurchase or have already repurchased
MR - Might repurchase at a later date.
WNR - Will not repurchase. Either it didn't work for me, I didn't like it, it's too expensive or it had ingredients that didn't suit my skin.
Skincare
* Ayumi - Turmeric & Bergamot Face Wash (MR)
I picked up this face wash with the old-style packaging in T.K Maxx for £2.99. It's suitable for blemished skin, which I don't have, but I still wanted to try it out at that price. Especially as I've been a huge fan of all the Ayumi products I've tried so far.
This was slightly too much to use on a daily basis but I kept it in the shower and used it as a morning cleanse several times a week. So whilst this isn't particularly aimed at my skin type, I would like to check out the other facial washes from Ayumi as I enjoyed using it.
* A. Florence Skincare - Balm to Milk Cleanser (WR)
I have to hold my hand up - I loved this balm cleanser so much that I did that thing of holding back using it because I didn't want to finish it! I am trying hard to not fall prey to that kind of behaviour but there are still some products in my stash that are so extra special that I eke them out. Note to self, here's an idea - just use them, enjoy them and then buy them again!
This is an incredible product. The balm has a gorgeous scent, beautiful soft texture, is easy to apply, removes every last scrap of makeup, spf and daily grime, emulsifies beautifully, rinses well and leaves my skin feeling ultra clean and soft. A grade A performance from start to finish.
* The Spoiled Bee - White Coconut Soothing Mask (*PR Sample) (MR)
For some reason I've found myself using more ready-made masks than the clay type masks. Maybe it's because I'm lazy, maybe it's because I'm not great at mixing them myself! I'm reminded with this mask that I should perhaps try a bit more with clay masks, especially when they are this good. This is a great soothing and softening mask. I always find it a good clarifying mask too.
* Naturally Thinking - Manuka Floral Water (WR)
I usually buy three floral waters at a time from Naturally Thinking as they have a great selection and are great value. Manuka Floral Water is always one of my choices. This has so many uses - as a morning cleanser, as a light and hydrating toner, to mix clay masks and as a soothing and cooling facial mist. A must-have in my skincare collection.
* Belenos Skin Botanique - Repair Serum (WR)
Belenos are one of my favourite brands. They offer such great value products which are well thought out and give great results. Of the two facial serums that I've tried from Belenos (the other being the Fruit Lift Serum) the Repair Serum is my favourite. This is a rich and luxurious facial oil serum but despite its denseness it absorbs really well without leaving any residue. Best suited for night time use, this serum really does repair skin as you sleep. Also it has an incredible scent - Rose, Frankincense and Neroli - so is a real joy to wear.
* Ishtar Skinlights - Time C.O.D.E Moisturiser (MR)
This was an interesting product! I was drawn to this on it's release back at the end of 2018 for its intriguing ingredients. This moisturiser contains Copper PCA and Ectoin amongst others. I'd best leave you with the description from the website for a succinct explanation of what it is - "Time C.O.D.E. pairs elasticity boosting copper PCA with ectoin to deliver a Copper Optimised Dermal Extremolyte (C.O.D.E.) Extremolytes are unique molecules that stabilise biologic structures such as membranes. Ectoin creates a protective hydro-complex, counteracts photoaging, minimises wrinkles and defends against environmental pollution."
I used this in the evenings alongside my Ishtar Skinlights Retinol serum as they worked really well together. I did find the moisturiser slightly on the heavy side for my usual tastes, and so it has been better utilised during the winter when my skin needs that little extra bit of moisturisation. It worked well as a moisturiser, but with almost two years worth of moisturisers lurking in my stash, I'm not sure it's one that I'd repurchase in the near future.
* Ishtar Skinlights - Retinol Serum 2.5 (WR)
My go-to Holy Grail Retinol serum which I've repurchased over and over again. Due to the style of packaging, this run out without me noticing it was getting emptier, but I do get a good couple of months of consistent use from this 30ml bottle. I simply love this stuff! It's easy to apply, gives great results, plays well with layering and other products, gives me zero irritation or sensitivity and is great value for money.
Read a full review here.
* Lumene - Lahde Intense Hydration 24H Moisturizer (WNR)
I received this in a Lumene gift set way back at the end of 2017 and only just got round to opening it in the last year. I've never been a fan of richer moisturisers, preferring instead water drop type lightweight creams that still manage to give me the same level of moisturisation without feeling heavy.
This was a richer cream but not so heavy that I couldn't use it as a day cream. I preferred using this in the colder months when my skin needed a bit more.
It did a good job of moisturising my skin but there wasn't anything 'extra' about it. Wasn't wowed enough to put it back on the 'Repurchase' list.
* Casa Mencarelli - Crema di Pomodoro Night Cream & Cleanser (WR)
I got such great use from this small 15ml sample of Crema di Pomodoro. The Tomato rich balm can be used in several ways - as a first cleanser, as a mask and also as a night balm. I used it in all of these ways and to be honest, couldn't favour one method above another as it scored top marks for every type of use. Will definitely be repurchasing this when my stash had depleted somewhat.
