August's farewelled products (and Beauty Diet update)

Ah the irony - another unattractive pile of empty products I've used in my mission to make myself more beautiful...

 

Skin care

 

81) Maybelline Makeup Remover Eye & Lip (70ml/2.4 fl. oz.) - Maybelline have gone and repackaged and reformulated again and have reverted to the blue and clear dual-phase liquid.  It does a perfectly gentle job of removing my eye makeup, and even if it's not quite as effective as Lancôme Bifacil (which I keep saying is too expensive) I'll be buying another bottle soon because it's a handy size for travel and it's cheap!

 

82) Kirkland Daily Facial Cleansing Towelettes (30 towelettes) - Damn, I'm getting a bit bored of these now but I still have a few packs to go.  One really annoying thing was a packaging fail:  the resealable lid came away from the pack so that makes me reluctant to take these away on my upcoming trip.

 

 

83) Pond's Flawless White Lightening Day Cream (50g) - This was the biggest disappointment of the year because I NEVER GOT TO USE IT. The expiry date is February 2015 but the cream had separated into a solid mass surrounded by watery liquid.  I gave it one valiant, stupid try but realized applying this grainy stuff was a risky prospect so washed it off and tossed the jar into my empties bag.  I don't have a sales receipt to exchange the product and after that experience I don't want to repurchase it.

 

84) & 85) La Clinica White Brilliant Intensive Correction Hydrating Day Cream (50ml/1.76 fl. oz. and 10ml sample size)* - I've used this day cream as part of the White Brilliant routine and it penetrates quickly, making my sleepy skin look just that little bit more radiant in the morning.  My pigmentation which is still my primary skin concern hasn't deteriorated so that's comforting.  Of course I wish I could completely eliminate my pigmentation but I'm not at the point of resorting to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments just yet and anything that keeps me away from that point is a good thing.

 

Hand and body care

 

86) OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover (120ml/4 fl.oz) - My seventh bottle and counting.  I couldn't get a full size bottle recently so I've resorted to a tiny travel size.  That tells you (and me) what I think about this remover. 

 

87) MOR Snow Gardenia Hand & Body Wash (500ml) - This bottle moved from the shower to the hand basin after a while only because it's so big and my caddy was getting crowded! A very heady floral scent, luxuriant in lather, and lasted an eternity so I enjoyed it both for showering and for washing my hands.  MOR never skimp on their fragrances and this is no exception.   

 

 

88) Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado, Olive & Basil Hand Therapy (25g/0.9 oz. travel size) - A beautifully "green" scent and one of my many C & E hand creams.  I'll tell you again why I'm a fan:  these hand creams are rich in scent, rich in moisture without being greasy, and gentle on my sensitive skin.

 

Cosmetics

 

This will be my last beauty diet update before I head off for my Japan-Hawaii trip next week!  Sophie, Anissa, Norlin are planning to continue for the rest of the year so I may well be resuming when I get back.  I've been a little obsessed with makeup decluttering and downsizing YouTube videos lately so my attitude to makeup shopping is changing - maybe?

 

89) L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Powder (Medium Skin) - This is the month for fails it seems because this was another packaging fail.  Cosmetic companies please take note: Clear plastic packaging just doesn't stand up to everyday wear and tear because it's just too brittle! I can't carry a powder pan in my makeup bag once the lid has broken off now can I? Getting off that particular soapbox the powder itself offered less coverage than I've come to expect from a bb powder and it didn't work well for mattifying either so I won't be repurchasing.



90) MAC Cremesheen Lipstick (Modesty) - A great mauve-nude MLBB lipstick with a creamy, glossy finish.  Love.

 

91) Wet n Wild Coloricon Trio (Walking On Eggshells) - The perfect palette for everyday with its combination of ivory, warm pink and golden brown shades.  I'm not feeling too sad this time because I have a backup!



 

Fragrance

 

91) Tom Ford Rive D'Ambre EDP (1.5ml) - Weirdly enough this came in a Plum Japonais holder so I was almost disappointed until I smelled the rather crisp, zesty fragrance.  A lighter, easier to wear daytime fragrance from the TF wardrobe and I wasn't at all surprised to read this is unisex.  Notes are:  citruses, amber, bergamot, lemon, bitter orange, tarragon, mint, cardamom, cognac and tolu balsam.

 

 

So that's it for another episode of empties!

 

 



(Products marked * were provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.)







January's farewelled products (and beauty diet update)

 

I was determined to get this post done before it got too close to March!  As I always promise I'm going to try and keep it brief because there are enough products to make this a lengthy tome already...

