Saturday, April 6, 2013

March empties!

March has been an epic month!  So much fun, so busy, so many good memories!

Not as many empties as Jan/Feb this month but here is what I finished off and what I thought!

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser, Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera

I purchased a starter kit of Alpha H products from Cult Beauty and I'll soon do an independent review of the extremely impressive Alpha H Liquid Gold.  I took this facial cleanser to New York with me as it was a convenient size for packing.  This cleanser was a simple wash off cleanser-similar to Clarins gentle foaming cleanser.  It didn't irritate my skin (which is a major plus having been battling my skin recently) BUT (and its a big but) I didn't find it was effective at removing all traces of make-up.  After using it, when I went to the apply the Alpha H Liquid Gold I found there was make up residue on the cotton pad.  For that reason I would not purchase this again.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced it with?  Currently still using up my Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing Oil now I am back in Dubai

Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base

This is a total Holy Grail product for me.  Am sure I have spoken about it on my blog before but this eye shadow primer is the best-and I have tested every single one on the market.  I defy you not to try it and not love it.  It dries instantly forming a protective layer over your eyelids, makes eyeshadow brighter and truer to pan colour and ensures eyeshadow is still looking as perfect at 8pm as it did when you applied it 12 hours earlier.  My only gripe?  You don't know when it's going to run out and running out prompts mass hysteria and a speedy trip to Macys to re-purchase another!!

Would I repurchase?  Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Immediately ran out to buy another one!

Origins Gloomaway Body Souffle

Origins Gloomaway Body Souffle

The first of 3 body lotions I got through this month.  This stuff is by far and away my favourite and if we had Origins in Dubai I would re-buy immediately.

This was one of a 3 set of the Origins souffles and I absolutely love all 3.  The texture feels heavy, creamy and velvety in the tub but when you apply to your skin it melts like a sorbet, cooling and light on the skin, absorbing instantly and smelling utterly divine.  The Gloomaway is perfect for mornings-it's zingy and uplifting.  I went through the whole tub in 2 weeks I loved it so much!!

Would I repurchase?  Yes, it's worth every penny

What have I replaced it with?  Using the Ginger souffle that also came in the set-it is also divine

Korres Japanese Rose Body Butter and L'Occitane Verbena Body Lotion

Korres Japanese Rose Body Butter

This rich body butter was a bit of a disappointment to be honest.  Firstly I didn't like the smell, it was very sweet and sickly-Korres describe it as 'floral and romantic'.  There are all sorts of good ingredients in this body butter-shea butter, guava, sunflower and avacado oils and fig extract.  But the main problem with it is that it's so difficult to absorb into the skin.  When you apply it, it streaks on the skin like very high factor sun lotion.  It really does take some working into the skin-but when it does (eventually) absorb your skin is immediately dry and there is no sticky residue.  Not a winner for me but perhaps suitable for those with very dry skin who are prepared to put the time into massaging it into the skin.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced it with?  Origins Ginger Body Souffle

L'Occitane Verbena Body Lotion

I loved this travel size bottle of the L'Occitane lemony Verbena body lotion.  It's a thinner consistency than the Origins souffle's but its perfect for applying in the morning after a shower as it absorbs quickly and is non sticky.  Another light and uplifting fragrance, perfect for when you're still a little sleepy!

Would I repurchase?  Probably not-for the same price I would prefer to go for the Origins

What have I replaced it with?  See above


Nars All About Eve eyeshadow duo and Mac Mineralize Skin Finish

Nars All About Eve eyeshadow duo

I've had this neutral duo for what seems like ever!!  The perfect neutrals (think MAC Naked Lunch), one side has a matte beige and the other side a more shimmery version of the same colour.  I love this palette-but I HATE the packaging.  Look at the state of it!!  Although you can see I haven't finished all of the right hand side, the palette has actually broken at the hinge and that really puts me off using it anymore.  A brilliant palette if you want to experience Nars shadows without going for some of the whackier colours they offer.

Would I repurchase?  Would definitely repurchase Nars shadows-they apply well, have good colour pay off, blend easily and have little fall out

Nars All About Eve swatches

Mac Mineralize Skin Fioish and a broken Nars eyeshadow duo

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish

This is my second compact-you can read my review of this product here in my November empties post.  It's a great product that I am glad I was introduced to by the ladies at Mac in the Dubai Mall.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

And finally, excuse the pun but my star product over the last couple of months

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara   


Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

My love for this mascara is insane!  I used it every day for 2 months but then it was literally on its last legs so it's gone to mascara heaven!  I featured it in my February and March favourites so you can read about this amazing mascara here and here.  All I can say is buy it-you will not regret it!!

Would I repurchase?  Absolutely!

What have I replaced it with?  Make Up Forever Smoky Lash mascara

That's all my empties for March.  There were just 2 products I didn't like in March that just won't be making the cut and sticking around!

No Mess Express Gel Perfect Remover


I've had a penchant for gel nails recently but removing them requires a trip to the salon.  I picked this up on our 'big shop' from the hypermarket and thought it might be amazing.  It's not.  It didn't even remove one pixel of colour.  It lied!

The Body Shop Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm


I did use up most of this lip balm but I just found its scent to be very overpowering and artificial.  This was my 'last thing before bed' lip balm.  It's a thick consistency but without the major moisturising properties other similar lip balms offer.  In the end I got bored of it and switched to the pot of vaseline that's been in my bedside drawer for months.

Link me to your empties posts below-I love reading them!

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