* Goldfaden MD - Skin Balancing Mask (WNR)
I got about four uses out of this small 7ml sample tube of the Skin Balancing Mask - so it was enough to get an idea of what the mask could offer. I found this gel mask quite astringent and it left my skin feeling rather tender and red after use without any other more positive results. Nothing that I could pinpoint (or recognise) in the ingredients that would usually cause me sensitivity. So this is a no from me. There was a very long list of ingredients in this mask - some recognisably natural and other more confusing sounding ingredients. It has left me with the feeling that 'less is more' with regards to ingredients in masking - I have much better success with masks that consist of just a few ingredients.
* A. Florence Skincare - Balm to Milk Cleanser (WR)
I have to hold my hand up - I loved this balm cleanser so much that I did that thing of holding back using it because I didn't want to finish it! I am trying hard to not fall prey to that kind of behaviour but there are still some products in my stash that are so extra special that I eke them out. Note to self, here's an idea - just use them, enjoy them and then buy them again!
This is an incredible product. The balm has a gorgeous scent, beautiful soft texture, is easy to apply, removes every last scrap of makeup, spf and daily grime, emulsifies beautifully, rinses well and leaves my skin feeling ultra clean and soft. A grade A performance from start to finish.
* The Spoiled Bee - White Coconut Soothing Mask (*PR Sample) (MR)
For some reason I've found myself using more ready-made masks than the clay type masks. Maybe it's because I'm lazy, maybe it's because I'm not great at mixing them myself! I'm reminded with this mask that I should perhaps try a bit more with clay masks, especially when they are this good. This is a great soothing and softening mask. I always find it a good clarifying mask too.
* Naturally Thinking - Manuka Floral Water (WR)
I usually buy three floral waters at a time from Naturally Thinking as they have a great selection and are great value. Manuka Floral Water is always one of my choices. This has so many uses - as a morning cleanser, as a light and hydrating toner, to mix clay masks and as a soothing and cooling facial mist. A must-have in my skincare collection.
* Belenos Skin Botanique - Repair Serum (WR)
Belenos are one of my favourite brands. They offer such great value products which are well thought out and give great results. Of the two facial serums that I've tried from Belenos (the other being the Fruit Lift Serum) the Repair Serum is my favourite. This is a rich and luxurious facial oil serum but despite its denseness it absorbs really well without leaving any residue. Best suited for night time use, this serum really does repair skin as you sleep. Also it has an incredible scent - Rose, Frankincense and Neroli - so is a real joy to wear.
* Ishtar Skinlights - Time C.O.D.E Moisturiser (MR)
This was an interesting product! I was drawn to this on it's release back at the end of 2018 for its intriguing ingredients. This moisturiser contains Copper PCA and Ectoin amongst others. I'd best leave you with the description from the website for a succinct explanation of what it is - "Time C.O.D.E. pairs elasticity boosting copper PCA with ectoin to deliver a Copper Optimised Dermal Extremolyte (C.O.D.E.) Extremolytes are unique molecules that stabilise biologic structures such as membranes. Ectoin creates a protective hydro-complex, counteracts photoaging, minimises wrinkles and defends against environmental pollution."
I used this in the evenings alongside my Ishtar Skinlights Retinol serum as they worked really well together. I did find the moisturiser slightly on the heavy side for my usual tastes, and so it has been better utilised during the winter when my skin needs that little extra bit of moisturisation. It worked well as a moisturiser, but with almost two years worth of moisturisers lurking in my stash, I'm not sure it's one that I'd repurchase in the near future.
* Ishtar Skinlights - Retinol Serum 2.5 (WR)
My go-to Holy Grail Retinol serum which I've repurchased over and over again. Due to the style of packaging, this run out without me noticing it was getting emptier, but I do get a good couple of months of consistent use from this 30ml bottle. I simply love this stuff! It's easy to apply, gives great results, plays well with layering and other products, gives me zero irritation or sensitivity and is great value for money.
Read a full review here.
* Lumene - Lahde Intense Hydration 24H Moisturizer (WNR)
I received this in a Lumene gift set way back at the end of 2017 and only just got round to opening it in the last year. I've never been a fan of richer moisturisers, preferring instead water drop type lightweight creams that still manage to give me the same level of moisturisation without feeling heavy.
This was a richer cream but not so heavy that I couldn't use it as a day cream. I preferred using this in the colder months when my skin needed a bit more.
It did a good job of moisturising my skin but there wasn't anything 'extra' about it. Wasn't wowed enough to put it back on the 'Repurchase' list.
* Casa Mencarelli - Crema di Pomodoro Night Cream & Cleanser (WR)
I got such great use from this small 15ml sample of Crema di Pomodoro. The Tomato rich balm can be used in several ways - as a first cleanser, as a mask and also as a night balm. I used it in all of these ways and to be honest, couldn't favour one method above another as it scored top marks for every type of use. Will definitely be repurchasing this when my stash had depleted somewhat.
