September Empties

I've feeling somewhat disjointed at the moment and very disorganised which is a feeling I hate!

Life has been incredibly busy recently-I was in Cairo all last week on a very hectic business trip where the shortest day was 18 hours long, my parents are currently with us in Dubai which is wonderful but my week at work this week has been the busiest this year and an emotional roller coaster for one reason and another and a work life balance has been challenging.  Next week I am heading back to Cairo for a week to work.  I think I have to accept in times like this something has to give and it's my blog.

I have lots of posts in draft form-with the photos edited and uploaded but the posts have no words-yet.  I'll get round to it at some point but family and what pays the bills has to come first!

So, slightly late, here are my September empties.  Again this is a little disjointed as I was in three different countries during the month and I had empties in all three so the photos don't all match sorry!

My first two empty products ran out when I was in the UK.

My skin was really suffering in the UK-perhaps the change in water but I had a few spots that were just not clearing.  One morning I used the last of this Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Mask whilst in the shower and it was literally a game changer for my skin and it cleared up immediately.

It's a 5 minute mask you apply to wet skin and it frothes up looking like you have covered your face in shaving foam!  It gives a good dose of Vitamin C to the skin and my skin really really sorted itself out after using this and has been (touch wood) great since.

This was a sample size but a full size one retails for £39.  Pricey but I think I would be tempted to repurchase.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Glamglow and Caudalie Vinoperfect Enzyme Peel Mask

My second empty is a bronzer from Shu Uemura.  I had the lightest shade and it was perfect for my skin-it has a grey undertone rather than an orange one so I never looked over bronzed when using it.  But, I can't find this on the Shu website so I think it must be discontinued.  Shame, because this is the perfect bronzer for pale girls like me and I would recommend it to anyone.

My next empties I finished in Cairo and it was the Effaclar Duo exfoliating toner from La Roche Posay and the Elemental Herbology Cool and Clear facial cleanser.

I loved both these products.  The La Roche Posay exfoliating toner is my first step in my double tone routine.  It was also the first exfoliating toner I had ever used.  You get a slight tingle and warming off the skin when you apply it but I have found it faded older acne scars and kept my skin clear without stripping it.

Exfoliating toners kick your skin into action and are important for skin cell renewal.   Exfoliating toners will contain acids and will exfoliate your skin without the need for granule based exfoliants which can be harsh on the skin.  They should tingle when you apply them to your skin.  

This toner lasted ages and although I am using another one right now (as I have about 4 different brands in my stash) I would definitely repurchase this as it's probably the cheapest of them all.

Would I repurchase?  Yes-well unless I find one of the other exfoliating toners I have is Uh-mazing!

What have I replaced it with?  A Michael Todd Organic Lemon AHA toner-which is really nice.

The Elemental Herbology Cool and Clear Facial Cleanser is the perfect morning cleanser.  It's a low foaming gel which gently refreshes the skin and rinses off easily.  I really liked the packaging, it had a vacuum dispenser which means you don't waste a drop and can see how much you have left.  My only criticism is that you needed a good 7-8 pumps of the cleanser to get enough for the whole face.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  The Ren Clearcalm Anti Blemish Clay cleanser.

To regular readers it will come as no surprise to see the Simple Eye Make Up Remover and the Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 make up remover in my empties.  I love these two eye make up removers so much-they are holy grail products for me.  I was on my last bottle of each but luckily my mum brought me over 4 of each which will see me through til I am next in the UK!

The Philosophy Just Release Me however is an amazing eye make up remover!  It's duo phase so I assumed it was an oil and water hybrid like the Garnier or Lancome Bi Facil but it's actually oil free so leaves no oily residue like the Garnier/Lancome.  But it was amazingly effective on even waterproof mascara and it was massively impressive.  It's full of soothing ingredients like aloe and camomile too.  It's a bit more expensive at $18 a bottle and you can't buy it in the UK or Dubai so I would have to order from the US which is a bit of a downside.  But it's an amazing product.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Simple and Garnier of course!

