Products I’ve Used Up Lately…

May 2, 2021

As much as I love reading blog posts showing off hauls of new products, there is something so hugely valuable about an ’empties’ post. Knowing that these products have been used up entirely and whether they’ll be repurchased or not is so much more informative to me as a reader and it helps me decide if I think the product could work for me too.

So these are the products that I’ve used up lately, there is a distinct lack of makeup because I’ve only worn it a handful of times over the last year and I’ve definitely not used anything nearly enough to finish it, so face and body skincare is the theme of the day…

Closeup of Empties

FACE:

Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
I don’t even know how many of these I’ve been through over the years, at least 10 at a *very* conservative guess? It’s a genuinely great second cleanse. It lives in my shower and I use it almost every day after my first cleanse pre-shower. It contains Aloe Vera and Salicylic Acid and for my normal-combo and spot-prone skin, it works wonders. It balances without stripping and helps to keep spots to a minimum. It’s a long time fave that I’ll continue to love and repurchase.

Jordan Samuel Hydrate Facial Serum
I love this serum. So much so that I’ve already bought the large bottle, except the large one is so big it takes up way too much of my limited bathroom vanity space so I’ll be decanting it into this little guy I think. The serum is a clear, very liquidy-gel consistency that soaks into my skin super quickly. Unlike a lot of Hyaluronic Acid serums out there this one has zero stickiness and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tacky at all. Although it soaks in really quickly, the hydration is definite and visible. It leaves my skin looking plump and glowy, and feeling hydrated and lush. What more could you want? I use this morning and night.

Bioderma Sensibo Micellar Water
Despite not reaching for it much over the last year, Bioderma still remains my makeup remover of choice and I’ll never be without this stuff. I have super sensitive eyes and this does a fab job of getting even stubborn eye makeup off and doesn’t give my eyes any issues. I realise a lot of people are anti-micellar water and if use this as it was originally intended (not rinsed off) then I’m with you there. But as someone who always follows this up with a double cleanse I’m a big fan.

Recent Empties

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Fluid
A perfectly good sunscreen, as the name would suggest it is very fluid, it absorbs well and seems to do a good enough job shielding from the sun. Having said that I’ve recently tried another couple of sunscreens that I prefer, so I probably won’t be repurchasing this one.

Sunday Riley Tidal Water Cream
Although this is a moisturiser to call it that kinda diminishes the profound effect it has on my skin. This brightens better than some designated ‘brightening’ serums I’ve tried over the years. I have a full review here, but essentially if you’re after hydration, radiance and glow (and you absolutely promise to wear sunscreen because the Alpha-Arbutin which brightens discolouration and dark spots also can also make your skin extra sensitive to the sun) then this is the ‘water cream’ for you. I use this in the morning, but it can be used evenings as well.

Recent Empties

Avene Hydrance Serum
I really loved this serum when I used it and I would definitely repurchase it again, I think it’s a great hydrating serum for the Summer months when it can play the part of serum and moisturiser. It’s really hydrating for how lightweight and quick to absorb it is, and it works wonders on irritated, sun-effected or just generally angered skin.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream
This is an absolute gold-star product for me, it’s lightweight, absorbs beautifully, hydrates really well and plays nicely with other products. I use this morning and night and I’ve already bought and started using the big size, which is absolutely huge so it’s going to last me ages. Full review here if you’d like more information.

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster
A daily must-have for me. I use this Salicylic Acid serum most days and it helps prevents spots on my chin and texture on the lower half of my cheeks. If you’re struggling with spot-prone areas this might be just what you need.

Empties

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
I’ve thought I was going to finish this cleanser for the last six months but it just kept on keeping on! That’s the problem with packaging like this, it looks fab, but you have no way of knowing when you’re running low. This gel to oil formulation is lush, and that’s coming from someone who isn’t the biggest fan of oil cleansers. It has a lovely rose scent (fresh, not powdery) and nourishes and hydrates the skin while still leaving it feeling cleaned and refreshed. No small feat. This will definitely get repurchased in the future, but for now I have a few other cleansers in the rotation that I want to use up before ordering such a big (100ml) cleanser again.

Colourpop Brow Pencil – currently out of stock
My one and only makeup item that I’ve used up lately; if that isn’t an indication of how often I put on a face these days I don’t know what is. It’s also taken me ages to finish this off because for the last year or so I’ve been dying my brows myself, but for those in-between days this is my favourite pencil. It’s soft enough to blend really well but stays put reasonably well too, and is super affordable.

Body Empties

BODY:

Neutrogena Deep Moisture Comfort Balm
Loved this product, I didn’t even mind the tub packaging. I found it to be quick absorbing and provide long-lasting hydration, even to my very dry skin. I will definitely repurchase eventually but I want to use up a few other things first.

Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
This is a seriously thick balm and probably would only be loved by really dry or eczema-prone skin like mine. Although I did on occasion mix it with a spritz of the La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water to loosen it up a bit. A great one to have on hand if you’re prone to skin flare-ups but otherwise not a must-have to those with ‘normal’ skin.

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream
You know it’s a good product when it’s been slashed open to get every last bit out. Thick and hydrating, this makes a lovely overnight hand cream that has already been repurchased.

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water
If you have problematic skin, you need to try this! Incredible for skin irritations, allergies and eczema but also an absolute must-have for dry and dehydrated skin too. This can be used straight on the skin and then topped with any moisturiser, but also can be used to dilute thicker creams. The La Roche Posay products contain Thermal Water enriched with minerals and trace elements that help to soothe and rebalance the skin’s microbiome and reinforce skin health and strength. I reach for this a few times each week and always have it handy.

OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo
I loved the scent of this; if my hair could permanently smell of coconuts that would be pretty fab, but as nice as this was, it isn’t one of those products that I’m rushing out to restock.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts
You know those fancy bath products that come in gorgeous packaging from lush brands that cost a fortune? Yeah, well this is one of those. And yet every time I used it I genuinely couldn’t tell the difference between these and the Epsom salts you can get from the pharmacy in a 1kg bag for a tenner. Will definitely not be repurchasing, and I’m *very* grateful I got these in a Cult Beauty box for half the price.

Comments (2)

  • Hannah

    May 10, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    I love empties posts too, as like you say they’re so helpful! I used that OGX shampoo years ago and loved the scent, but like you say it’s nothing worth rushing out to repurchase xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

    1. steffaniebee

      May 10, 2021 at 9:21 pm

      Exactly! I wish I could put that coconut scent in some of my boring but better shampoos! x

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