Friday, November 30, 2012

November empties!!

This is my first ever empties post and I have been weirdly excited about it!  The hardest thing has been remembering to keep the empties so I could photograph them at the end of the month!  It's been a good experience though because I remembered about 'Back To Mac' where you can return 6 empty Mac products for a new Mac lipstick!  I've got 3 Mac empties already this month!

November empties.  Ali also sneaked into the top right corner, I don't think I will be throwing him away.....


Cleanser and eye-make up remover

Mac Gently Off Eye and Lip make-up remover, Shu Uemura Ultim8 Sublime cleansing oil, Make Up Forever Sens'Eyes

Mac Gently Off Eye and Lip make-up remover

I bought this dual phase oil and water eye make-up remover on a whim.  I had previously had the Mac Pro Make Up remover but it irritated my eyes and I ended up throwing it away.  I like dual-phase eye make-up removers and this one definitely exceeded my expectations.  It was so comfortable to use and removed all traces of eye make up without leaving behind an oily residue.  It contains cucumber extract and rose water.
Cost GBP14 for 100ml bottle in UK, AED90 in Dubai

Would I buy it again?  Yes definitely.  I like the slim bottle too, makes it easy to pack when I am travelling.

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Garnier Make Up remover (also dual phase) and Simple eye make up remover.

Shu Uemura Ultim8 Sublime cleansing oil

I bought my first Shu Uemura cleaning oil in June last year when I was in London.  And I absolutely loved it (I bought the High Performance Balancing cleansing oil).  So when Shu announced they were launching this oil recently I added it to my 'must buys' for my trip to London in September.  I love cleansing with oil even though I have combination skin.  2 squirts is gentle enough to remove all makeup including eye make up without stinging or irritation.  You smooth over and massage into dry skin and then wash off with warm water.

Shu say that cleansing with oil removes all impurities and leaves skin radiant.  This new formula combines 8 exquisite botanical origin oils to achieve petal-soft silky smooth skin.  It also claims to soften, condition, hydrate and nourish skin.

I did enjoy the cleansing sensation but unfortunately my skin wasn't so keen on this version of their cleansing oil.  I'm glad I bought the smaller size as a tester to see if I liked it.  I suffered breakouts around my chin when I used this cleanser.  It hasn't put my off Shu cleansing oils though, but I would go back to my High Performance Balancing version.

I bought a 150ml bottle for GBP34 from SpaceNK in Knightbridge  Shu Uemura are not present in Dubai and do not ship to Dubai either unfortunately.  Space NK however do ship to Dubai for a flat fee of GBP12.50.

Would I buy it again?  Yes I would buy Shu cleansing oils again (I bought a large High Performance Balancing cleansing oil in the UK) but I would not buy the Ultim8 again.

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Kiehls Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser in the morning and Kiehls Acai Texture Perfecting Cleanser in the evening.

Make Up Forever Sens'Eyes

This is a cream/gel formula for sensitive eyes.  I liked the pump as it meant you just used the amount you needed and I did find it to be effective and caused no irritation at all.  It does not leave a greasy residue either.
Widely available in Dubai (standalone store in Dubai Mall, Sephora and Paris Gallery), not so much in the UK although you can buy online from Guru Make Up Emporium in London.

Would I buy it again?  No, there was nothing wrong with it but I prefer water/oil based formulas.

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Garnier Make Up remover (also dual phase) and Simple eye make up remover.

Perfume
Issey Miyake L'eau D'Issey-Ltd Edition Summer 2012 bottle

Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey

My favourite perfume ever.  I go back and back to it.  I have some unopened in my cupboard for when my next perfume runs out!  Costs approx GBP45 for 100ml
  
Would I buy it again?  Absolutely yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Just finishing off a bottle of Katy Perry Purr.  I had been using this as my evening/going out perfume but now we're in winter I'm using it in the daytime too.

Nails

Sally Hanson Insta-Dry Top Coat and Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover

Sally Hanson Insta-Dry Top Coat

Sally Hanson is a great brand for nail care.  Cheap and reliable, I've been using this top coat for the past 6 months.  I bought this from the Supermarket in Dubai for approx AED30 (GBP5)

Would I buy it again?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  A sample size bottle of Opi Rapid Dry top coat

Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover

I am sure these have a proper name but this is one of those 'dip your finger into the remover soaked foam, swizzle it around and remove' polish removers.  I really liked this one from Sephora, it lasted about 5 months without drying out and was a bargain at about AED35.  Sephora is not available in the UK but Bourjois do a very similar version for about GBP5.

Would I buy it again? Yes

What have I replaced it with?  The Bourjois version I got in my Selfridges Lucky Bag

Conditioner

Dove Colour Radiance Hair Therapy

I wouldn't normally review an empty shampoo or conditioner as I am purely a supermarket girl when it comes to these (usually L'oreal Elvive or Herbal Essences) but this one deserves a mention.


I got this sample size free with a UK magazine I picked up at the airport last time I was in the UK and I used it just for using its sake.  But I almost squealed with delight when I squeezed it and a pink and white swirl that looked like ice cream came out!  It was just the novelty as I have not seen that before!  As a conditioner it worked fine but I don't believe it is available in Dubai as yet and I don't know how much it costs in the UK.