I also finished up my hydrating toner last month which was the Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner.
This was also a really nice toner which I spritzed onto my skin after using the La Roche Posay toner.  A hydrating toner will contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin and aloe vera.  The primary purpose is to keep your skin hydrated and plumped.  This toner did a good job and I liked the fact it came in a spray pump making it easy to use and quick to dry.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  The Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water

I finally jumped on the blogger bandwagon and tried Hydraluron.  I don't honestly think I saw huge benefits other than I needed less moisturiser.  When I apply it I find it seems to tighten the skin immediately which seems strange for something that is supposed to be rehydrating the skin and putting moisture back in.  I used it in the morning after toning and before my moisturiser.

Would I repurchase?  I already have one other in my stash

What have I replaced it with?  I have started using Estee Lauder Idealist as a serum underneath my normal moisturiser again in the mornings.

Moving on to make up, I finished up the Dior Flash Corrector.  This was a gift from my best friend for my birthday and I had never seen it before but it's a proper nifty little thing to own.  Basically its a pen loaded with make up remover that you can use on the go to clear up any make up smudges-for me that would usually be under my eyes.  It comes with 4 re-useable tips and lasted me 6 months which is pretty good going.  It's really effective, non oily and was always in my make up bag.

Would I repurchase?  Yes-I want to get one from duty free on Monday

Not an empty as such but a product past its best is the YSL Shocking Eyeliner.  I am not really an eyeliner wearer in all honesty, I am not great at applying it and often can't be bothered.

This is a felt pen liner but with quite a fat nib.  It's fairly easy to use but I found it did smudge a bit on me.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced it with?  The Physicians Formula liquid liner which has a much finer nib.

I also finished a Mac LipGlass in Viva Glam VI.  This is a neutral pink lipglass but with subtle glitter impregnated.  Very easy to wear-Mac call it 'warm plum' but I would say it's a 'my lips but better' shade.

If you don't know the story behind Mac's Viva Glam range, every cent goes towards helping women, men and children suffering with HIV/AIDS.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

Finally I used up the L'Occitane Desert Rose hand cream-this was a sample size and it still took me 12 months to use up!!!  I am SO bad at applying hand cream.  As hand creams go, this is a lovely one-smelt good and absorbed quickly.

Would I repurchase?  Probably not-I just don't do hand cream!

What have I replaced it with?  I am currently hand cream free!

My last empty product for September was the Rimmel Stay Matte powder.  I know this is a blogger favourite but I find it to be a little cakey and that it didn't control shine very well.  I recently bought the Soap and Glory One Heck Of A Blot and I think that the S&G blows the Rimmel out of the water-it's much more finely milled and more effective.  It's also not very travel friendly and I would only use it at home.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced it with? Soap and Glory One Heck Of A Blot

You can read mini reviews of some of my replacement products here in my recent New Additions post.

I think I have more positive feelings about my empties this month than my August empties where most of the products I wouldn't repurchase.  The majority of this months empties I would repurchase-but I have a bit of a stash to get through first!!

July empties part 1-Skincare

Au revoir July!  You have literally been THE dullest month so far this year-no business travel due to the situation in Egypt currently, temperatures as hot as an oven and Ramadan to boot.  I have serious cabin fever!!  I'm not Muslim so not fasting but lots of people in my office are so out of respect we don't eat or drink on the floor during office hours.

But I did use up plenty so lets get cracked on.

The cleansers

I finished up both my morning and evening cleansers this month and all deserve a mini review!

Emma Hardie amazing face Moringa cleansing balm

I was so on the fence about this cleanser at first and worried it was breaking me out-but after persisting with it for a week I actually grew to like it and didn't suffer any breakouts.

This balm has been reviewed again and again on beauty blogs so I won't go into the ingredients or how to use but here are my two pennies worth.

