Empties: November & December 2014

My first post in 2015 and also my final post on "Empties"! Wrapping up the remaining items finished in November and December last year. My regime is pretty much solid at the moment, with very few new additions. 

I'm still a beauty addict at heart, but these days I don't get as excited with new launches. After trying so many brands, I've found that I prefer Korean, French and Australian skincare. I always thought Japanese skincare would suit my skintype and climate best but I was wrong, I still very much love their cosmetics though!

This Empties exercise actually made me learn and acknowledge what works and what doesn't (for me) and also if I have been consistent with using the things I buy instead of just stockpiling. I am happy to report that my skin hasn't looked this good in many years, which I feel is partly due to noting down what I've been using each month and sticking to what works. Contemplating putting up my skin at its worst (acne, uneven skin tone and bumps, redness) and how it currently is. My skin has cleared up so much without the help of facials nor any pills.. but I'll save that for another post.

So, here we go, the last Empties installation:

Products which I will/have already repurchased:
1. sukin Facial Foaming Cleanser
2. Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate
3. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Shower Gel- Would have to wait till I visit Melbourne again
4. Clarins Gentle Refiner- The scent brings back many memories, I've used this on/off since I was a teen
5. Clarins Total Cleansing Oil
6. Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Wrap- This is so so good for alleviating water retention in the face!
7. Clarins Defining Eye Lift
8. Nivea Delicious Drop Peach & Vanilla Lip Balm- Got this last year during my visit to Japan, it was cold and this prevented my lips from chapping. The scent is delicious too! Did not give me a scratchy throat/little itchy bumps on the top of my lips either. Would repurchase when I revisit.

Full/travel sizes: 14

Samples: 1

Total January - December: 139

xxx

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2015!!

Empties: October 2014

2 months late! Keeping it short and just highlighting my repurchases at the bottom:

Products repurchased: Clarins Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion, Multi-Active Day Cream-Gel Moisturizer, Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate, Body Lift Cellulite Control and Schwarzkopf Extra Care Q10 Recharge Hair Mask.

Full/travel sizes: 22
Sachets: 17

Total January - October: 125

Empties: September 2014

My empties posts are have been a little repetitive in the past months, as I have been sticking to a range of products which work for my skin type. I will probably cease writing them in 2015, instead focusing more on new additions to my beauty line-up. 

My beauty stash is considerably smaller compared to a few years back, and I've also learnt to read labels and be more conscious of the products I purchase as well. No more hoarding body lotions and buying 101 eye shadows or cleansers. I'm glad that I challenged myself to take on this monthly project as it really forced me to reassess what I needed and actually used.

I read somewhere that clay masks are all the same, the expensives ones do not differ much from drugstore brands, and after trying a number I think I am ready to agree. REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask worked the same for me as the other clay masks I've used. The only difference is, you are encouraged to gently rub off the mask (once dry) to exfoliate the skin. The CLARINS Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream is one which I reach for when my skin is irritated, it soothes my skin while removing my makeup well. I only use this once in a few months which is why it lasted for so long (there's a new formula & packaging out already). 

The sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser which has been review many times. I always make sure to have at least 1 bottle backed-up. My final bottle of the Melvita Eau florale de Rose, and the CHANEL Le Blanc Serum which I used on my arms (too scented to go on my face, not ready to risk another round of breakouts). It has a nice scent and absorbs well, but brightening isn't one of my skin concerns. The La Mer Eye Balm Intense is a light eye cream, I do enjoy the La Mer signature scent and though this was nice and light, I have found similarly performing eye creams at a fraction of the price. The Lucas Papaw Ointment is a multi-purpose paste, I used it as a lip mask, as well as on dry elbows.

I've used the L'Occitane Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner before and though I do like the scent, I've found a replacement for them which is less pricey and performs just as well. A staple in my bathroom is the CLARINS Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, I am going through all my travel sizes but I do have full-sizes backed-up. I just love the scent!