* Goldfaden MD - Skin Balancing Mask (WNR)
I got about four uses out of this small 7ml sample tube of the Skin Balancing Mask - so it was enough to get an idea of what the mask could offer. I found this gel mask quite astringent and it left my skin feeling rather tender and red after use without any other more positive results. Nothing that I could pinpoint (or recognise) in the ingredients that would usually cause me sensitivity. So this is a no from me. There was a very long list of ingredients in this mask - some recognisably natural and other more confusing sounding ingredients. It has left me with the feeling that 'less is more' with regards to ingredients in masking - I have much better success with masks that consist of just a few ingredients.
Bodycare, Makeup, Etc
* Kathy Sue-Anns - Grapefruit Body Butter (*Gifted) (WR)
This product was gifted to me by Adorli.com. I kept it in my gym bag for after showering. It has an incredibly refreshing grapefruit scent which lingers pleasingly. The body butter is whipped and has a soft mousse type texture. I really loved this and will definitely be repurchasing in the future.
* Nudge Boutique - May Chang & Pink Grapefruit Shampoo Tablet (WR)
I already have a back-up pack of these shampoo tablets waiting in my stash!
The biggest surprise in 2019 and the most remarkable results has to be awarded to Nudge Boutique for their solid shampoo tablets. I'd previously totally given up on the idea of using shampoo bars due to some pretty disastrous experiences. Also, I just couldn't bear to deal with or tolerate that dreaded 'transition' period.
The Nudge tablets have absolutely no transition period! They work exactly like liquid shampoo but in solid form. They really are exceptional.
Each tablet seems to last about a month for my very long, very thick hair. So they're great value for money. Looking forward to the release of Nudge Boutique solid conditioner later this year!
Read my full review here.
* Weleda - Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil (WR)
With the exception of 'Skin Food' I can usually take or leave Weleda products and very rarely go back and re-purchase. However, the Pomegranate Body Oil impressed me so much and I really loved every last drop from this sample size. Firstly, the scent. It is the loveliest of scent offerings from Weleda - it smells like Summer wine and the scent lingers all day. I applied this to damp skin to get maximum slip on my body and when using it this way, it really does absorb well as my skin dries. This oil has long-lasting effects - not quite the 48 hours that other oils and butters give, but long enough to be appreciated and noticeable. Gorgeous stuff!
* Laidbare - In Safe Hands Hand Cream (WR)
I've already purchased a back-up of this hand cream as to me it was the perfect hand cream for early winter. Not too heavy but enough to give my hands the protection they need at this time of year. Absorbs well and doesn't leave any greasy residue. Plus I love the scent, which is quite peppery.
I've reviewed this hand cream HERE.
* E.L.F - Concealer and Highlighter (MR)
I picked this up in the ELF sale for under £2. I didn't finish off the lighter highlighter but the concealer section was ideal for my under eye area. Would seriously reconsider repurchasing this - esepcially if it's at the sale price again.
* Gucci - Bloom EDP (WNR)
I received a sample of this EDP when it was first released and really loved it. Which was unusual for me as the scent is very 'white floral' and not my usual cup of tea. So I was happy when I received a full size as a Christmas gift that same year. Trouble was, the full size bottle smelled entirely different from the sample that I had loved so much. So I ended up not really bothered about this perfume and just used it up to use it up, as it were. I'm far happier sticking with my natural perfume oils these days.
* IT Cosmetics - CC Cream (WR)
Despite this being just a CC Cream, I actually find it to have the exact amount of coverage that I'm looking for in a foundation.
It's ideal for the warmer weather as it's breathable and lightweight and stays put, giving me a long-lasting moderate coverage. Plus, there's the extra bonus of it having a whopping 50 SPF protection too.
The pump on the packaging stopped dispensing product a whole three weeks before the product inside actually run out - I had to cut it open to access the remaining product. But luckily, despite it staying open to the air for a good three weeks, the CC Cream didn't dry out or oxidise and I was able to use up pretty much every last scrap.
I will be repurchasing this nearer to summer. It's definitely my favourite foundation that I've tried so far.
* Mio - Boob Tube + (WNR)
I must have got this in a beauty box as I wouldn't ever buy a designated boob/bum/belly cream! I just don't hold much truck with those kind of better body promise products.
Apparently this cream was to 'moisturise, brighten and protect' my bust.
It was certainly moisturising but no more than any other body butter or lotion that I use.
So, this is a completely disinterested 'no' from me.
* Aromatherapy Associates - Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil (WNR)
Another beauty box inclusion and one that I enjoyed using but wouldn't repurchase purely because I often receive similar products in beauty boxes. I always used this in the shower but forgot to apply it pre-shower. Positives are that it has a lovely fresh citrus scent that lingered during and after the shower. And also that it comes in a glass bottle - which is usually not the best in a shower, but I have dropped it once and it didn't smash, so that's good!
This months total empties = 19.
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