 

Skin care

 

1) The Face Shop Green Tea Sheet Mask - I'm back with those sheet masks this year although I must admit I've not been pampering myself too much lately.  This hydrating mask was a little on the sticky side and my skin felt tacky afterwards.  Not a favourite - I won't repurchase - but not huge loss at 3AUD.

2) The Face Shop Pearl Essential Mask Sheet - "for smooth and light absorption and intensive efficacy of pearl".  My Googling tells me pearl powder is used in skincare to improve the appearance and rejuvenate the skin. Fractionally more expensive at 5AUD but a better feeling mask and I would repurchase. 

3) Nivea Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes (25 wipes) - These new Nivea wipes are freshly scented and free from parabens, silicones, colourants, mineral oils and alcohol.  They left my skin feeling clean and refreshed and not dry or tight in any way afterwards.  I found these a nice summer choice because they are so fresh! 

 

 

4) Pond's Flawless White Deep Whitening Facial Foam (100g) - I've learned not to expect miracles from whitening products but it doesn't stop me from trying the variations out there.  Needless to say the whitening properties of this cleanser were nothing to rave about but aside from that it was a nice foaming cleanser.  The teeniest bit squeezed into the palm of my hand lathered up really well and it was gentle and non-drying.  If you don't care about the "whitening" aspect and enjoy a rich foaming cleanser then this is just fine for the in-shower cleanse.

 

5) Face of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover (125ml/4.23 fl.oz) - I tried this as another variation of my favourite dual-phase, shake up makeup removers.  I found it just as effective as any on the market, and it didn't sting or irritate my eyes so I've repurchased.  For those of you who are interested this is another oil free, and paraben free product.

 

6) Avon Anew Reversalist Night Renewal Cream (50g) - I'm trying to be more religious about my nightly skincare routine so night creams are making more of a regular appearance.  I really enjoyed this night cream - it felt rich enough to be moisturising but not too rich so not suffocating or greasy. It has a lovely "expensive" scent too and elegantly packaged in its heavy glass jar this is a bit of a luxury product. 



 

Hand and body care

 

7)  Natio Wellness Hand Wash (240ml/8.1fl.oz) - This gentle chamomile, pomegranate and wheatgerm enriched hand wash is one of my favourites.  It doesn't irritate my eczema afflicted hands and the scent is soft and fruity without being cloyingly sweet.  The one problem is the pump bottle which can leak product at the neck of the bottle and get a bit messy - funnily enough I didn't notice this problem until someone else brought it to my attention and then of course it started to annoy me... Still, I do love the product itself and I'd decant it into a different bottle if it really drove me crazy!

 

8) OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover (120ml/4 fl.oz) -  This is the strongest formula in the OPI remover line (suitable for gel removal) and I'm happy to continue using it this year.  At the moment I'm down to weekly manicures so it's not too drying and it removes my polish quickly.

 

9) Avon Foot Works Healthy Cracked Heel Relief Cream (100ml) - No I don't suffer from cracked heels but I believe regular use of this cream is the reason why.  I have a backup in use already.

 

Cosmetics

 

This is the most exciting part of the post for me because it's my beauty diet update and I'm out of the starting gate! Two makeup empties means I could go shopping if I wanted for my first luxe makeup item but I've got something specific in mind which doesn't release until March.

Logically I'll do these updates as part of my monthly empties to save boring you - more immediate updates are on Instagram if you want to know exactly when I'm finishing up things. Along for the ride are Anissa and Norlin so check out their blogs too to see how they're progressing! I know Anissa has a massive makeup destash underway and I'm impressed with her fearlessness!

 

10) Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Curl Mascara - I've raved about this mascara and I do love just how creamy and smooth it feels when I apply it - This mascara just glides on.  No clumps, just thick and soft lashes with this one. 

 

11) MAC Lip Glass (Zazoom) - I don't really know why I persisted with this gloss because it was the least practical, chunky-glitter filled concoction.  Never fear cos this was an old LE so it can't terrify any of you any more! It's DONE now and that's my two makeup empties for this month.

 

Until next time!

 

 

November's farewelled products (2013 edition)

I don't have much to say by way of introducing this post although I suppose it feels like November was skincare month for me because I got through a lot of it...

 

 

Skin care

 

125) Vanedo Beauty Friends Raspberry Essence Mask - Expect to see sheet masks popping up every month from now on because I have a new skincare addiction and I've recently replenished my stock!  This particular mask claimed to be firming and brightening and I certainly did notice a comfortably firming effect while I was wearing the mask and for a little while afterwards.  I love the Vanedo brand of sheet masks although they've been a bit difficult to source online so far.

 

126) Skinlite Green Tea Essence Mask - I know the Skinlite range of sheet masks can be purchased via the Sasa website.  This green tea essence mask also claims lifting properties but I didn't particularly notice, although it was hydrating so I guess I'd score it a 5 out of 10.  Nice but not remarkable.  See I am starting to get picky about these finally!

