Happy Leap Day everyone! It is quite a novelty being able to post on a day that only comes around every 4 years! Today it's time to talk Empties - and boy, oh boy, do I have a whole load. And surprisingly quite a few makeup items, when usually it's mostly skincare.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
I finally made my way through my second bottle of this awesome micellar water. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for something easy to use on the skin to get rid of makeup, go for a micellar water. It's this magic solution that has no fragrance, but it just attracts the makeup off your face with one swipe. I'm already into my next bottle of this!
Essenza Fuss Free Naturals Micellar Cleansing Wipes*
I received these in a recent Lust Have It Women's Beauty Box* and really liked using them. These were perfect for travelling with due to the compact packet. The wipes easily removed makeup - not really heavy eye makeup but it got rid of foundation etc with ease. They weren't drying, nor did they leave a weird residue on the face. I'd probably go back to the Garnier Micellar Wipes because I don't think you can buy these in NZ.
Garnier PureActive Intensive Charcoal Scrub*
I was sent a big bag packed with Garnier skincare products in it a while back and have just got around to finishing up this scrub. I love charcoal in products because I have oily/combination skin, as well as large pores so it really helps to deep clean my skin and help control the oil. I would definitely consider buying this again as the scrubbing particles weren't too harsh, nor was my skin too dried out after using it.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Lotion
One of my staple skincare items came to an end again, and of course, I had a backup ready and waiting. I pretty much use this at least 4-5 times a week and alternate with some kind of facial oil. This has worked wonders in helping to fade my acne scars and also treat any active breakouts at the same time. If you have oily skin I cannot recommend this range enough,
Oasis Beauty Hot Toddy Super Hydrating Serum*
As I mentioned above, I try and use an oil, at least, two times a week. I've been giving this one a whirl from the all natural NZ brand, Oasis, and quite liked it! As promised, it is very hydrating on the skin, so dry skinned gals this is one for you. It says it is a serum but for me I find it too much to use this and then a moisturiser on top, so at night, I will simply replace my moisturiser with this oil and slather it on my skin.
Maybelline Eye + Lip Makeup Remover [x2]
Wouldn't be an Empties without this product! As always it's my favourite eye makeup remover and it breaks down stubborn eye products with ease. It's also great for matte lipsticks that don't wanna budge. I always keep at least two of these spare in my drawers, so I never run out!
The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel
This was part of a gift with purchase a wee while ago now, but I had used up another shower gel so dug this one out of my drawers. The mango scent is delicious, it makes me feel super summery, and it also did a great job at lathering up and cleaning my body.
Maraca Roseraie Candle*
I don't think I've ever had a candle in my Empties, but lately, I have been burning candles pretty much every day and this one needed a mention. Maraca is a New Zealand company specialising in gorgeous scents that they have in candles, diffusers and body treats. The Roseraie is the latest scent added and it smells beautiful. It's very floral obviously and has a strong rose scent, but it's not too overpowering when you burn it. It burnt down very evenly, and the glass is sleek and looks great on our desk.
L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray*
For a cult product like this, it's a surprise I've actually never used it before! This is one of their smaller travel sized cans but it also lasted me a decent amount of time. I'll definitely be purchasing a large can of this because I love the hold it gives without being crispy or hard in the hair, so it moves naturally.
Batiste Dry Shampoo Blush [Mini]
I've always got a can of this stuff lying around, it is great for touching up the roots if things get a bit oilier throughout the day and gives the hair an instant refresh. This sized can is ideal for travelling with and also great for the handbag.
Sunsilk Hold Me Forever Hairspray [Mini]
I'm not sure why I had so many mini hair sprays, but this month I finally got through them all (they all just had a bit left in them from a few months of use!) This was good, but left the hair feeling quite crisp, and not as flexible as the L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray. I probably wouldn't purchase this again.
e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist + Set
I can't count how many of these bottles I've been through, but it's always a staple in my makeup collection. This is great for setting down makeup, making the face look less powdery, and also helping things stay in place a bit longer (especially in this heat!) I like how refreshing it feels and also the price point is great too - only NZD $10 from Kmart.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
It was about time I replaced one of my sponges (I usually have two on rotation), but this one was getting a bit worse for wear as you can see with the slight tears in the sponge. I couldn't go without one of these and use it every day for my foundation, concealer and other cream products. Used damp, it just blends foundation so well onto the skin without any weird patched or brush marks.
Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder in Natural
This powder is so great, and because I get through it so quickly it's a real testament to how much I like it. It gives a good amount of extra coverage on the skin, I especially like it for setting concealer on acne or dark spots. I'm already well into another one of them, and I've almost hit pan on that!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
If you know me or read my blog a lot you'll know I LOVE this mascara and it's probably my favourite of all time. It is seriously amazing; it gives my lashes insane volume, insane length and separates them too. It does it all! The brush has an hourglass shape so it gets all the lashes. I find this works the best about 2-3 weeks after opening so it's dried up a touch. I'm currently using a mini one of these now, in amongst five others (or something like that) that I am trialling right now, but also have a full size waiting in my drawers.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Soft Brown
It's always upsetting when I twist up the very last of my favourite brow product - the Brow Wiz. I've been through a countless number of these; I love how easy it is to use and the very fine nib means you can get an accurate and precise brow while also looking natural. Soft Brown is working so good for me with my current hair colour, I used to use Dark Brown when I was a lot darker but found it's a touch too harsh now.
Benefit BadGal Liner
Although this isn't totally finished, the kohl pencil kept falling out and it was making it very hard to use. This was only a mini size but I really liked it. The formula is waterproof so it was perfect for the waterline and tight line and was very long lasting. If I didn't have a bunch of other eyeliners to use then I would buy this one again for sure.
Benefit Gimme Brow Brow Volumising Fibre Gel in Light/Medium
This should have been thrown out a long time ago, but I was just hanging on to it trying to get the most out of it that I could. I used this every day for a while at one stage and loved how it set down the brow hairs, gave more volume to them that also looked natural. I would definitely buy this again.
e.l.f. Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
It wasn't long ago that this featured in a previous Empties, I just love it that much I go through it so quickly! I haven't found another powder that sets the undereye quite as well as this very affordable one from e.l.f. does. I use a large tapered brush to sweep this under the eye to set my concealer - it helps to brighten slightly, and it also makes the concealer last longer and it prevents creasing.
Did you finish many products this month? Have you used any of these ones?
*PR Samples.
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