It has a very low meting point so definitely don't leave in a warm place-the low melting point makes it super super easy to spread over your face though.  Sometimes this felt lovely but sometimes I felt like I was rubbing butter over my face!  I did find it really really effective at removing every scrap of make up though-even eye make up.  It smells lovely and luxurious but I do recommend removing it with a damp flannel-otherwise I felt like I had residue on my face which would no doubt lead to breakouts.

Would I repurchase?  I am pretty sure I would-I do think it's worth the hype

What have I replaced it with?  Elemis Pro Collogen cleansing balm

Ren Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk (deluxe sample size)

I used this for my second cleanse in the evening even though I didn't think a second cleanse after the Emma Hardie was necessary because it was so effective at removing make-up.

This cleansing milk is very thick and almost lumpy in consistency.  Designed for sensitive skin, I found it to be cooling and soothing on the skin, suitable for use round the eyes and easy to rinse off.  
I really like most Ren products but this didn't blow me away.  It's a good basic cleanser especially for those with sensitive skin.  It does contain Shea butter though so be careful if you suffer from sensitivities to Shea.

Would I repurchase?  Unlikely

What have I replaced it with?  Alpha H Triple Action cleanser

Antipodes Juliet Skin Brightening Cleanser

This was my morning cleanser and the 200ml bottle lasted for-ever.  I had been using this low foaming liquid gel cleanser since mid March and at the beginning of July still had a fifth left.  Unfortunately one morning in the shower the top just exploded ending it's 4 month reign of my morning shower.

The packaging isn't great I don't think-you need some muscles to squeeze the bottle to get the liquid-y gel out.  But as a cleanser it's quite nice-it's main ingredients are kiwi for gentle exfoliation, manuka honey for it's antibacterial properties and vinanza to reduce and balance oil production.  It is marketed towards normal, combination and oily skin types, promising to brighten your skin.  Not sure this was achieved but it was pleasant to use in the morning for hassle free cleansing.

Would I repurchase?  Maybe if it was repackaged.  It has made me more interested in Antipodes as a brand though

What have I replaced it with?  Elemis Melting Gel Cleanser

The toner

La Roche Posay-Serozinc

Loved this hydrating toner-you can read my review here.  Mum and dad are coming to visit at the end of September so I'll be ordering some to my mums for here to bring over for me!

Would I repurchase?  Definitely

What have I replaced it with?  Elemis soothing apricot toner

The eye cream

Origins Ginzing

This is a sample size as you can see but I had 3 of them making a total of 15ml which is about the size of a full size one anyway!  I have also had in the past the full size version.

To me this is the perfect morning eye cream for summer-it's a light cream consistency and has an illuminating effect on the skin-think Mac strobe cream but for under your eyes.  It certainly brightens in my opinion.  It also claims to de-puff but I don't really suffer from puffiness so can't comment on that claim.  It contains caffeine from coffee beans, magnolia extract and ginzing.  It makes a good base for concealer as the area is smoothed and hydrated after applying.  I've recently bought the moisturiser too and am looking forward to using that over the summer.  The full size version retails for £21.

I would recommend this as an eye cream for younger skin-it's not heavy and therefore isn't massively hydrating or moisturising but I do like it as a morning pick me up in the summer months when I like to use lighter products. 

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Clinique All About Eyes

The face mask

Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Definitely as favourite for me.  Another well blogged about product, this mask is designed to renew and revitalise your complexion, improve skin tone and reduce fine lines.

I would use this mask as a mid week pick me up-I agree with other bloggers that it is a bit like smearing marmalade on your face!  It's a very sticky consistency and it does not set on the skin-you just wash it off after 10 minutes but it's much easier to remove using a damp flannel.  Some bloggers have stated their skin tingled but I didn't find mine did at all-however I use glycolic acid on my skin so maybe it is used to it.  It has a lovely citrusy smell and I found my skin to be super smooth and plumped after it was removed.  I also found it seemed to knock any brewing spots on the head as well.