The Sephora Caramel shower gel was a nice warm scent, but I still much prefer the Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Bath Creme. I am also a hair mask addict, I usually use them in replacement of a conditioner. The Schwarzkopf Hydro Collagen Intensive Mask is a very light gel-ish mask which didn't weigh my hair down. It was okay, nothing special, the one with Liquid Keratin is much better.

My body lotion for the month was Sophie Monk x Little Twin Stars, which has a green apple scent. Absorbs fast but wasn't particularly moisturizing. Lastly, is the Smoothing Body Scrub which is from a redemption, I'm not too fussed with body scrubs as long as they don't hurt. It comes out in a pink paste and has the classic Clarins scent.

Total January - September: 103

Empties: August 2014

Getting on track with my empties posts! Lotsa travel and sample sizes last month..

Lately I've been going through all my travel sizes and the CLARINS One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is one of them. It's a 2-in-1, with little grains that are gentle enough for daily use. I used it at night after my oil cleanser. It has a nice orange scent but I still prefer using a separate scrub, The Melvita Rose Floral Water is a nice face mist as well, reviewed previously. One of my favourite cleansing oils is the CLARINS Total Cleansing Oil, I've gone through a few bottles as well. I'm always on the look for cleansing oils to try. Any suggestions?

CLARINS Body Shaping Cream is something I'm trying to use regularly, the texture is light and I like the scent but I'm not too sure if it really works. For body care, I went through the CLARINS Moisturizing Body Lotion which was a bit light for my liking, as well as the Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate (of which I have made a permanent feature in my bathroom). Love the scent!

The CHANEL CC Cream has quite a good coverage and dries quickly, but the colour didn't quite match my skintone and looked too matte for my liking. I much prefer their BB cream, the colour and texture suits me better. Samples of the CLARINS Multi-Active Day and Night creams which I am using full-sizes. I wouldn't recommend the La Mer Moisturizing cream to those with easily congested skin, this formula was rather thick so I used it on my hands instead. There is also a cream-gel available which might suit my skintype better.

Sachets! Got round to using the Sophie Monk x Little Twin Stars masks I bought last year (no, not expired yet). They come in a 2 pack to be used 2 days in a row, each mask comes with a serum sachet to be applied after. The first is a hydrating mask (blue) and the next day you follow up with the brightening mask (pink). Unfortunately my face broke out in itchy red little bumps on the 3rd day, I can't be 100% sure that this mask triggered it but I would be wary of trying "cute" masks in the future (I never seem to learn my lesson!). 

Had these Aesop Sage Scalp Cleansing Shampoo and Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Masque sachets, both were nice and I've purchased the Mask before (a wee bit on the pricey end) but these days I am more thrifty with hair products. 

Guerlain L'Or Radiance Concentrate, loved it but not so much anymore. A luxury, not a necessity in my stash. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Beige, the only pot of eye shadow I've ever finished! I use this as a base mostly and have already repurchased a second.

Avon Colour Trend Twinkle Twinkle Cream Eye Colour in Moonbeam, I bought this many many years ago to highlight the inner corners of my eyes, haven't touched it in years so it goes in the bin. Another makeup product which has hit the pan is the Yves Saint Laurent Blush Radiance, will continue to use this until its crumbly but I had to take a photo while the colours were still visible.

Total January - August: 89

Empties: July 2014

So late with Empties posts, but I will find the time to publish them all! Finished up another bottle of Clarins Lotus Face Oil, I had 2 bottles accidentally open which is why this product appeared last month as well. One bottle lasts me around 2-3 months.

The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil is a new oil cleanser I picked up, I've tried most of the cleansing oils in the market and not all are the same. This has their signature herbal scent which I quite enjoy, and even when used on my eye area, it did not sting or irritate them. I really like this and might consider repurchasing it!

The Clarins Multi-Active Serum has been my staple serum for quite some time now, I am very keen to try the Double Serum (despite it containing mineral oil, ALL my friends and family have had good results with it). However my skin has been very clear and I'm quite hesitant to throw it into breakout mode again. Maybe I will after an upcoming major event (bridesmaid duties!).

I would definitely recommend the REN Clear Calm 3 Replenishing Gel Cream to those who suffer from combination and sensitive acne skin. It is very gentle and soothing to use and I use it under the Chanel La Nuit at night. If I am not mistaken this has replaced the Clear Calm 3 Serum.

