Empties 10- €1100 Worth of Beauty Products

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*PR Samples

**Repurchase/ Bought after trying a press sample

***Travel Size/ Mini

****Gift/ Gift with purchase

This is my tenth empties post and I'm so happy I've managed to continue this project for the past 2.5 years. It's been such a great exercise for me to do every three months to better understand my spending habits and what products I actually use and like. It's a great way for me to be transparent about the products I receive in press drops versus those that I buy myself. At the end of each post, I break down the totals of everything as I find it so interesting. Because of my work as a Content Creator I use more products than the average person but I still like to fully use up and review everything that stays in my collection. I have lots of videos showcasing products on my other social media pages but it's here where I give my final thoughts on products and whether I would buy them again. This month I have an added bonus as I started a YouTube channel a few months ago, so I have a video version of this post if it's easier for people to listen to or watch. We have 36 products to get through so let's get into it. 

*Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk 30ml, 24m, Made in France €71

Beach Walk is a scent that grew on me. I didn't love it at first, I wouldn't say that I love it now but I do really like it. I prefer how it smells after it's been worn for a while, I find it quite strong when it’s first applied. Beach Walk is described as a sunny and invigorated scent that evokes a walk along a sandy beach. The notes include bergamot, ylang-ylang, pink pepper, lemon, coconut milk, cedarwood and white musk. I would describe it as being floral, fresh, fruity and lactonic. It’s definitely more of a Spring/Summer fragrance but it’s heavier than other Summery scents I’ve had like Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess. I gave my mam a bottle of this because she absolutely loved it and I prefer how it smells on her compared to wearing it myself. It’s not something I would buy myself as there are so many other scents I prefer. 

*Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning 100ml, 24m, Made in France €140

I love this scent and I was so sad when I finished it. It's described as a clean and fresh delicate floral fragrance that conjures up memories of lingering Sunday mornings in bed. I would completely agree, It's like you've just had a shower with the best smelling shower gel and you get into a bed with crisp fresh sheets. It's comforting, light and airy but also powdery, musky and floral. It's quite inoffensive and easy to wear, I can't imagine anyone hating it. It's an eau de toilette so it doesn't last all day which is the only negative to me. If you like the Escentric Molecules fragrances or Glossier You, you might like this as it has some of the same comforting connotations. The Replica scents always have a Provenance and Period and for Lazy Sunday Morning it's Florence 2003 which was when I visited Italy for the first time and I actually went to Rome and Florence. I have fond memories of that trip even though it was a school art history trip and we stayed in some dodgy hotels. I would 100% buy this myself. 

**Glossier You 50ml, 24m, Made in the USA €96

I have mixed feelings about Glossier You. I love the scent. I first tried it in 2018 when I went for dinner with the Glossier team here in Dublin. I was given a bag of products and in it was the solid version of Glossier You. The following year the team returned for an event here and I was given the full size bottle and I was delighted as I adored the scent. I have since been stricken from their PR list and haven't tried any of their launches from the past few years. I bought this bottle in May 2022 and it was €58, it's now €96. I understand that prices everywhere have increased but for a product to almost double in price in less than 2 years is ridiculous. It's €39 for the 8ml size and €138 for the 100ml. It's described as a skin scent enhancer as it's mainly made up of base notes so it smells different on everyone. (I'd say this is true of most perfumes when applied to skin). The notes include pink pepper, ambox, iris and ambrette seeds. It's delicate, warm and comforting and it remains one of my favourite scents. I have read that it was reformulated since I last bought it and reports are that it doesn't smell the same. This combined with the price increase means sadly I won't be buying it again any time soon.

 

***/****Clarins Comfort Scrub 15ml, 18m, Made in France €12

I've reviewed this product in a few previous empties posts as I always seem to have a tube of it. My mam seems to always get this as a free gift with purchase and she gives it to me because she knows I like it. While I am a big proponent of chemical exfoliation, sometimes you want a good old facial scrub. This is the chic and classy distant cousin of a certain apricot scrub who shall not be named. It's an oil-based physical exfoliant that contains sugar microcrystals derived from beetroot. It also contains squalane and wild mango butter. I like this for helping to gently buff away any dry patches or flaky skin, it's great for the lips too. I wouldn't buy the full size because I do prefer a chemical exfoliant but I love the warming sensation and the vanilla scent. It's not a necessity but it's a lovely product. The full size is 50ml and €33. 

*REN Radiance PHA Exfoliating Facial 50ml, 9m, Made in the UK €38

I was delighted to receive this as a press sample earlier this year. I have been buying REN products for over ten years and I can't remember a time when I haven't had a REN product in my skincare routine. This product is both a physical, chemical and enzymatic exfoliant. It contains a naturally derived PHA (poly hydroxy acid) which is a gentler chemical exfoliant. It doesn't penetrate the skin as much as an AHA but instead works on the skin's surface. It also contains pomegranate enzymes and pomegranate powder to help exfoliate the skin. It is recommended to use it 2 or 3 times per week. You apply an almond-sized amount to damp skin, gently massage and then let it sit for 2 minutes before rinsing it off. I loved using this, it was great for when I felt like my skin was looking a bit lacklustre and I wanted to bring some brightness to it. It's so gentle, it feels refreshing and it left my skin looking smooth and radiant. I used it once or twice a week and it lasted for months. This is definitely going on my skincare wishlist as I loved what it did for my skin as well as the experience of using it. 