The Make-Up

Armani Eyes To Kill mascara, Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector, Mac Mineralize Skin Finish, MUFE HD Microfinish powder, MUFE HD Foundation, MUFE Brow Seal, YSL Touche Eclat and Mac Lipstick in Sweetie

Armani Eyes To Kill

Loved this mascara!  Bought as a gift for me, it volumised, separated, lengthened and didn't smudge.  If I didn't have about a million mascaras to get through I would buy it again in a second.  Available at Harvey Nichols in Dubai and Dubai Duty Free.  It costs GBP24.50 at Selfridges.

Would I buy it again? Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Extravaganza

Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector

I cannot speak highly enough of this product!  It is something I have bought 3 or 4 times over.  I stumbled on it by accident about 3 years ago when I was looking for something to add to my foundation to make it a bit darker for when I had a tan (a rare occurrence even though I live in Dubai!).  I was looking for something not too dark and with no shimmer at all.  The lady on the Clarins counter asked me to try this and I refused thinking it would be shimmery (as its called Bronze Shimmer) but I was wrong.  Its a light gel/cream that mixes perfectly with foundation.  It's not too dark and you can add more or less according to how tanned you are.  I absolutely love it-it lasts forever and I love the fact that the packaging has a vacuum effect-so as you're using it, it sucks in on itself so not one drop gets wasted.  Available at all Clarins counters and it costs GBP25.

Would I buy it again?  Absolutely

What have I replaced it with?  I have never found anything similar to this.  I haven't replaced this tube but I will be doing so when I go shopping on Sunday!

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish powder in Medium Plus

Another product I would not have bought without trying it in store first and having it recommended to me by a Mac artist.  I am not a fan of mineral make up because I feel it gives too much of a shimmer on the skin and is too unnatural for daytime.  But this powder is going to be a staple in my make up kit for sure.  It sets make up without adding additional colour.  It's not shimmery and is very natural looking.  It costs GBP21 and it seemed to last an absolute age!

Would I buy it again?  You betcha!

What have I replaced it with?  It just ran out yesterday so I'll be buying another on on Sunday

Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder

This is a white/colourless finishing powder used to set make-up and can be used over foundation or alone.  It can be used on all skintones-but I am pale and I found that you had to blend this really well to ensure there was no white residue left over.  I also felt it washed me out a little bit and I had to add the above Mac powder over the top of it.  The other thing that drove me mad was the small size of the tub-it made it really difficult to use.  The easiest way seemed to be to tip the powder into the lid then swirl my brush around.  The 100% silica formula is supposed to blur imperfections and even out the skintone.  It costs about GBP20.

Would I buy it again?  No

What have I replaced it with?  Illamsaqua loose powder in 010 (again colourless)

Make Up Forever HD Foundation

The BEST foundation I have ever used.  I have so many problems getting the right shade for my skin tone but finally this one seems to be perfect.  This is an oil free, medium to heavy coverage (I would personally say Medium at the most) liquid foundation.  It costs around GBP26 and it lasted me a good 4 months.

Would I buy it again?  Yes I already have!  It's in my stash!

What have I replaced it with?  Using up an Illamasqua Skin Base

Make Up Forever Brow Seal

Clear gel to set your eyebrows.  Really liked it, didn't set the eyebrows rock hard but kept them in place.  Costs approx GBP11.

Would I buy it again?  Perhaps


What have I replaced it with?  Nothing yet but will probably buy the Mac version on Sunday.

YSL Touche Eclat 

Been using this under eye light reflecting concealer for years.  Have tried others but always go back to YSL-I buy the 2 packs at duty free usually.  I don't think this needs much of a write up-it has a great reputation for concealing under eye shadows and can be used as a highlighter too.  I would not use this on blemshes as because it is light reflecting it highlights them rather than concealing them.

Would I buy it again?  Yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Another Touche Eclat from my stash!

Mac lipstick in Sweetie 

A good every day pink-described by Mac as an ultra sweet pink it is slightly frosted but very wearable for day.  Mac lipsticks cost GBP14.  I found this picture of me wearing it.....

Mac Sweetie
Would I buy it again?  I haven't felt the need to buy this exact shade again


What have I replaced it with?  About 20 other pink lipsticks in my collection!

That's all my empties for this month, I LOVE reading empties posts so please leave me your links to yours! 

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7 comments

  1. ha ha I love the pic with your cat in the corner, so funny! I'm using the Garnier Make Up remover too but hopefully my mum will pick up some Bioderma for me, I've sent her to Boots :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They want to be in everything doll!! He probably want's his own post...

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  2. great empties, i love sally hansen!! x

    http://Heidi-likes.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Armani mascara sounds great and the MAC lipstick shade looks gorgeous!


    www.ofbeautyandnothingness.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  4. So many great empties! That MAC eye makeup remover sounds fantastic, as does the Mineralize Skinfinish powder. Thanks for piquing my interest in these!

    Thanks also for stopping by my blog earlier. Your kind words are so much appreciated! :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi any idea where to buy she uemura products here in dubai?

    ReplyDelete

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