Always a fan of rose face mists, the Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol is pricey and nice on the skin but I still prefer the sukin face mist, which is a third of the price and performs just as well. Might clean out the bottle and reuse it as the size is travel-friendly.

My second bottle of Melvita Facial Scrub, I have a thing for lightly herb-scented products.. I find them very relaxing to use. This scrub is one which leaves my skin smooth and soft but isn't harsh at all. You can feel the little bits but it doesn't hurt the skin. 

This diptyque L'Ombre Sans L'Eau Shower Gel smells just like the perfume however, the formula isn't hydrating at all. I find it leaves my body a little taut and the scent doesn't last very long either.

The Lavshuca lip gloss was a gift, it's a pretty colour and I like the heart tip. Throwing it out as it has been open for way too long. The My Melody lip balm was a gift from Japan, and is a colourless but strawberry scented wax formula. Coincidentally both the lip products were gifts from the same friend.

Total January - July: 72

Empties: June 2014

Finished up another bottle of Clarins Lotus Face Oil, I really love this face oil! I've gone through so many bottles that I've actually lost count. This is one of the best products I have ever used on my (then) acne-prone, congested and sensitive skin. Love love love!

When I was younger I had really bad acne and tried the whole Proactiv range for about a year (saw it on late night tv and signed up after watching all the amazing results and testimonials lol). It was one of the worst things I did for my skin honestly, the formula was too drying for my face. It did clear up the small little yellowheads but it dried my skin out so bad and I was left with a tight face, and cystic acne instead. I received the Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash as a gift and was a little apprehensive at first (I vowed not to use Proactiv ever again) but I'm glad I tried this! I started slow, once a week, then a few days and finally when my night cleanser (REN Clay Cleanser) ran out, I used it nightly. My skin is relatively clear, so I can't tell if it does help with acne, but they have definitely improved the formula as there is no tight feeling and my skin does feel smoother and clean.

I have been using the Clarins Total Cleansing Oil for quite some time now and I quite like it so I will continue to repurchase. It takes off my makeup very well and doesn't clog or irritate my skin.

The Melvita Organic Cornflower Floral Water came in handy for mornings when I get too lazy to properly tone with a cotton pad. It is supposed to be soothing and can be used on the eye area. Nice, but I prefer the Rose Water.

Lastly, is a Sohum Sugar Musk & Grenadine Body Cream which I was very reluctant to finish. There was a period when my room used to be scented the same as I was always burning a candle from the range. Brings back so many sweet memories. Aside from that, the formula is also lovely, like whipped butter but not at all greasy and leaves the skin so soft and supple. Might repurchase when I visit Melbourne!

And that's all for the month of June~

Total January - June: 63

Empties: May 2014

It's already the middle of the year! Every time I start on a Empties post, it always feels like I just posted last month's not too long ago.

The sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser is a staple in my cleansing regime. I have gone through many bottles of this, gentle enough for day frequent use and I love the scent. Bonus points that it is sulphate and paraben free. Another product making a regular appearance is the Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum; one tube usually lasts me 2 months (once in the morning) but recently I've been using it at night as well. Love the scent, absorbs well and doesn't clog my pores. The Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel [travel size] is a hydration moisturizer for normal to combination skin (there is a Cream-Melt for drier skins), it has a nice scent and a light, fresh texture. Very pleasant to use.

I almost always have at least 2 different scents of body wash in my bathroom- and invigorating/fresh scent and another more indulgent/creamy scent. The Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate [travel size] is a firm favourite, infact I have the whole line- Tonic Body Scrub, Body Oil and the Body Balm. The tonic scent is sooooo good, I love it! The Rodial Life & Style Bathing Balm was my creamy scent for the past 6 months (at least). A little bit goes a long way and the bathroom smells lovely, like almond milk even hours after. I liked it, but not enough to repurchase. The Clarins High Definition Body Lift [Deluxe size] is my last bottle of the old formula, and I am currently using the new one. De Lorenzo rejuven8 the ends was my favourite hair leave-in-treatment whilst living in Melbourne. It really left my damaged ends so soft and smooth, plus the scent was really nice too. Brought a bottle back to humid Kuala Lumpur and it didn't seem to have the same effect, instead making my hair a little greasy and heavy. Highly recommend if you're living in colder/drier climates.