*/***Alpha-H Liquid Gold 30ml, 24m, Made in Australia €18.95

I've been using Liquid Gold on and off for over ten years now. It was one of those cult skincare products that everyone raved about in the early days of beauty YouTube and on beauty blogs before most of us knew what an AHA was. I'm sure anyone reading this has probably already tried Liquid Gold but to give a quick overview, it is a glycolic acid exfoliator. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps with skin renewal as it dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. It also stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, open pores and uneven texture. According to Alpha-H, the low pH delivery system helps the glycolic acid to penetrate the skin more effectively and it's also why it can tingle slightly upon application. It is recommended that you go slowly and work your way up to using it three times per week. It is also recommended that you use it alone without applying moisturiser on top however you can follow it with a facial oil once it is touch dry if needed. This product is hyped for a reason, it works. I don't think 2014 me needed it as much as 2024 me needs it. I could definitely do with some skin cell turnover and this product really does what it claims it will do. After using it again having not used it in a few years I remembered how good it is and it's definitely on my list to repurchase once I need a chemical exfoliant again. I usually use the REN Daily AHA which has lactic acid and is gentler than glycolic but maybe I need something a bit stronger now that I'm tumbling towards a new decade.

*Kiehls Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence 100ml, 12m, Made in Japan €52

I loved using this essence. It's not a product I usually buy but I think using this one has changed my mind (I have since bought a K-Beauty one which I'm using at the moment). Just in case you're not sure what an essence is, it's a skincare step that is applied after cleansing and before a serum or moisturiser. They tend to be a watery texture that gives added hydration to the skin and helps to prepare the skin for the rest of the skincare routine. It's not a necessary step but it may be something that you might like to use if it sounds like it could benefit your skin. I particularly liked it during the warmer months as it gave my skin extra hydration without feeling like I was adding layers of skincare. Most Summer days I would use the essence, a lightweight moisturiser and SPF. The formula of this one consists of ferulic acid (an antioxidant that helps the skin's natural recovery process to target visible damage), lactic acid (which gently exfoliates and improves moisture, the look of fine lines and uneven texture) and squalane oil (helps to replenish the skin's barrier). I used it once a day in the morning and it lasted for a long time. I noticed my skin felt smoother and looked brighter and more even. It also looked and felt more hydrated. I could genuinely see a difference while I was using this product which is not always the case with skincare. I'm not going to buy it myself because I'm using a K-Beauty one at the moment but when that is all used up I may consider buying this again because even though it's expensive it lasted for ages and I loved what it did for my skin. It also smells incredible and sometimes that's a huge part of the user experience. 

*Skin Proud Bright Eye Pomegranate Gel-Cream 15ml, 6m, Made in South Korea €18.95

I have tried a couple of Skin Proud products over the past 18 months or so and this one is my favourite so far. It seems to be a brand that is marketed towards a younger consumer base so I wasn't expecting much from this product as I usually need a lot of hydration around my eyes. I was pleasantly surprised as it has a light gel-cream texture but it felt moisturising and makeup applied very well on top of it. The formula contains shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide and it's made in South Korea which is a big green flag for me. I was using it in conjunction with an eye serum and a retinol eye cream at night so I don't know how well it would work alone. I probably need something more hydrating if I was using it alone day and night. I'll definitely need more during the colder months but if you have younger skin or not as many issues with the skin around your eyes as I have, this could be a great option as it has some good ingredients and it's reasonably priced. 

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum 30ml, 12m, Made in the USA €64

This was my first time trying a Sunday Riley product. I got it in one of the Cult Beauty Edits last November so I paid significantly less than the outrageous full price. I didn't notice any big difference with my skin from using this product. Niacinamide is an ingredient that my skin likes because I have combination skin that can be quite oily in certain areas, niacinamide helps with pores and uneven skin tone. If I paid €64 for a 30ml size serum I would want to see results and I just felt a bit meh about this one. 

**Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml, 12m, Made in Korea €11.99

I reviewed this in my last empties post if you'd like to read it here. I won't repeat myself too much except to say I opened my third tube of this when I was on holiday a couple of weeks ago. I love this product, it's perfect under makeup because the texture is thin, almost like a gel-cream consistency. The formula is hydrating and soothing so it gives your skin something extra and I think it will be great for the colder months too. I have a couple of other sunscreens to get through but I'll definitely be ordering this one again.

**Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 20g, 12m, Made in Korea €24

I'll forever repurchase this unless something better comes along. I apply this every night and it keeps my lips soft and smooth and hydrated and I never have issues with dryness or flakiness. It works well for my lips and it lasts for ages. I used to buy it from Cult Beauty but I now buy it from Stylevana or YesStyle because it is significantly less expensive. If you'd like to try it but you don't want to spend the money on a full size they have mini pots which is a great way to try it out. I love the Berry scent but I'd like to branch out and try one of the other ones. 