Would I repurchase?  Definitely

What have I replaced it with?  Nothing yet but I will be looking for a hydrating/radiance/plumping mask so any suggestions welcome!

The make up removers

Simple Eye Make Up remover and Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 makeup remover

Holy Grail.

Would I repurchase?  Yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Am actually using up a bottle of Bioderma to remove eye make up residue otherwise I will never get rid of it!

The oil

L'Occitane Shower Oil

I actually featured this in my Disappointing Products post but it was an expensive product I wanted to use up.  I found the most effective way to use it was as a shaving oil, it did leave the skin lovely and soft.

Would I repurchase?  No, this is one product I think is definitely not worth the hype

The lip balm

Carmex lip balm

A product I seem to have had for ages and ages.  It's very effective but I am not a fan of the cherry menthol smell or taste.  Very moisturising and non greasy though.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced it with?  Nivea SOS lip balm

There is a second part of my July empties as this one would have been super long if I didn't-in my 'part 2' is all the make up I finished up in July.  Here's the link to Part 2-Make Up

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Finally, I delighted to be advertising on the lovely Gemma from Miss Makeup Magpie's amazing blog in August, check her out here.

June Empties!

Goodbye June and hello hot sweaty July!  I went out for the day on Friday and it was a whopping 45 degrees!  I never understand why people come to Dubai during the hot summer months, to me its literally torture!

Here are my empties for June.......

The skincare

Rodial Glamtox cleansing balm, Alpha H Liquid Gold, Alpha H Essential Hydration Cream

Rodial Glamtox cleansing balm

Cleansing balms are all the rage at the moment but you don't hear a lot of noise about this one from Rodial.  But you should!  I got these two deluxe sample sizes from the recent goody bag offer from Space NK and so have been using the Glamtox balm for the last month or so.

I really like it.  If you can't use cleansing balms that contain shea or beeswax or cocoa butter then have a look at this one because it doesn't contain any of those ingredients which can cause breakouts on some people.

It took me ages to find the ingredients for this balm though (tut tut Rodial), I finally found them on a random website and here they are in full.

Rodial cleansing balm ingredients

There's nothing I didn't like about this balm, it's very emollient so you can get a nice massage whilst cleansing.  It can be used to remove eye make up and doesn't sting your eyes.  It smells nice.  It doesn't have that 'sticky' texture the Emma Hardie has so I didn't feel like I had to wash it off with a flannel.  No breakouts whilst I was using it and it's not drying.

It is pricy though-£48 for 100ml making it one of the most expensive cleansing balms out there.  If you can tolerate shea butter, the Ren No 1 Purity Cleansing Balm is a great dupe for half the price in terms of texture but is not as friendly on the eyes.

Would I repurchase?  These are sample sizes but I did pick up the full size one from Space NK when I was in London

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Alpha H Liquid Gold

Holy holy grail item for me, I can't imagine ever being without it now-I won't repeat myself, check out the amazing results I had with this product here.  If you are struggling with your skin, especially with acne I highly recommend you check this product out.  I bought mine from Cult Beauty.

Would I repurchase?  100%  Already got the supersize version!

What have I replaced this with?  Another Liquid Gold

Alpha H Essential Hydration Cream

As much as I LOVE the Liquid Gold I'm yet to discover another amazing product from the Alpha H range.  This daily moisturisor does not contain any AHA's and is a really thick cream, yet doesn't feel that moisturising which I find quite bizarre.  It does contain Beeswax (listed as cera alba) which I found strange as beeswax causes spots in some people yet the Liquid Gold sorted my acne right out.  It dries very quickly and leaves a matte finish to the skin.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced it with?  Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk

The body products

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil and Bath and Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla body lotion

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment

This is Clarins number 1 selling oil and is designed as a firming and toning oil.  It contains rosemary, geranium and mint.  It smells very herbal and I used a small amount mixed with whatever body lotion I am using massaged into my stomach, upper arms and thighs.  A little goes a long way.  It's great for stretch marks and general firming, I could see an actual difference.   It's a splurge at £38 but it did last me a long time even with regular usage.  The only downside for me is that it doesn't come with a pump so it's easy to pour out too much product which isn't ideal for an expensive product.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  The L'Occitane dry body oil

Bath and Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla body lotion

Like rubbing black cherry yoghurt all over your body!  Seriously this is a really light lotion that has the texture of yoghurt and smells just like black cherry.  Delicious and perfect for mornings.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  The BABW Japanese Cherry Blossom body cream (which when combined with the L'Occitane dry body oil is like cherry bakewell tart!)

