Beauty Product Empties 2023 Archives

Sharing the products I’ve used up in the past few weeks. It is always interesting, I think, to see what people completely use up. I hardly ever use up makeup items, simply because I don’t wear makeup on a daily basis, so these posts tend to be predominantly skincare.

Diptyque Philoskos EDP

I adore fig scented products and this Diptyque perfume is gorgeous. It is a fragrance with richness and depth and smells like warm summer evenings. I used to live in Cyprus and this is what it reminds me of. Yes, it is an expensive product, but the quality and intensity of the scent makes it worth every penny. It smells so rich throughout the day, people always compliment me when I wear it, it is a perfume I recommend time and time again. I think it is a lovely fresh Summer scent, I am sad I’ve used it all up, hoping to get another bottle for my birthday, it is such a treat.

Top notes – Fig Leaf and Fig
Middle notes – Green Notes and Coconut
Base notes – Fig Tree, Woody Notes and Cedar.
Nip & Fab Salicylic Fix Serum

This was quite an intense serum, not ideal if you have sensitive skin. I used it at night and thought it was good at smoothing out textured skin. I don’t suffer from breakouts, but this would be a great addition to your routine if you want to reduce pores, control breakouts and help reduce uneven skin tone. I do like that it contains aloe vera to sooth skin and purple ginseng to help control oil. Nip & Fab have an entire Salicylic Fix collection, great if you want to help control oil, breakouts and get a healthy glow. I wouldn’t repurchase it, but I used it up and enjoyed it.

Wake Skincare Brightening Eye Gel

This is the second bottle I have used up, Wake are a skincare brand that you might not of heard of but that you should 100% check out. They have revamped their branding this year and introduced quite a few new products. I really rate their skincare and have enjoyed everything I have tried from them. The eye gel has a lightweight consistency, it is not tacky or greasy and sits well under makeup. It is great for soothing puffy, tired eyes and helping to combat dark circles. Cucumber and elderflower awakens and soothes puffy eyes, while Aloe Vera cools and moisturises. I really like it.

Garnier Anti-Age Super UV SPF50

This is an absolute gem of a facial SPF! Like most people over the past few years, I have become aware of how important it is to wear sunscreen on a daily basis, especially a facial SPF. Garnier Ambre Solaire do lots of variations, I like this anti-age one, but they also do an anti dryness, sensitive or anti-dark spot option. This sun cream offers advanced protection against immediate sun induced skin damage, caused by UVB rays, as well as protection from long-term damage and premature skin ageing caused by UVA rays. I recommend the Garnier sunscreen, it is affordable, easy to get hold of and gives you a high level of protection.

*Erborian Ginseng Super Serum

Korean skincare experts Erborian are a brand that just deliver incredible skincare, time, and time again. I love their BB & CC creams, which are always in my makeup bag. This serum was such a joy to use, It is instantly smoothing, lightweight and hydrating. This serum is pretty impressive, I have learnt after using a few products that this Ginseng collection from Erborian is up there with the best skincare I have tried, especially for my age group. Great for both morning and evening, this serum will keep your skin looking naturally radiant, serum is one of my favourite skincare steps. I love the added hydration this serum gives my skin, how plump and healthy it looks after applying it.

80% Ginseng extracts, 90% natural origin ingredients

White Ginseng Extract – prevents the appearance of the signs of ageing and helps to smooth wrinkles.
Fermented Red Ginseng – helps to preserve the youth of the skin.
Ginseng Aqueous Extracts – obtained through a process of steam maceration of Ginseng, they contain minerals necessary for the balance and the hydration of the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid – plumps up the surface of the skin
Peptides – maintains collagen levels for a firming and smoothing effect
Complex of Tara fruit and Red Algae extracts – smooths and reduces wrinkles

& Other Stories Arabesque Wood

This is a gorgeous fragrance, more affordable but equally lovely as the other two scents. This perfume is layers of woody, warm citrus notes that are light but rich. I wear this mostly in the day, as my everyday scent. The rich notes like ginger, citrus and amber make it feel indulgent and luxurious. & Other Stories have a such a wonderful selection of fragrances, they have something to fit everyone’s tastes.

The bottle is dainty but weighty, so it looks minimal and classy on your vanity. These fragrances make incredible gifts and the scents come in a body spray, handwash and hand cream, so you can go wild with your favourite scents!

Top notes: Lemon, Ginger and Watery Notes
Middle notes: Petitgrain and Tangerine
Base notes: Agarwood (Oud), Oakmoss and Amber

Sunkissed Gradual Tan

I do love a gradual tanner, there are so many on the market now and some really good quality affordable options. You just don’t need to spend a lot to get a nice one, I have used this one from Sunkissed for a good few years now, and I am always happy with the results, it gives a nice even, natural coverage. I like that it makes me look healthy and that gives me confidence to show my bare legs/wear shorts & dresses. Not only do you get a nice healthy glow, your skin is also nourished and hydrated with hydrating Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera whilst being free of nasties like parabens, alcohol, silicones, sulphates and phthalates.