**O'Keefe's Working Hands Overnight Intensive Hand Cream 80ml, 24m, Made in the USA €14.49

I've mentioned this in multiple previous empties posts so I'll be brief. This is a great overnight treatment for really dry hands. It's a thick cream/balm and you only need a small amount so it lasts a long time. I'm using a different hand cream at the moment but once that's finished I'll be repurchasing this one as it works so well when my hands are very dry. 

*Garnier Body Superfood 48hr Nourishing Cream 380ml, 12m, Made in Germany €12.99

I've reviewed one of these moisturisers before here, it has a nice texture that sinks into the skin quickly and a fresh aloe vera scent. It's a lot of product and the price is quite reasonable. I don't like to spend too much on body moisturiser so I'd purchase this myself. 

**ZIIP Electric Complex Conductive Gel 80ml, 12m, Made in the USA €39

I bought this to use with the ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Facial Device that I was sent back in January. The kit I was sent came with a 50ml size of the gel and lasted a couple of months and then I bought this one. After finishing it I didn't want to spend €39 on another one (although I do have a discount code EMMAZIIP for the Current Body site that gives 10% off). I tried to be cheeky and I bought a conductive gel from another brand that makes microcurrent devices as it was a third of the price but it just doesn't work the same way. I find it drags a bit with that one so I'll go back to buying this instead. I'm planning on doing an in-depth review of the ZIIP Halo so in one way it's good to have that experience to add to the review. 

*bareMinerals BAREPRO 16Hr Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation (Fair 10 Cool) 8g, 12m, Made in the USA €40

It's hard to give this product a fair review because it arrived broken. I received it in a press drop from bareMinerals before they changed their PR company and I haven't tried anything from them since but I am a fan of most of their products. The original mineral foundation isn't for me, I much prefer this formula. I tried my best to make it work even though it was completely smashed but then my daughter dropped it and the powder went everywhere so it's not technically empty but I thought I'd write a quick review anyway. It's full coverage but you can make it more of a medium coverage by lightly buffing on a sheer application. There are 35 shades and they definitely skew on the lighter end, they could do with having more deep shades as is the case with most brands. This is a long-wearing, transfer-resistant formula probably best suited to combination/oily skin types. I wasn't expecting to like this at all because it sounded like the opposite of the kinds of base products I usually love but it felt and looked beautiful on my skin. It didn't look powdery and it was great for when I needed more coverage. I also used it to set any blemishes as it gave them extra coverage. I didn't get the chance to use it enough to give my full opinion but from what I tried, I liked it. If it sounds like something you'd like I highly recommend trying it at a counter if possible. You can see me wearing it here. 

*Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Multi-Use Concealer (06 Neutralizer) 6.8ml, 6m, Made in France €12.99

This isn't technically an empty but it's long past its recommended shelf life as I was using it for a while, misplaced it and then found it again. I removed the sponge tip applicator as I don't really like not being able to clean it. This shade is probably better suited to a different skin tone and I think a more neutral pale shade would work better on me, but I do really rate the formula especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money on a concealer. It's a good medium buildable coverage and the formula is hydrating. If you can find a shade it's definitely worth checking out this formula. You can see me wearing it here. 

**Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging 10ml, 6m, Made in the USA €24

There's not much I can say about this except that for me it will always be my favourite eye primer. Granted, I haven't tried too many other ones but every time I do I'm disappointed as they don't compare. I usually buy the Anti-Aging one as it has Dermaxyl to smooth eyelids and Kalpariane to plump, firm and hydrate. I'm currently using the original formula which was a press sample but once that's finished I'll be back to buying this one again. 

***/****Kosas Lip Oil (Jellyfish) 2ml, 12m, Made in the USA €10 (approx.)

This was a mini size that I got as a free gift when Kosas launched in Space NK. The shade jellyfish is their clear shade so it was a good way to try this formula. It's a thinner consistency than the Vieve and Clarins ones but still in the realm of a lip oil or gloss-balm style formula. It's comfortable and feels nourishing. The small applicator on this mini size was a bit annoying as I had to dip in a few times to coat my lips but that's obviously only an issue because of the mini size. I liked it but not enough to buy a full size. I have a lot of this kind of product and maybe if I tried one of the other shades I might like it better but I prefer the other lip oils I have in my collection. The scent wasn't my favourite either, it's a sweet vanilla which I usually like but it wasn't for me. The full size is 4.6ml and €23. See an application video here. 

*Clarins Fix' Make-Up 50ml, 18m, Made in France €30

I've reviewed this setting spray a few times before and I like it but I will always prefer the Urban Decay All Nighter and it's also better value for money as it's €34 for 118ml. It's not a bad product at all, it refreshes and sets makeup but I prefer the Urban Decay one. If you're interested in trying this they sell a 15ml size for €10.

NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil (Ash Brown) 0.09g, 12m, Made in South Korea €12

This is a great brow pencil, it has a thin nib and it applies easily. The shade is great for my brows and they have a great selection of 12 shades which is better than most high-end brands. It's a good price and lasts the same as brow pencils that are twice the price. I'll definitely buy this again once the one I'm currently using is finished. 