The Make-Up

Shu Uemura lipstick in BG949, Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, Laura Mercier Soft Focus Pressed Powder

Shu Uemura lipstick in BG949

It's not often I get through a lipstick but this is my second one of this shade.  For me it is the perfect neutral for day.  But it's now discontinued.......

Would I repurchase?  Well I can't but Mac Creme in Your Coffee or Twig are fairly similar

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

I'm not known for being much of a drugstore girl but after reading so much about this foundation I had to pick one up in the UK in March.  I picked up the lightest shade, it's slightly yellow on me but if I mix a tiny bit of bronzing gel into it it's a good match.

I don't think I need to say too much about it as there are so many reviews out there but I agree with most of them that this is a low to medium coverage foundation with a very dewy finish.  I actually prefer a more matte look for work so this became my weekend foundation.  It's easy to apply with fingers or brush and a good option for young skin.

Would I repurchase?  Probably not

What have I replaced it with?  The Lancome Teint Idole 24h

Laura Mercier Soft Focus Pressed Setting Powder

Recently featured in my Disappointing Products post, I really did not like this powder!  I thought it might be like the Nars Light Relecting Pressed Setting Powder but the Nars version is in a different league entirely.

Would I repurchase?  Definitely not

What have I replaced it with?  The Mac Prep and Prime Translucent Setting powder

The removers

Superdrug cotton wool pads, Garnier 2 in 1 eye make up remover and Cutex Moisture Guard nail polish remover

Superdrug Cotton Wool Pads

I know featuring cotton wool pads is a bit strange but I absolutely love these!  When I stayed with my best friend Danielle in early May I ran out of cotton wool pads on the last day so I asked Dani if she had some I could have and she gave me about 10 of these and I threw them in my washbag.  On the flight home I used them and I was like 'wow these are amazing!'  They were firmer than normal cotton wool pads and denser, making make up removal a doddle.  I was absolutely convinced they were from some posho brand, I wouldn't have been surprised if they were from Harrods knowing Danielle!

When I went back to London two weeks later I said to Dani 'random question but do you remember those cotton wool pads you gave me, where were they from?'  I nearly fell on the floor when she said Superdrug!  And they were like 2 for £2.  I wish I had gotten more, I love them!

Would I repurchase?  I wish I could!

What have I replaced them with?  My normal cotton wool pads from the local supermarket

Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 make up remover

Love this bi-phase eye make up remover, I buy it in bulk from the UK.  I've posted several times about this but it's fantastic for removing eye make up and is literally one of my holy grail products.

Would I repurchase? Yes!

What have I replaced them with?  Another one of the same

Cutex Moisture Guard nail polish remover

Liked this but didn't love it-I much prefer those pots you stick your finger in and swizzle around but nail polish remover is always handy to have for small corrections using a cotton bud.
This is cheap and efficient and contains Vitamin B5 to strengthen nails

Would I repurchase?  Probably yes

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using another bottle of the same

The randoms

L'Occitane Candied Fruit candle and Dr Bronners Magic Soap

L'Occitane candied fruit candle

I bought this candle at Xmas but forgot I had it and found it in the back of a drawer earlier this month!  It's sweet but not overly so and who doesn't like the room to smell Xmassy??