Loose powders take foreverrrrrr to finish! Which could be a good or bad thing LOL with the Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder, it was definitely a good thing. The powder is really fine, never cakey nor matte, which is what I like. One tub lasts a long long time, I think mine was around for a year? Would repurchase. This benefit 10 bronzing and highlighting duo has been with me for 8 years! Okay that's way past the recommended use by, but to be fair I only really started going at it in the past year. This was a gift from my sister, and a heart-warming story accompanies it (: Perfect for people who want to contour AND highlight but don't want to spend much time doing their face. I liked the bronzer half but the highlighter was a wee bit sparkly for me. The product comes with a decent brush applicator as well.


Total January - May: 58

Empties: March 2014

It's Friday!! I don't talk much about work, but I do have a job in an industry I am passionate about and though I enjoy it immensely.. I enjoy my weekends even more! haha

3 months has already flown by, feels like I've just done February's empties yesterday!

Chanel Le Jour is a bit of a in between for me, I didn't break out but neither did I see or feel any substantial difference even with consistent use. It is supposed to reactivate and soothe the face, to give a smooth, luminous base. I would give this miss, the La Nuit is much better (I already bought a 2nd). Indeedlabs hydraluron is something which I really liked, but is not readily available in my area. There is only one store which carries it but I don't like it enough to drive 40 minutes to get to that mall. For a serum. My skin has been okay so far, I guess I can do without it. Until we meet again, dear hydraluron! Clarins Multi-Active Night cream is from the same range I am actively using, nothing excellent but it does the job and doesn't break me out. 

The Lotus Face Oil is something which I have repurchased over and over again, I think I have purchased almost 10 bottles of these? I use this in my moisturizer, in my masks, on its own, works beautifully and I strongly recommend to anyone with congested and oily skin. UV protection is really important to me and I only wear sunscreen on the makeup-less weekends, but only because my BB cream already has a SPF40. Whilst I've tried many brands, Clarins UV Plus HP is my favourite- it lasts, dries fast, isn't oily, soothes my skin and doesn't break me out. This is the Tinted Pink, which gives radiant skin, but I much prefer the Tinted Beige and the Original (white). I have quite a few samples from La Mer and I am slowly going through them. The La Mer Hydrating Infusion was a bit heavy on my skin, the texture is a little thick but I do like the scent. 

I have been slacking with bodycare, I finally finished the rose-scented Anna Sui Moisturizing Body Lotion. It's a nice rose and the light lotion absorbs really quickly. I had a little accident in my bathroom, left a very large candle burning for 24 hours and came home to a pool and waterfall of red wax down the walls. It looked rather artistic and I felt a little sorry I had to break it up. Some products were in the way and got wax trickled down the sides- Acca Kappa White Moss Shampoo & Conditioner, I LOVELOVELOVE their brushes, but their haircare... not so much.

Makeup! Been so long since any makeup appeared in the Empties posts.. the Shu Uemura x Aya Takano Gel Blusher (limited Edition) is a product I really liked. It was a bright cherry and when used sparingly, gave off a very natural flush which lasts the whole day. Only gripe was everytime I took it travelling, it would "explode" when I used it (even after waiting hours). Powder blushers are the way to go for me! The Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector can be used as a base or blended into foundation/BB cream. It was received as a Club Reward (redemption from Clarins purchase points), I'm still undecided on this.. it doesn't irritate my face but I am also not convinced. I switch between this and the Chanel Illuminating Base. For the past 10 years, my choice of eyeliner has been Bobbi Brown Gel Liner (Black). I love the staying power, the real pigmented black shade, everything! Except the price. Have since found a dupe for half the price, which even comes with a decent brush. 