*Urban Decay All Nighter Extra Glow Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray 118ml, 6m, Made in Canada €33

There are now multiple iterations of the All Nighter Setting Spray including Vitamin C and Ultra Matte formulas. This one is infused with hyaluronic acid and agave extra to set makeup with a dewy finish. I love the original formula, I've bought it myself countless times and I've been sent it from the brand. I liked this glowy formula and I think it would be great for the colder months or for people with dry skin. I'll probably stick to the original formula but I did really like this one too. 

Half Magic Chromaddiction Eye Paint + Liner (Spirit Guide) 4.4ml, 6m, Made in Italy €29

Half Magic Chromaddiction Eye Paint + Liner (No Shame) 4.4ml, 6m, Made in Italy €29

I bought Spirit Guide when Half Magic first launched over 2 years ago and then I bought No Shame a few months later so I've had both of these much longer than the 6 month shelf life suggests. I used both almost completely and they're quite dried out now. I love both of these shades, particularly over the matte Chromaddication Eye Paints in Sky Juice and Wild Caught. They give the most spangly eye looks and they're amped up even more when you add their Glitterpuck on top. I've reviewed Half Magic in full on my blog so you probably already know I'm a huge fan and I would absolutely repurchase these two products if I had more of a makeup budget but I'm really trying to use only what's in my collection and not buy much new makeup. I highly recommend checking out Half Magic if you haven't yet and if you're a fan of dopamine, sparkly, fun makeup. They ship to Europe from their website but you can also buy more easily on Beauty Bay. You can read my Half Magic review here. You can see a video application of Spirit Guide here and a photo here and No Shame here. 

*Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara 8ml, 6m, Made in Italy €35

This is probably the best mascara I've ever used. I don't say that lightly because mascara is one of those beauty items that seems to be so difficult to get right because everyone wants different things. It made my lashes defined, lengthened and fanned-out. The slightly curved, tapered brush ensured that every tiny little lash was coated and it made my lashes look lifted and fluttery. It works well without a lash curler and even better with one as it holds the curl really well. It performs almost like a tubing mascara as it doesn't flake and it's long-wearing but not waterproof. When you apply a second or third coat it adds more volume but without clumping resulting in dramatic, wide eyes. I've never used a mascara that layers so well. It's usually all or nothing and it's hard to do both. That makes it incredibly versatile and a mascara that will work for so many different preferences. I used this mascara for almost 6 months and it didn't really start to dry out until about 5 months of us. I was using it a lot even though I had other mascaras open in my collection. The formula remained the same the whole time until it was nearing the 6 month mark. This is something else that rarely happens. I usually get a maximum of 3/4 months from mascara and they usually start to dry out or give a subpar performance after about 2 months. I was so impressed with how long it lasted. I think most people can agree that €35 is a high-end or luxury price for a mascara but given how long it lasted and its versatility, I think it's well worth the money. I have lots of application videos of this on my Instagram if you'd like to see it in use. I was so sad when I had to give in and retire this tube but it's definitely going to be my treat mascara in the future. I know it's difficult to test a mascara before buying but Lisa Elridge has once again completely nailed a new category of makeup for her brand!

*Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara XXL  8ml, 6m, Made in France €30

I liked this mascara at the beginning. It was volumising as the name suggests but I found it to be drier than I like quite soon after opening it. After I had been using it for a few weeks it didn't build on itself as easily as I would like and it got a bit clumpy and flaky. It was moisture resistant, not waterproof so maybe that long-wearing formula had something to do with the dryness but after about a month it was quite dry and I found it difficult to use. There are other Clarins mascaras I prefer and it didn't compare to the Lisa Eldridge one for me which was a little bit more expensive but so much better overall. 

Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream 200ml, 12m, Made in the USA €29.30

As you may have guessed, this is a cream that is supposed to define, moisturise and protect curls. I liked this product and it worked well, especially combined with the Defining Gel from the same range, however, I prefer the Kerastase Curl Manifesto Gel-Cream as it worked better for my hair type. If I was going to buy a more high-end curl cream I'd go for the Kerastase one instead. 

Umberto Giannini Heat Shield Frizz Control Heat Protecting Spray 200ml, 12m, Made in the UK €11.99

This is quite an affordable heat protectant spray that is also supposed to help with frizz. It's hard to say whether a heat protectant actually works but I assume it does as my hair is very healthy looking at the moment. I'll definitely buy this again as it's not expensive and it does the job for when I heat style my hair. I really like Umberto Giannini products and I've used them on and off for years, their curl range is great for when I don't have much of a budget to spend on hair products. It also smells lovely which is an added bonus. 

Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray Multi-Task Heat Protection Styling Mist 250ml, Made in the UK €28

This is a 3-in-1 product that provides heat protection, hold and texture. I bought it after finishing the travel-size Cool Girl spray as I wanted something that did more than just give my hair some texture. I don't heat style my hair too often so I didn't mind spending money on this product (albeit with 20% off on Cult Beauty). I haven't had a haircut since May 2023 and it's just not a priority for me at the moment so sometimes I will spend my beauty budget on haircare products that will help my hair and make it look its best. I have a hairspray and a texturising spray that I'm using at the moment and once those gone, I will most likely buy this again. 

