Monday, September 30, 2013

Empties: September 2013 (Part 2)

These days I'm using (too rich) face cream samples for my hands and feet, no way would I put it anywhere near my face as I now have a skincare routine which is working quite well.

How well? My face texture is clearer, smoother, calm and more hydrated. A certain friend which I see almost weekly tells me I look radiant whenever we meet. And we are way past the stage of making small talk so I know she means it!

I try not to experiment too much but since I'm still clearing unopened purchases, I do it one at a time so once my skin acts up I can narrow down the product. That said; diet, water intake, sleeping hours and that certain time of the month also contribute to spotty skin so objective assessment is necessary.

It is almost year end, and the Empties project is one which I actually have been consistent with.. just 3 more months to go!

1. Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo
2. Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Body Lotion [Travel]
3. Clarins Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel [Travel]
4. L'Occitane Verbena Shampoo [Travel]
5. Elemis Maximum Replenish Cream
6. Melvita Apicosma Body Balm
7. Payot Hydrating Activator Serum
8. Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream-Gel [Sample]
9. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II [Travel]
10. Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream
11. Clarins Lotus Face Oil [Sample]
12. Decleor Neroli Face Oil [Sample]
13. Chanel Nail Polish Remover
14. Clarins Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel [Sample]
15. Guerlain Abeille Royale Nourishing Day Cream [Travel]  

16. Guerlain Meteorites Pressed Powder in 02 Teint Beige I really wanted to like this, but despite the lovely Violet scent and pretty packaging, it somehow oxidises on my skin and makes it look dull rather than illuminated. A full review at My Women Stuff.
17. Christian Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm
18. Melvita Apicosma Repairing Lip Balm
19. Clarins BB cream [not pictured]
20. Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum [not pictured]

Total January - September: 220!!!

Previous Empties:
January
February
March
April
May

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Empties: September 2013 (Part 1- Mini CHANELs)

As a Chanel beauty addict, I often receive samples with my purchases. In general, I haven't had much luck with their skincare, which is a good thing- I am already a regular with their makeup launches, and I don't think my bank account would appreciate the extra spending.

This month I got through quite a few Chanel samples, the only ones which I found didn't irritate my skin were the Cleansing Water (Eau Douceur) and the Hydra Beauty Lotion (a toner) which is alcohol-free. I wouldn't repurchase either one as I've used better formulas for the purpose but if you are interested in Chanel skincare, I'd recommend them.


I am still on the fence with the CC cream, I found it to be a bit drying and the coverage isn't what I am used to (currently loving the Clarins BB Cream!!) BUT when I wore it, my mother commented that my skin looked really good on that particular morning. Plus coupled with my new Shiseido Perfect Foundation brush*, it does make my face look rather polished. So... maybe I will look into this again when my skin doesn't need as much coverage.

*Side note: The Shiseido brush works better with thinner-textured liquid foundations, when I tried it with a creamier formula, it didn't blend as well.

The Vitalumiere range has a liquid and a compact foundation- LOVE the compact but can't say the same for this. That said, my friend who uses this looks like she has FLAWLESS skin every time I see her. She only needs minimal coverage for redness around the nose, broken capillaries and has combination skin. Chanel does some pretty good makeup bases and foundations, I would definitely recommend them as well.

Total mini Chanel empties; 10- which brings my current total to 200.

I still have a few more skincare and many more makeup samples to go through; and this is not including the retail-sized products-

For Chanel beauty items, I am currently using the Sheer Illuminating Base which is pretty good, as well as the Les Beiges powder and most of my blushers are Chanels which are beautiful. With skincare, I still have the Le Jour, La Nuit, Le Weekend trio to open up as well as a Hydra Beauty Gel-Creme Moisturizer.

Is there a Chanel skincare/beauty product which you love? Please do recommend!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Empties: August 2013

September is here! Last month I really made a point to clear out deluxe sized samples in my stash. Some weren't that great but because they didn't break me out I persevered. I still have quite a few to get through.

For my second cleanser I have already sealed sukin's Foaming Facial Cleanser in place and have stocked up enough to last me until next year. I also really like the Clarins Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion and will definitely purchase this after I am done with my other toners. 

The Lotus Face Treatment Oil also makes an appearance, this was my 3rd? 4th? bottle, I've lost count but I still like this product very much. The Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm is a close contender for congested skin, but if I had to pick one I would stick with the Lotus Oil solely because I can mix that into my moisturisers and masks.

As for body products, I am happy to repurchase the Clarins Body Shaping Cream, it could be a placebo effect but I enjoy my nightly massages with this so, no complains.


1. Guerlain Secret de Purete Cleansing Cream, 190ml
2. sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser, 125ml

3. SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, 200ml
4. Clarins Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion, 50ml
5. Clarins Camomile Toning Lotion, 50ml
6. Clarins Whitening Pure Aqua-Lotion, 50ml
7. Clarins Whitening Velvet Emulsion SPF20, 15ml
8. Clarins Whitening Velvet Emulsion, 15ml
9. Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil, 30ml
10. Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm, 15ml


11. Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate, 100ml
12. Clarins Body Shaping Cream, 200ml
13. Clarins Smoothing Body Scrub for a New Skin, 30ml
14. Clarins Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel, 15ml
15. Melvita Naturalift, 15ml
16. Melvita Nigella Oil, 50ml
17. di palomo Fig & Grape hand cream, 25ml

Total January - August: 190!!!

Previous Empties:
January
February
March
April
May