 

127) BE Fresh Make-up Remover Wipes For Sensitive Skin (25 wipes) - This is the second variety of wipes I've tried from this Priceline brand (see my previous experience here).  Although these are for sensitive skin and are fragrance free, they do contain alcohol - not an issue for me but possibly worth noting for some of you.  Anyway they did a perfectly good job of removing my makeup so I would repurchase if I wasn't still on my journey of trying every different makeup wipe in sight!

 

 

128) Maybelline City Rescue Total Clean! Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (70ml) - This is the third bottle of Maybelline's City Rescue Total Clean! I've used this year which means a couple of things: 1) I like it; but...  2) The 70ml bottle's a little small for this makeup junkie!

 

129) Pond's Flawless White Ultra Luminous Serum (30ml) - Serums are always so dang small in volume aren't they? I inevitably finish the serum first when I'm using an entire skincare range so of course this happened.  I don't think I'd ever tried a Pond's product until they brought out the Flawless White range this year - anyway, the serum is one of those slightly velvety, almost silicone feeling products that slides onto the skin making it feel instantly smooth.  Apart from it feeling nice I can't say that I noticed any remarkable changes in my skin's appearance so I won't be repurchasing. 

 

130) Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ (40ml) - One of my old faithful SPF moisturisers and a repeat purchase because of its high SPF and light, non-oily formula. 

 

 131) Dior Capture Totale Multi Perfection Concentrated Serum (3ml sample) - Another teaser from my little collection of Dior skincare samples this serum is meant to "intensely correct even the most deep-set visible signs of aging".  It's a light gel fluid, quickly absorbed and left my skin feeling refreshed.  Indulgent but tempting all the same. 

132) Dior Capture Totale Multi Perfection Crème (3ml sample) - As with the serum this is an anti-aging product. A very easily absorbed daily moisturiser with a lovely gentle scent.  A nice teaser as above!

133) La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid SPF 50+ (3ml sample) - This facial sunscreen is suitable for oily and acne prone skin so I expected it to be more matte than it was.  A good product in terms of its high protection factor but be warned:  more powdering of the T-zone is necessary!

 

 

Hand and body care

 

134) The Body Shop Vanilla Bliss Hand Cream (30ml/1.0 Fl.oz) - I loved this little tube of rich, almost edible scented hand cream a little too much because I used it up so quickly, applying it at every opportunity.  Just how yummy does it smell?  Well, the deliciously sugary vanilla scent was so irresistible that my work colleague had to buy a tube too! The 30ml tube is the perfect handbag size so I would definitely repurchase this for moisturising my hands on the go.

 

135) OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover (120 ml/4 Fl.oz) - This remover promises "superior performance" and, well, it works - I'd have to do some kind of comparison trial to tell exactly how much better this is than the original!  Even though it is slightly more expensive than the original formula I'll be sticking with this now that I've discovered it because I feel it does a better job of dissolving nail polish with less wiping or rubbing necessary. 

 

136) Garnier Bodytonic Sugar Scrub (200ml) - This scrub is a repurchase after a long break.  It does a reasonable job of exfoliating and I like the citrus scent as a morning wake me up and the ease of application from the tube.  Also being a sugar scrub means it's easily rinsed off and doesn't leave any pesky granules in the shower.  Not a bad drugstore option so I can see I'll buy it again when the mood strikes. 

 

Fragrance

 

137) Tom Ford Café Rose EDP (1.5ml/.05fl.oz) - I have collected quite a few TF sample vials and I've been stupidly torn between hoarding them and using them - the problem being, what if I love a particular scent? And then of course it'll be prohibitively expensive and I'll be pining over it because I've used it all up.  Oh well, I've decided I'm just going to use them and risk that broken heart.  Café Rose was one to break my heart a little because I enjoyed how it was clearly rose but with a distinctly spicy, incense slant. The top notes are saffron, black pepper and may rose; middle notes are Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose and coffee; base notes are incense, amber (the note I come back to again and again), sandalwood and patchouli.

 

138) Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir EDP (50 ml/1.7 fl.oz) - Okay so this one has broken my heart to finish largely because it was a gift from my husband.  I'm considering holding onto the bottle as a keepsake for that reason and for its elegance.  This fragrance was a bit of a sleeper for me - initially I felt it was too straightforward floral jasmine but there is also a slight woodiness about it which gives it that little bit of interest.  The notes are:  lily of the valley, sambac jasmine, musky nougatine, vibrant wood.

 

 

So that's it for November's empties.  I was considering a video post too but it's been a little too hectic around here to coordinate!