**JVN Complete Air Dry Cream 147ml, 12m, Made in the USA €27

**/***JVN Complete Air Dry Cream 30ml, 12m, Made in the USA €7

I've gone through lots of tubes of this and I've mentioned it a few times in my empties posts. It's still one of my favourite hair products as it hydrates my hair without being too heavy and it helps to define my curls and give them shape. I'm trying to use up some other curl creams at the moment but once they're all finished I'll be repurchasing this one.

**JVN Complete Conditioning Mist 147ml, 12m, Made in the USA €15

This is another one I've repurchased a few times. It's a great multi-purpose product that provides heat protection and hydration. It can be used on wet or dry hair to help with frizz and protects against breakage, UV rays and colour fading. I like to use it to refresh my hair on day two or three after washing as my curls tend to lose shape and become frizzy. It's great at taming the frizz and giving my curls some moisture. I used it on my mam and my sister and they both bought it after seeing the results. It's such a great product that I will definitely repurchase soon. 

**/***JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum 30ml, 12m, Made in the USA €14

I got this in a set with the Nourishing Shine Drops and the Blowout Styling Milk. It balances the hair porosity, strengthens, nourishes and protects against heat styling. It is essentially a hair primer that prepares the hair for any subsequent products or styling. I love this serum and I tend to use it when I'm heat styling my hair so it lasts for quite a while. This is another product I will definitely repurchase in the future. The JVN Hair products all smell incredible too which is an added bonus. 

*Hello Klean Hard Water Shampoo 350ml, 12m, Made in PRC €20

*Hello Klean Hard Water Conditioner 350ml, 12m, Made in PRC €20

I'm going to review these products together since I feel the same way about both of them. Hello Klean is a brand that specialises in products to optimise the water you use to clean your hair and body. They have filters for your shower head as well as body and hair products. Thankfully the water where I live isn't too bad, it's not as hard as it is in some areas of Ireland. My sister always comments on how her hair feels and looks much nicer when she's abroad and the water is soft. I really liked this shampoo and conditioner but I don't think I have hard enough water to notice a difference compared to any other shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt soft afterwards and they smell amazing but I'd rather buy the Davines Curl Cream again than buy these as I don't think my hair needs them. 

Davines LOVE Curl Cleansing Cream 500ml, 12m, Made in Italy €36

This is a co-wash product so you apply a generous amount, massage it in, leave it for 5 minutes and then rinse. It's aimed at curly hair because it cleanses the hair without stripping it or lathering. If you have curly hair, chances are it needs more moisture and that's why a co-wash is a great alternative to using shampoo and conditioner. Davines recommends that you use their Curl Shampoo and Conditioner or mask every three washes. I tended to use this every other time I washed my hair because I usually wash it a maximum of twice per week. I really liked the other Davines Curl products I've tried and this product is great because it lasts for such a long time. It also smells incredible. Davines is an Italian brand that has been operating since 1983 and specialises in hair products. I'll be keeping an eye out for a discount code so that I can repurchase this as I loved what it did for my hair. 

*Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Banana Hair Drink 200ml, 18m, Made in Belgium €12.99

This is a liquid conditioner that you apply to the lengths of your hair, massage for ten seconds and then rinse. It coats the hair fibre (without silicones) for smoother and shinier hair. I've used this type of product before and I'm not sure that it's necessarily designed for my naturally curly hair. I think it would work better for straight or wavy hair. My hair tends to need more moisture and while I don't think this is a bad product it's just not what my hair needs. I prefer the hair mask in this range as it's more hydrating for my curls. They have a few different versions for dull hair and damaged hair, if it's something you think would suit your hair type you can usually find it on special offer for almost half price. It's not something I'd buy myself but I did just buy the shampoo and conditioner from this range which I quite like. 

The totals are as follows:

16 PR Products: €585.87

17 Products bought by me: €511.77

5 Travel/Sample Size 

3 Part of a Set

10 Repurchases

2 Gifts or Gift With Purchase: €22

The total is 36 products: €1119.64

I finished these products over the three month period since my last post at the end of June. As I always mention, the amount of money I spent on those 17 products is much lower as I rarely buy anything full price. I probably didn't spend any more than €350 on the products I bought and I would imagine it was less as some products were part of sets (like the Sunday Riley and JVN). If there's anything you'd like to see me try or anything you'd like swatches of, a Reel on or a blog post about, please do send me a DM on Instagram or leave a comment here. 

You can also visit my ShopMy profile to see collections of all my favourite beauty products by category. If you've made it this far, I want to thank you for taking the time to read such a lengthy blog post. I love putting these posts together even though they are quite time consuming so the fact that other people might find them helpful makes it so worthwhile. If you enjoyed this blog post or found it helpful and you'd like to support what I do, you can Buy Me A Coffee which helps to fund my work as a Content Creator. 

I'd love to know if you've tried any of these products and what you think, does your opinion differ from mine? Are any of them on your wishlist to try? 