It is so hard to use up perfumes because admittedly, my collection is not as small as I would like it to be. I do give them away, provided the scent has not turned but I still can't bear to throw out the older perfumes (might be due to the pretty packaging!). The YSL Babydoll is one of those which I have had for many many years, it doesn't smell good on the skin anymore and thus, has been reassigned as a Bathroom scent. It's a young scent, one which my mother got me whilst I was still in University and I was obsessed with it, collecting all variants of this perfume. This is the only one remaining and had shimmer. I love how scents are able to trigger memories.

The second scent, Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 2 came in a mini collection.. I liked it, it was a floral based, but not enough to buy it. Most of the Aqua Allegoria range wears off quickly and would not last the whole day but it doesn't bother me as I can't handle most strong scents anyway. Side note: I am wearing Pampelune today and I can't stop sniffing my wrists!

I've changed the writing style for the Empties posts, the previous style feels a little.. robotic? Going to try and strike a balance between too many and not enough words LOL

Happy Friday, everyone!

Empties: January & February 2014

The first Empties post of 2014! I've combined both the months as there weren't many finished in January. My skin hasn't been behaving this well since.. I don't even remember.

My skin has improved so much, and I've learnt that expensive skincare doesn't necessarily mean it works better. I have become one of those purchasers who scrutinize product labels- I have a need to check how high "alcohol" and "parabens" are on the list (the higher volume, the higher it is on the ingredient list). I understand that sometimes alcohol and parabens are necessary to keep the product fresh and stable but I would rather it not be the first few ingredients on the list. From personal experience, my skin reacts very badly and would just turn dry, itchy and then break out.

I am still fine tuning my regime but here are a few things I've been using:

1. Garnier CleanSensitive 2-in-1 Gentle Make-Up Remover, 200ml

My last bottle lugged back from previous Melbourne travels, it is one of the best I have used as it removes both budge-proof Bobbi Brown Gel Liner and even face foundation very well. Not available in KL, but if it was I would definitely repurchase.

2. sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser 125ml

3. Clarins Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion 200ml

4. Clarins Gentle Refiner 50ml

5. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel Moisturizer 15ml [Travel]

6. Clarins Multi-Active Day Moisturizer 15ml [Travel]

7. Clarins Multi-Active Night Moisturizer 15ml [Travel]

8. snoxin Serum 30ml

9. Crabtree & Evelyn Citron Creme & Honey Lip Butter

10. Melvita Apicosma Body Milk 30ml [Travel]

11. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Body Lotion 10ml [Sample]

12. Aesop Gentle Scalp Cleansing Shampoo 30ml [Travel] I have been looking for this shampoo but did not see it stocked in the counter, perhaps repackaged/out of stock? It does work well and leaves my scalp feeling clean but not stripped. Will try to hunt this down soon.

13. Clarins Satin Finish Body Oil 

Total January & February: 13

Empties: December 2013!!

The final installation of 2013's Empties!

1. REN Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser 150ml
LOVE this and have repurchased. This is now my PM second cleanser after the cleansing oil.
2. & 3. Clarins Total Cleansing Oil 150ml & 10ml
This is my new favourite cleansing oil, and I have used quite a number of them (Shu Uemura, DHC, SK-II...). It is not meant to be used around the eye area and will most definitely sting if you get any residue in. I use a separate bi-phase eye makeup remover so it doesn't bother me, but if you like an all-in-one, you might want to skip this.
4. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser [Travel size]
5. Clarins Camomile Toning Lotion, 10ml
6. Clarins Multi-Active Day Moisturizer, 5ml
7. Clarins Multi-Active Night Moisturizer, 5ml
8. Clarins Lotus Face Oil, 2ml
9. Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme, 50ml I quite like this product, if things don't work out with my other moisturizers, I might repurchase this.
10. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel, 15ml My skin is suited for cream-gel textures; a full cream is too heavy, and oil-free/gel is too light.. this gel-cream hybrid which many brands now offer is perfect. Might be a bit early to say (still using one more trial size) but I think the Chanel works better on my skin.
11. Indeed Labs Hydraluron An excellent hydration boosting serum which doesn't clog my face and is great for layering products over as it absorbs so easily.

12. Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, 200ml LOVE! My two favourite invigorating shower scents are this and the Aesop Geranium Leaf. Bliss!
13. Clarins TOnic Body Treatment Oil, 100ml I shunned body oils for the longest time as I felt that they were such a hassle to use, but now that I have consistently been using one, I have to admit I love them. This variant really tones my skin and firms it up. I use this before and after my shower and mainly on my legs.
14. di palomo White Grape Hand & Body Lotion
15. Liese Juicy Shower Hair Mist
16. Sexy Girl Fragrance Body Mist
17. Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Mask, 120ml

Not pictured:
18. Alpha-H Liquid Gold This must-have worked well for me but I will not be repurchasing until I get through and thoroughly review the Chanel Le Weekend which is a similar product.
19. Crabtree & Evelyn Citron and Cream Lip Butter 

*Phew* Pretty amazed that I made it through the whole year, I aim to be just as consistent in 2014!

Total 2013 Empties: 260!!!

Previous Empties:

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September (Part I, Part II)
October
November

Empties: November 2013

It's the time of the month again.. and just 30 more days till 2014 arrives!! 

1. Melvita Young Skin Facial Scrub, 100ml I quite like the scent of this scrub, it isn't harsh and I could still feel a difference in my skin after rinsing it off. Not bad, but I prefer the Clarins scrub still.
2. L'Occitane Volumizing Shampoo, 500ml I have neither fine nor normal hair, if anything my hair is thick and my roots get a little flat as my scalp is a little oily. However, this works great and though it doesnt leave my hair silky smooth, it does give my hair some volume and is soft. Definitely repurchasing the refill.
3. sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser, 200ml
4. Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum, 30ml
5. SK-II Advanced Eye treatment Film, 15ml
6. Clarins UV Plus HP Tinted Beige SPF40 Sunscreen, 10ml I LOVE this sunscreen, during the weekends when I am not using my BB cream I usually just put this on for light coverage. It evens out any redness I have and even covers my light acne scars. Definitely repurchasing.

7. Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque, 100ml
8. sukin Natural Deodorant, 125ml
9. L'Occitane Magnolia & Mure Shower Gel, 175ml The scent was a tad strong, so I used it as a handwash instead.
10. Melvita Apicosma Extra-rich hand cream, 30ml

Total January - November: 241!!!Previous Empties:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September (Part I, Part II)
October

Empties: October 2013

Reading has always been one of my hobbies, couple that with an interest in beauty products and you have someone who trawls the Internet in search of beauty tips/information. I enjoy looking and reading up on all things beauty related- new releases, cleansing methods, ingredients used.. but apart from that I also enjoy going through what other beauty addicts use and what works for them. 

Never did I think I would be able to get through a year of documenting what I've used but here I am, with only 2 more months to go! I started this for personal reasons (mainly to force myself to clear out old products and make sure I was religiously applying skin/bodycare) and recently I met a lovely lady (Hi, Victoria!) at a beauty event who told me she liked my Empties posts. I was stunned and at a loss for words- thank you for making my day!

Trial sizes

1. Melvita Apicosma Body Balm

2. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel

3. Clarins Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion

4. Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile

5. L'Occitane Body Lotion with Essential Oil

6. Clarins Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel

Full sizes

7. Clarins Cleansing Milk with Gentian (Oily/Combination Skin) 200ml My last bottle of cleansing milk, I've come to realize I much prefer cleansing oils as my first cleansing step. With oils I can actually feel and see the little oil seeds/dead skin being unclogged as I massage it in. So gratifying.

8. Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash 500ml I used this as a body wash- for the size, it really is value for money and lasted me many months. Not too keen on the scent though. Much prefer the geranium variation.

9. Melvita Anti-Ageing Fluid (for Men) 50ml Not one to turn away products unless I really can't use it, I used this mainly on my arms and body at night. It's a light fluid with a nice scent- not too manly or sharp.

10. Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil 30ml My 5th bottle! I will most definitely continue purchasing this. LOVE!

Total January - October: 231!!!

Previous Empties:
January
February
March
April
May

June

July

August
September (Part I, Part II)

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

June

July

August

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!

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

June

July