EMPTIES | September '17

You know what time it is - Empties time! Yes, every single month I dump out a bag filled with empty beauty things and talk through each product and how I found it. A bit of a disclaimer, I don't get through this in just 4 weeks, many of these products I have been using for months. It just so happens that a lot finish around the same time!

BODY, HAIR + MISC.

Ecoya Guava + Lychee Sorbet Natural Soy Fragranced Candle
It is so satisfying to finish a candle because these things take hours to burn. I love lighting a candle in the evenings and the Ecoya ones are some of my favourites as they burn evenly, last a long time and let off a beautiful scent that isn't too overwhelming. I would definitely buy more candle from Ecoya!

Simply Essential Solid Makeup Brush Cleaner*
I am usually a Baby Shampoo user when I want to clean my brushes but when I was sent this from The Beauty Collective I started using it and was amazed at how well it worked to really give my brushes a deep clean. The soap lathered well into the bristles and broke down a lot of gunky makeup build up in my brushes (especially those used for foundation/concealer). It was quick and easy to use but I definitely got through it quickly and it got me through about 3 brush washes (but I was washing about 20+ brushes at a time).

Mecca Cosmetica Happy Hands Hydrating Hand Cream
I received this mini-sized hand cream over Christmas last year with a gift voucher I got and I really hope they bring this back this year because it is such a good hand cream. It's thick and rich but sinks in and doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy for ages after.

The Body Shop Honeymania Body Butter
It is always an achievement to get through a Body Butter because usually I am quite slack with my body moisturising but I am trying to get better! The Honeymania obviously is honey based and has a rich texture that is very moisturising.

Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Smooth + Sleek Conditioner*
Trust me to get through a conditioner and not the shampoo at the same time. I recently received this at a big P&G event where they talked through new innovations and products coming out. This conditioner made my hair feel super smooth and definitely helps with the frizz.

SKINCARE

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Night Moisturiser*
This was another product I received at the P&G event and I have been really surprised by how much my skin likes this range. The Night Moisturiser had a gel-like texture to it and felt very hydrating on the skin. It is definitely something I would purchase again and it's a great price point.

Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Makeup Remover*
Lately, I have been branching away from my beloved Maybelline Eye + Lip Makeup Remover and trying some different ones I have in my beauty cupboard. This one was actually really amazing and worked so well to remove mascara/eyeliner etc. It has a gel texture and only a little bit was needed for each eye. It didn't irritate or sting the eyes, instead just removed eye makeup with ease! I definitely think I would buy this again, maybe even over the Maybelline one - shock!

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift*
The Dermalogica releases this year have been so on point. The Stress Positive Eye Lift was released a few months back and now I am through this tube I need another one ASAP. I used this in the mornings as the texture was light and sunk in easily and the applicator felt cooling and soothing. It worked so well to brighten and depuff and I even looked less eye baggy.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Oil Face Scrub*
Ok, this scrub was so nice to use. It smelt like you could devour it with coconut sugar and coconut oil as the main ingredients. It exfoliated the skin well and really felt like you were giving your skin a deep clean. My only issue is the tube is quite small at only 60g, but that does make it handy for travelling with.

MAKEUP

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fixing Mist

This has got a lot of bad press but personally, I love it and can't get enough. I am into my third or fourth bottle I think and will continue to keep buying it. You have to give this a really rigorous shake so that the powder (which settles at the bottom) mixes in with the liquid. I love the fine layer of powder it gives to the skin but it is undetectable and for someone with oily skin, this is a must-have!

L.A. Girl Pro Coverage HD Foundation in Fair

I have raved about this foundation in the past and been through a couple of bottles but lately, it just hasn't been agreeing with my skin for some reason. Perhaps because it's getting a bit warmer and I am not as dry as I was over the cooler months. For dry to normal skins though, you should try this. I love the coverage it gives and it feels lightweight on the skin. This is the lightest shade and as you can see it isn't that light at all, but they have a pure white one that is ideal for mixing. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue

I always have a couple of lip balms in my handbag and reach for whatever one I can get to first. The Maybelline Baby Lips range is a great basic lip balm if you don't suffer from overly chaffed or dry lips. The Dr Rescue worked a bit better than the others and I liked the subtle tint that this one gave to the lips.

Living Nature Lip Hydrator*

This was another handbag lip balm and a bit more hydrating than the Baby Lips. Living Nature is an NZ brand that produces all natural and organic products. This Lip Hydrator has Active Manuka Honey and nourishing oils in it to really keep the lips hydrated for hours. It was light on the lips and not at all sticky.

Colourpop Brow Pencil in Bangin' Brunette

I end up getting through these quite quickly as I have very fine brow hairs that are much lighter than my hair colour so I need some serious shape and definition when I fill them in. This is quite a soft brow pencil but I have mastered using it. I always have a few of these as backups as they are so affordable.

Maybelline Superstay Makeup Extending Primer*

This is a good reminder for me to purchase another one of these as I really enjoy it. The texture is quite thin and spreads well but doesn't leave the skin feeling like it has a thick layer of primer like some silicon-based ones. I find it does help extend the life of my makeup and my oily/combo skin needs something like this under foundation.

What products have you finished up lately?

*PR Samples.