Emma x

Empties 9- €700 Worth of Beauty Products

This post contains affiliate links, if you buy something based on my recommendation using the links below, I will receive a small commission but it won't cost you anything extra.

*PR Samples

**Repurchase/ Bought after trying a press sample

***Travel Size/ Mini

****Gift/ Gift with purchase

If this is your first time reading one of these empties posts I'll begin with a brief introduction. I've been doing these posts every 3 months for the past two and a half years as a way of keeping track of the products I buy and the ones I'm sent as PR samples. It has helped me to curb my spending and to realise where I can save money. It's also helped me to keep track of the myriad of products I test out. I like being able to have a reference of everything I've tried because often I'll forget how I felt about something or sometimes if I've tried it before. I wanted to provide my thoughts after completely finishing a product rather than just using something a few times and never talking about it again. It's supposed to be the antithesis to short form content which usually leaves me wanting more. I also mention the approximate price with links to where the product is currently in stock and at the best price. I mention the quantity, recommended shelf life once opened and the country of manufacture as those details are usually not always available on the brand's website. I'll be doing a round-up at the end breaking down the cost of everything I bought and everything that was a PR sample for full transparency. There are 24 products to get through, so let's get started. 

**Garnier Express 2in1 Eye Make-Up Remover 125ml, 6m, Made in Poland €4.99

I have already reviewed this in many previous empties posts so I'll keep it brief. I've mentioned before how I've continued to buy this because it does the job of removing waterproof eye makeup and it's inexpensive. I have since switched to another Garnier product, the Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water (the blue one for delicate skin and eyes).  It's a bi-phase liquid that easily removes waterproof mascara and the bottle is 400ml as opposed to the 125ml of this one. It works just as well and it's more cost effective so that's why I won't be buying the Express 2-in-1 Eye Make-Up Remover again. 

*Lancôme Eau Micellaire Confort 200ml, 6m, Made in France €31

This product appears to be discontinued as I can't find it in stock anywhere online. There's no point in going into detail about a product that is no longer available but I will say that I wouldn't have bought this myself as it's quite an expensive micellar water and my favourite Bioderma one is half the price. I don't usually use micellar water regularly but it's something I always have as it's handy to clean up graphic eye makeup or as an additional cleanser. 

*Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil 103.5ml, Made in the USA €25.30

This was my first press drop from Naturium and I was so excited as I've become a fan of the brand over the past year. I've previously reviewed their Phyto-Glow Lip Balm and Multi-Peptide Eye Cream both of which I loved and this product was no different. It's a mixture between an oil and a gel so it's ideal for anyone who likes a cleansing balm or oil but it's less messy than an oil and more travel-friendly than a cleansing balm. You warm it up in your hands for about 8-10 seconds and apply it to dry skin, then emulsify it with water, rinse and follow up with a second cleanse. It removes sunscreen and makeup including waterproof products. The only other similar cleansers I've tried are the Lancôme Absolue Oil in Cleanser and the REN Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser. While I liked both of those cleansers, the Naturium is my favourite of the three and it also happens to be the least expensive. I'm a big fan of this texture and I highly recommend this one, it's especially good value if you manage to snag it with a 20% discount on Space NK. 

**IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm 100g, 18m, Made in the USA €39

I reviewed this in an empties post last year so I won't go into too much detail as you can read it here. I originally received one in a press drop and subsequently bought 2 more myself. This is the second one I bought and I received another one from the brand so I have another to use up. I won't be buying it again purely because of the price. I love the Beauty of Joseon Cleansing Balm (reviewed here) and it's a third of the price as well as the Naturium one above. I'm trying to save money on beauty products where I can so I'll probably be ordering one of those two the next time I need a cleanser. I think it's a lovely product but it's out of my budget at the moment. 

*Lancôme Advanced Génefique Yeux 5ml, 6m, Made in France €21 (Full Size 65)

I mentioned this in one of my empties posts from last year which you can read here. I'll be brief so I don't repeat myself too much but I loved using this eye cream. It's a gel-cream texture that promises to nourish, revitalise and plump the eye area. It contains pre and pro-biotic fractions and the results should be improved radiance, smoothness, appearance of fine lines and dark circles and repair of the skin barrier. I loved the results of using this eye cream. The skin around my eyes can be sensitive and I can suffer from dry patches and milia. I'm very wary of what I use around my eyes but my skin loved this formula. I'd purchase it myself if it wasn't so expensive. I can't justify €65 for 15ml but if your budget allows and you're looking for a good all-rounder eye cream, I recommend this one. 