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Currently burning the Bath and Body Works New York Apple candle

Dr Bronners Magic Soap

Finally got my hands on this from Selfridges back in May and have been using it to clean my make up brushes.  I found it to be really efficient at cleaning my brushes EXCEPT for the cream haired brushes from Mac (like the 217 and 239 and the contoured cheek brush) which I found dried really fluffy!  Bizarre I know but they are better cleaned with baby shampoo.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Another Dr Bronners

That's all my June empties, I love reading empties posts so leave me a link to yours below if you have done one for June!

Disappointing products

I quite like these posts...let's face it, not every beauty product out there is amazing!

I have been storing stuff away and jotting down in my notebook when I have come across products that, for me, were disappointing for some reason and here are my thoughts on 6 products that just are not rocking my world.  I'll say from the outset, I am quite surprised 3 of the products are from Laura Mercier as it's a brand I thought I quite liked.

Usual disclaimer-just because I don't like these products doesn't mean other people don't love them-this is just my own opinion.  Two of the products in here I know LOVED by other beauty bloggers on the whole.

First up with have an eyebrow and eyelash enhancing serum

Peptalash from Indeed Labs and Hi Brow

I blogged earlier in the year here about my love for RapidBrow and Rapidlash.  I used to apply them religiously but when they ran out I thought I would try something else so picked up these two products-Peptalash from Indeed Labs (£24.99 from Boots in the UK) for my lashes and Hi Brow Eyebrow Growth serum (£14.99 from beautyexpress.co.uk) for my brows.  Now firstly, I was recommended the Eyebrow Growth serum by a beauty salon in Dubai and when I went to pay for it I remember being quite shocked how much it cost (AED350 which is £61) but I didn't want to cause a fuss so just paid for it.  Now I realise I have been royally ripped off again in Dubai seeing how much it costs in the UK!

The reason I don't like the Peptalash is purely because it makes my eyes sting even though I obviously don't apply it in my eyes!  The reason I don't like the Hi Brow is that the plastic wand is SO hard I find it painful and scratchy to use.  And because of this I just found I didn't bother to apply it everyday as I had with Rapidbrow and Rapidlash.

I've just had false eyelashes and my lashes are now quite short and damaged so I have cracked open another Rapidlash and it's so much nicer to use!

Second up is a beauty bloggers fave that I just don't feel lives up to the hype and it's the L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil.

L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil

The smell is delicious but I find that the product 'sticks' to my skin on contact with water leaving a milky white residue that is difficult to remove.  I will no doubt use it all but I expected to fly through this bottle but in reality this has been in my shower since January and every time I use it I am disappointed.  Having said that I am currently using the dry body oil from the same range and do really like that.

Lastly are three Laura Mercier products-the Silk Creme foundation, the Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder and the Lip Glace in Orange Tulip

Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder, Silk Creme foundation and Lip Glace in Orange Tulip

I won't repeat myself but I blogged about my experience with the Silk Creme foundation here.  I just could not get it to work for my skin type whatever I did-and I tried everything!

The Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder was just horrendous-the fall out when trying to apply it from the palette was awful as you can see here-it literally goes everywhere!

One dip of my kabuki brush in the powder!

When applied on the skin it just gave a ghostly white cast and just didn't seem to blend at all.  The only way I could get it to work was to use the Real Techniques multi task brush, dip it lightly in the powder, push the brush bristles down on the back of my hand to 'push' the product down the brush shaft and then lightly tap and roll the brush on my skin.  Far far too much hassle!!  I did use it all as it was expensive but I will definitely not repurchase!

Finally the Lip Glace.  Don't get me wrong, the formula on this is pretty damn perfect.  If you hate your lip gloss being sticky then Lip Glace's are for you because they feel like water on your lips.  I also like the colour of this lip gloss, what I HATE is that it settles into every single line on your lips and within minutes looks like a milky mess.  You can kind of see it already seperating in the picture below and this was literally within seconds of applying it.  I will probably try this on top of a lipstick in future rather than gloss on it's own.

Have you tried any of these products and loved them?  What products aren't floating your boat at the moment?