'Empties' have always been the type of posts that I've been drawn to. It's a perfectly acceptable way to rifle through another's trash, without getting the police called on you. What? That's just me? I guess I'm just a creeper like that.
I mean, the practise of hoarding your various empty bottles and tubes for a few weeks (or months in my lazy-ass case) sounds strange to those outside of the blogging world, but to us nosey little things, it's like having the opportunity to trial a pile of treasure without spending any money. Or leaving the house. Or putting on pants.
I love reading up on the hits and misses of the beauty world, and having my eyes opened a plethora of products I probably never would have even considered. Anyways, without any further
Nutrimetics Botanicals Mango & Coconut Shower Gel
This. Smells. Amazing. I honestly have no words, and the bottle is huge, meaning I enjoyed that heavenly scent for months. Aside from the aesthetics, it contains a butt-load of natural ingredients and plant extracts so it does a wonderful job of nourishing my skin, leaving my whole body feeling clean and soft.
Repurchase? One I've used up my plethora of shower gels, yes.
Though keeping the formula the same, AVON have changed the packaging since I last stocked up on this stuff about a zillion years ago (a little goes a LONG way). There's nothing overly exciting about it, because, well.. it's soap, but I just can't get enough of the scent. That fresh, fruity smell keeps me coming back, and it lingers on the skin all day. I keep this baby on my office desk (yes, I bring my own soap to work - judge away) and it's a daily use product, the fact that it's also antibacterial is just the cherry on top.
Repurchase? Yasss. Fancy new packaging, here I come.
Natural Instincts Foaming Cleanser
This is so gentle, yet capable of deeply it cleansing my skin without drying my face out. It doesn't make my skin feel tight or stripped, which was the issue I'd been having with many other products beforehand, and easily washes off without leaving any residue. It is intended to be a daily-use cleanser, and really is gentle enough to be just that. I'd recommend use if you've got oily/combination or sensitive skin. The fact that it's vegan and non-animal tested is also a HUUUGGGGEEE plus in my book.
Repurchase? I'm still searching for my go-to cleanser. This has been the best so far. If nothing better arises from my trials, yes.
Repurchase? I'm still searching for my go-to cleanser. This has been the best so far. If nothing better arises from my trials, yes.
Both my Natural Instincts cleanser and moisturiser ran out on the same freakin' day. Again, this product is all natural, is vegan and non-animal tested. As it does not contain SPF, it can be used both morning and night. It's non-greasy and does not feel heavy at all. It absorbs into my skin very quickly, and leaves my face feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth. Rosehip has wonderful known properties which assist in keeping the oil balance of the face in check so it's great if you've got oily skin. It really can be used on any skin type though - I'm super dry on my cheeks, and slightly oily in my T-zone. On top of all that, I'm sensitive around my eyes and this is one of the few products that doesn't react and cause any issues.
Repurchase? Probably not, it's great, I just don't feel it's moisturising enough on the drier patches of my face.
Repurchase? Probably not, it's great, I just don't feel it's moisturising enough on the drier patches of my face.
AVON Blackhead Eliminating Daily Astringent
Though I find this alcohol-based astringent pretty harsh on the skin, I've been using it for years. It does THE best job of cleaning and refreshing the skin (when your cotton ball comes away brown and grimy, even after washing, you know it's clearing deep down in the pores) without leaving any residue behind. Any morning oiliness is easily kept at bay, and my skin remains that way all throughout the day. In regards to the 'blackhead eliminating' claims: I honestly don't see a difference when it comes to clearing those fuckers up, although it does get really deep down, so I suppose it's preventing any new ones from appearing - I certainly haven't had any new patches pop up. I only use it for it's cleansing properties, so this really isn't an issue for me.
Repurchase? I have about 3 more bottles sitting in my drawer PLUS I was given so many other toners at the Bloggers United event. I may try my luck for a gentler version before I buy more.
AVON Super Shock Max Mascara in 'Black'
Before I tried L'Oreal's Butterfly Wings Mascara, this was my go-to. It's volumising, it defines, it separates, it lengthens, and it just does not clump. The formula is a little drier compared to most other mascaras but it still manages to give that "falsie" look with a second coat and never smears or smudges. Best of all? It's so freakin' cheap AND It comes in a fat tube, with a large brush - ka-ching!
Repurchase? If I fall out of love with L'Oreal again, yes.
'Heiress' Perfume by Paris Hilton
I've had this for the longest time (I got this from my Nonna for my birthday a zillion years ago) and I'm kind of glad it's finally all used up. It's a pleasant floral, fruity and sweet scent which is light and feminine, and lingers for a pretty decent amount of time. The bottle itself, I hated. The shape is okay, but the pink glittery sticker makes it look tacky and cheap but considering I buy perfumes to be smelt, and the fact that it sits on my shelf means the aesthetics really aren't a huge concern of mine.
Repurchase? No.
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Soothing Emollient Care (sample)
I've raved about this about eighty-trillion times - it's just so damn good!
On top of being sensitive, my legs have always been dry and unbearably itchy and no matter how much cream I slather on, nothing has worked long-term; I tried this last night and it instantly calmed the irritation and stopped the itch - heaven. It nourishes so very deeply, restructuring the barrier, leaving my skin soft and moisturised, and more resistant to atopic skin conditions (eczema etc.). The texture is thick, creamy and there is no scent, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The cream is instantly absorbed to where it's needed most and doesn't leave a waxy or greasy residue.
Repurchase? I've already bought the full-sized bottle, and will continue to do so for the rest of my friggin' life. This is actually a Godsend.
What products have you been using a lot of recently?
Here's to finally being able to throw out a pile of beauty trash!
I hardly ever actually empty a product, besides shampoo, but when I do I know that it was a product well worth buying again.
ReplyDeleteSome of these products sound really great! Isn't it awesome when you find things that finally work for you?
ReplyDeleteThis was such a funny post. I will look at my bottles and tubes in a whole new light now. It is interesting to see how long somethings actually last even when we are actually using it. I have yet to find my favorite facial wash too.
ReplyDeleteI'd say that's a pretty good indicator you liked the product. :P
ReplyDeleteI used to only half use things before moving on to something new, but I've really been trying to fully use up a product before getting something new lately. :) x
It's the best feeling, especially when you've been searching and searching for the product that's right for you. x
ReplyDeleteHaha your empties are good indicators of whether you loved a product or not - to me, anyways.
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you go with your cleanser hunt! We will find our favourites one day. :P x
This is a great post idea and I'm definitely adding some of these products to my must-haves list.
ReplyDeleteOoh, let me know what you get. :) x
ReplyDelete