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

Listen

Loved it from the first time I heard it on Donnie Darko...

Gary Jules & Michael Andrews- Mad World

"I find it hard to tell you,

I find it hard to take

When people run in circles it's a very, very

Mad world, mad world... "

Somewhat sad but more in a comforting rather than depressing way.

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