Monday, December 31, 2012

December empties

Here we are again-the end of the month empties post!

As I was on holiday in December I had some empties whilst I was away so I photographed them separately and threw them away to save weight.

Holiday empties


Kiehls Acai Damage Minimizing Cleanser

I'll be honest, I don't expect miracles from cleansers.  All I want are products that don't strip my skin, don't irritate my skin and don't cause me to break out.  Having said that I rarely buy the same cleanser twice and I prefer wash off cleansers.

Kiehls has been my go-to brand for cleansers this year as they do all of the above.  This is a light foaming cleanser and I used it in the evenings to remove my make-up and thoroughly clean my skin.  For some reason on the Kiehls website the cleanser is called Acai Texture Perfecting Cleanser but the packaging is Acai Damage Minimizing Cleanser.

The Kiehls website says Açaí is a “super berry” sourced from Brazil with exceptionally high levels of nutrients. Known to be one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants.  This cleanser preserves skins natural moisture barrier and provides radiant clarity to the skin.

The cleanser lasts such a long time so although is expensive at £20.50 it lasted me about 4 months.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced this with?  Currently using Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser

Katy Perry Purr perfume

Who knew Katy Perry loved cats?  I didn't but apparently they inspired her first foray into the world of celebrity perfumes.  This perfume is a heady mix of jasmine blossom, peach nectar, pink freesia, Bulgarian rose, vanilla, white amber, sandelwood and musk.  I wore this as an evening perfume but in the winter wore it during the day.  It's quite strong and lasts well on the skin so you only need a little hence why it lasted so long-if you like Angel you would probably like this as well.

Would I repurchase?  I don't think it is available any longer, I've looked online without success

What have I replaced this with?  Ralph Lauren Romance

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in Medium

I could not get the hang of this pencil at all at first but I am so glad I persevered because I loved it in the end!  Only thing about brow pencils is that they are so soft that they don't last long as you are constantly resharpening.  This one has a brow brush at the end of the pencil which is really useful for softening the colour and avoiding the 'drawn on' look.

Would I repurchase?  Yes!

What have I replaced this with?  Make Up Forever Aqua Brow

The rest of the empties
Non make-up empties

Non make-up empties

Sally Hanson Extra Strength nail polish remover

As I change my polish quite a lot I always go for removers with extra conditioners in.  This Sally Hanson one is great-non drying and effective.

Would I repurchase?  Yes!

What have I replaced this with?  Bourjois One Seconde

Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tanning Mousse

Best applied with a mitt, this fake tan mousse smells very subtle and goes on really evenly.  It contains colour so you can see where you're applying it and the end result was non streaky.  Dries really fast too but if you sleep in it in white sheets, expect some residue in the morning.

Would I repurchase? No-but only because I have found something even better!

What have I replaced this with?  Fake Bake 60 mins Self Tan Liquid

Kiehls Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser

I was using this cleanser in the mornings whilst using the Acai cleanser in the evenings.  I don't like to use anything harsh on my skin in the morning as I just want to refresh my face for make-up and so this fit the bill nicely.  This is a light liquid you massage onto dry skin and then wash off.  I didn't find it foamed at all though.

Would I repurchase? Yes

What have I replaced this with?  Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser

Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion (sample size)

I really like this toner because it is so gentle.  It's thicker than water and has almost a very runny gel like consistency but its super soothing on the skin and contains aloe vera.  I don't use toner very often as I worry they strip the skin but this one feels so gentle and removes every last trace of make-up.

Would I repurchase? If I was buying a toner I would strongly consider buying this one

What have I replaced this with?  Not currently using a toner.

Make-up empties

Make-up empties

Make Up For Ever HD Primer in 05

I purchased this primer along with the shade 0.  The difference between the two is that shade 0 is 'Neutral' and is designed to add natural luminosity to the complexion and 5 is 'Blue' and designed to add radiance to fair skin and reduce minor imperfections.  Both are oil free and are designed to create a protective layer between your skin and foundation for a smoother and longer lasting application.

I tried 0 first and I loved it-possibly the best primer I had ever used.  I therefore had high expectations for the 5 shade as I am fair.  But I found the 5 formula to be slightly thicker and less easy to blend into my skin.  It just wasn't as good as the 0 version.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced this with?  I've repurchased another 0 version and am currently using that as it's so good!


Anastasia Lash Genius

I reviewed this product here recently so I won't say too much more about it apart from this is a fantastic waterproof top coat to stop your mascara running and smudging!

Would I repurchase?  Yes!

What have I replaced this with?  I bought a full size version from Cult Beauty and am using that.

Illasmasqua Skin Base in 06

In all honesty this is not an empty but its a product I have decided to bin as I just can't get on with it at all.  I had massive hopes for this as so many people do seem to love it.  On me, this product always looks cakey and I look washed out.  I've tried it with my MUFE primers, with Illamasqua's own primer and without primer and still no joy.  I always find that after a couple of hours it seems to have 'split' around my nose and gone veiny.  It's quite a thick foundation and I even found the bottle difficult to use-you need muscles to squeeze that tube to get the product out!!
  
Would I repurchase?  No


What have I replaced this with?  I have gone back to MUFE HD foundation in N117

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer

Guerlain products have the most beautiful packaging!  They have quite an old fashioned reputation and they are no doubt, an expensive high end brand but they are definitely worth a look as their old fashioned reputation is undeserved.

This bronzer has lasted me a lifetime it seems!  I use shade No1 which is their lightest shade and it was perfect for my skintone and I used it as both a blusher and all over bronzer.  It contains no shimmer at all so perfect for day time.

Would I repurchase?  No-but only because there are cheaper products out there that are just as good 

What have I replaced this with?  Shu Uemura Bronzing Powder in Light

I love reading empties posts so please don't forget to link me into yours by leaving a comment below!
 
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1 comment

  1. Stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year! Happiness, health & success for 2013! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete

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