*Boum-Boum Milk 3-in-1 Cream Spray 100ml, 12m, Made in France €68

This is a product I was truly sad to finish. I used it morning and evening for just under 3 months and I absolutely love the effect it's had on my skin. Boum-Boum Milk is a toner, serum and moisturiser in one. Described as a minimalist's dream skincare routine, it is a probiotic-based solution that claims it will rebalance, hydrate and soothe the skin. It has a 99% naturally derived formula that includes Fermented Birch Sap which deeply hydrates and protects the skin's natural biome for calmer less reactive skin and better cell regeneration. Glacial Water charged with key minerals that help to rehydrate and recover. Squalane which moisturises and restores the skin barrier while creating suppleness and bounce and Olive Leaf Extract which energises skin cells to operate at top function for smoother skin. It can be used on the face, body and hair and is great for prepping the skin for makeup or refreshing throughout the day. I loved everything about this product. Firstly, the packaging is incredibly chic as you would expect from Violette. Not a necessity by any means but it doesn't hurt. I love that it's multi-purpose and can be used as one step or before your usual moisturiser depending on your skin type. It's very calming and gentle, I had a message from someone on Instagram who said she uses both this and C'est La Cream as she has sensitive skin and they work really well for her. Violette has been a makeup artist for years as well as the Creative Director for Estée Lauder and now Guerlain. She has said that she wanted to create skincare that would work on all skin types and that makes perfect sense being someone who has probably worked on a huge array of skin tones and types over the years. I can imagine that it would be so convenient for Makeup Artists to have skincare that they can use no matter their client and not worry about how it will affect their skin or the subsequent makeup application. I'm a full convert to this product now and I can understand why it gets such great reviews. The fact that it lasted for almost three months of twice daily use makes the price a bit more palatable. I know it's expensive and I am seriously considering buying it myself even though I don't have much of a skincare budget. I have other toners and serums to use that I have been sent but once I'm in the market again, I would have no issue spending my own money on this because I think it's a truly unique and special skincare product. It's also available in a 50ml size which is €46 and there is a 200ml refill pouch for €105. 

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid 50ml, 12m, Made in the USA €39

In my last empties post I mentioned my saga with the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatments. To briefly summarise, I bought two of the Lip Treatments as well as this serum last year when Rhode started shipping to Ireland. Both of the lip treatments were grainy to the point of being almost unusable. I still have an almost full one that I can't bear to throw away. I emailed their customer service with close-up photos and they gave me a refund. The whole experience has sadly sullied my view of the brand. Apparently, this was an issue with the first iteration of the Lip Treatments and it wasn't solved for the launch of the tinted ones which completely baffled me as I saw a lot of people talking about it. I wouldn't buy anything else from Rhode because I don't want to risk buying another faulty product. The Peptide Glazing Fluid is a hydrating serum that contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and marula oil. Considering the name and the claims that it is meant to instantly illuminate for a glazed finish, I was disappointed as I didn't have that finish on my skin when I used it. It didn't seem to do anything of note for my skin, perhaps it's just not hydrating enough for me. It might be a good introductory hydrating serum as it's fragrance-free and it's supposed to be good for sensitised skin. Another thing that annoyed me is that I paid €35 for it in October and it's now €39. The Lip Treatments have also increased in price by €3. I don't think they're worth the price, it seems you're paying for the aesthetics of the brand and the name behind it and I'd prefer to spend my money on the likes of Dieux or Naturium. 

*Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum 50ml,  12m, Made in Australia €85

When I first started using this I didn't realise the price. I was happy to evaluate it without knowing but after using it for a while and loving it I looked it up and I was both shocked and not that it is €85. It has to be one of the most expensive serums I've ever used but I can understand why. It's an industry-first formula that consists of both 14% Glycolic Acid and 1% Granactive Retinoid to accelerate skin renewal, plump, brighten and smooth the skin. Other ingredients include Coenzyme Q10 (which reduces uneven skin tone and the visible signs of aging and improves hydration), Australian Tazman Pepper (a Native Australian extract with anti-inflammatory properties helping to reduce the appearance of redness) and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (assists with inducing collagen synthesis while protecting existing collagen in the skin giving a more plump and radiant complexion). It has a light creamy serum texture with a natural hibiscus scent. It's one of those products that makes a visible difference to my skin. The morning after using this I can see that my complexion is more radiant and even. I used it once or twice a week and it lasted for a long time. It's expensive and not something I could afford to purchase myself but if you have the budget, the formula is excellent and it's quite handy having a chemical exfoliant and retinoid in one product along with some calming and hydrating ingredients. If your skin can take those ingredients it could be a great one and done weekly or twice weekly treatment and that's all you'd really need to use. I'm genuinely going to miss this in my routine, without a doubt one of the best serums I've ever used. 

Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml, 12m, Made in Korea €12.09

I wanted to try this for ages as I'd heard so many good reviews of it. This is a chemical sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a lightweight serum-like texture. It contains Centella Asiatica Extract (which aids in collagen synthesis promoting wound healing and skin regeneration, it also has soothing properties, protects the skin from free radicals and revitalises tired skin), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (soothes irritated skin and provides moisture) Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract (antioxidant and aids in preventing skin aging), Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. It's best suited to sensitive, dry or normal/combination skin, it's free of  artificial fragrance, vegan and cruelty-free. I absolutely love this, so much so that I already bought and opened another tube of it. It's such a light and easy to blend texture and even with applying the recommended two finger lengths it doesn't take long to absorb or feel sticky or heavy. It's also excellent underneath makeup and doesn't interfere or pill with any foundation that I apply on top of it. Even though it has a lot of hydrating ingredients I find it works well in hot weather and I can imagine it would be great during the Winter months as it has those soothing and hydrating ingredients. I bought my second one as part of a set with the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun which was just over €20 on Stylevana. You can't go wrong with such great value for money. My order took three weeks to arrive so you just have to make sure you order in advance. I also love the packaging of this. It comes in a tube with a pump and it meant that I got every last drop out without having to cut it open and scrape the inside. As you can probably tell, I'm a huge fan of this sunscreen and I can see why it's so well loved across the board. You can buy a 15ml size if you want to try it before buying a full size. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a good sunscreen. 