*Decleor Clove Post-Hair Removal Cooling Gel

This is a product that isn’t overly exciting or one that is a must-have, but if you are someone that suffers from irritation after hair removal, then this is a great product for you. It took me a while to use up, mostly because it is a huge tube, but I did use it all up and actually enjoyed it. Post wax or shaving, I liked that the blend of Clove and Chamomile Essential Oils helped soothe and hydrate, as well as delaying regrowth and preventing ingrown hairs. One of those products you didn’t know you needed until you try it.

Products marked with an * are PR samples.

Taking it back to old school blogging days and sharing my empties with you. I have used up some fab products so far this year, so here we go, this is what I thought of these 6 products.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

It is no surprise that I am a very big fan of The Ordinary, this brand knows how to produce quality skincare for a great price. I have repurchased this moisturiser a couple of times now, it is a gentle, non-greasy formula that helps lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier. Being 44 I might not be getting all the bells and whistles with this cream, but it is a fantastic every day, no fuss option. I like to use it when I am travelling, it is an easy all rounder to throw in your travel skincare routine.

It contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerine, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid. It gives immediate hydration, so great for flights, or if you work somewhere that has air-conditioning.

Jurlique Rare Rose Cream*

I have another pot of this cream (in its new fancy packaging) to crack open. I love it when you finish a product you have enjoyed, and you have a backup ready and waiting, so you don’t have to be without it. This cream saw me through what felt like the coldest, dullest winter ever. This cream has an almost water like texture which gently glides over the skin and instantly soothes and smooths skin’s texture. Don’t think that because it is lightweight that it isn’t very nourishing, because you would be wrong, this is a rich cream that deeply hydrates and slowly releases moisture over 24 hours. So thats why it was perfect for my skin over winter.

If you need a product to help revive dull skin which also protects against environmental polluters, this this is a good daily moisturiser to add to your routine. It contains, Cupuacu Butter which deeply nourishes and adds a healthy, moisturised glow. Then, the Senna Seed Polysaccharide Extract adds a protective layer on the skin that locks in and intensifies the moisture. Loved it so much & the skin lotion from this range is quite special too, a little more lightweight but acts as another nourishing layer.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation

Incredible foundation if you like a medium to full coverage. I don’t often finish a base product because I do not wear makeup daily, so to use this up completely means I loved it a lot. I have redness on my cheeks and a few areas of uneven skin tone, and this covers them with ease. I wear the shade nude and thats worked well. The consistency feels quite thick but once you start to blend it in, (I use my makeup sponge) it applies well and looks smooth, even and despite its good coverage looks natural.

A lovely radiant finish base that has good coverage and will wear well all day long. I am currently using the L’Oreal True Match Plumping Serum Foundation, so haven’t yet rephrased this (but I 100% would). My mum who is 65 also loves this foundation.

L’Oréal Midnight Serum*

I don’t think I could do my skincare routine without a serum, I love this step the most. This serum is an overnight serum that helps rejuvenate and repair skin whilst you sleep. I liked the way it smooths skin and makes it look plumper, great if, like me, you are seeing more fine lines and uneven skin tone. It is anti oxidant rich and hydrating. I don’t know when L’Oréal became a more premium skincare brand, but I have noticed that the price tag can be quite high. So I would say keep your eye out in Boots for those deals, that way you can try it out without breaking the bank. I did like this, but wouldn’t pay full price, I like their Hyaluronic Acid range a little more.

Wake Skincare Face Cream & Face Mask

Wake are a skincare brand with a small but very good selection of products. I have tried 3 items from them and liked them all. I have used up their daily moisturiser and their detox mask. Both products are quite basic, and I mean that in the best way, they’re for all skin types and do what they promise.

The moisturiser has key ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Coenzyme Q10 which help lock in moisture and plump the skin. I liked the lightweight formula and that it is fragrance free. It is a nice, gentle face cream that would be a great addition to any skincare routine.

The mask was my favourite of the two products from Wake, it is Australian pink clay. I loved using it on a Friday night (rock & roll) to help detox my skin and draw out all the grime and dirt of the week. It contains Kaolin, which helps draw out excess oil and sebum skin, helps prevent acne and helps reduce irritation and redness. Whilst zinc oxide helps calm skin, protects skin cells from being damaged and protects from harmful damage from UV rays. It is a fantastic mask and a pot will last you a good few months. Loved it!

Let me know if you have tried any of the products I have mentioned, or let me know what you have used up so far this year. I would love to hear what you would repurchase.

*Some products mentioned are PR samples.

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