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ UVA/UVB 50ml, Made in Korea €11.39

This is a mineral/physical sunscreen that uses zinc oxide so it's ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol (prevents moisture loss), betaine (hydrating, helps to correct uneven skin tone) and inositol (moisturising). It's a thicker texture than the Skin 1004 or Beauty of Joseon and I found it ideal for using as my Winter SPF as it felt so hydrating and the texture didn't interfere with my makeup. I love all three but I would probably prefer this during Winter and the Skin 1004 during the Summer. I don't mind using chemical or mineral sunscreen so which one you prefer will depend on your skin type and texture preferences. Again it comes in a tube making it easy to apply and ideal for travel. They also have the Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sunscreen Stick which is for oily/combination skin and the Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel which is better for dry skin types. 

**Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash 200ml, 12m, Made in the UK €14

I have already reviewed this product in a previous empties post which you can read here. It's a repurchase and was part of a set of Ameliorate products that I ordered from Cult Beauty as it was particularly great value. I love this body wash, it smells incredible and it's ideal for anyone like me who hates applying body moisturiser after every shower as I find it quite a hydrating formula. It's soap-free, ph-balanced and contains natural omega oils and LaH6 skin hydration complex. LaH6 is lactic acid, urea, sodium lactate, serine, allantoin and hydrolysed milk protein, a combination of ingredients that are supposed to tackle dry, dehydrated, dull skin, rough or uneven texture, Keratosis Pilaris, itchy or flaky skin and ingrown hairs. I find this body wash combined with the Transforming Body Lotion mentioned below, make my usually super dry skin much more hydrated and smooth. I'd have no problem buying this again as I found it does what it claims it will and it lasts for ages. It comes in a few different sizes so if you're someone who suffers from very dry skin on your body it could be worth checking it out. 

*Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Shower Gel 400ml, 12m, Made in France €63

I was sent the Lazy Sunday Morning perfume and it's become one of my favourite daily scents. As you might gather from the name, it's quite a fresh clean scent which makes it ideal for a shower product. There's something about having a matching shower gel and perfume that makes me feel like I have my life together. I loved using this product, it's definitely the most bougie shower gel I've ever used as you can see from the price. It's pricey but because of the size it lasted for ages! You can also buy a 200ml size which is just over half the price. This is not something I would buy myself purely because I don't have the money to spend that much on a shower gel. It's the kind of product that would make a great gift but I'd prefer the perfume and the 30ml size is pretty much the same price. 

*Clarins Aroma Tonic Treatment Oil 30ml, Made in France €15.60

I had never tried this product before and as soon as I opened it I was in love. It has the most intoxicating scent. It consists of 100% plant extracts including hazelnut oil, sweet-scented geranium, field mint and rosemary essential oil. I can't even begin to describe how incredible it smells, it's the ultimate at-home spa experience (not that I've ever been in a spa). This was a 30ml travel size but the full size is 100ml. It would make an amazing gift as it's not the kind of product you'd think to buy for yourself. I was truly sad when I finished this as the scent is so uplifting, it was such an experience to use. If you've never smelled this before, I highly recommend it, or maybe not because you'll just want to buy it.

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion 500ml, 12m, Made in the UK €36

I'm currently on my second bottle of this moisturiser and I love it. It doesn't have the best scent and it's not the most sexy body moisturiser but it really does work. I have such dry skin, particularly on my arms and legs and this helps them to feel and look much more hydrated and smooth, especially combined with the Body Wash mentioned above. It also has the LaH6 complex and comes in a few sizes. I love that this 500ml size has a pump as it makes me much more likely to quickly dispense a few pumps and moisturise after showering. I don't know why but pumps are much more enticing packaging for body moisturiser. This one lasted for ages and I'm not even halfway through the second bottle. I can't use this on my legs straight after hair removal as it stings so I usually wait until the following day and use an oil on my legs instead but I've found it has definitely helped with hydration, texture and ingrown hairs. I'll definitely be buying this again (with a discount code obviously). 

*Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 100ml, 18m, Made in France €27

Yet another product I've mentioned in multiple empties posts. This one was sent as part of a press drop for Clarins 70th birthday as well as the Tonic Treatment Oil above. They sent me a selection of their hero products like the Lip Comfort Oil and Double Serum. I won't repeat myself too much as you've probably read my thoughts on this already but it's a truly elite hand cream. I've been using it for about 20 years on and off and nothing else compares. They also have balm version which is a bit more of a rich texture and more suitable as an overnight treatment but I'll always continue to use this hand cream as it's such a great product. 

*Spectrum Luxury Vegan Soap (Pink Grapefruit and Bergamot) 60g, 6m, Made in Thailand €25

I bought the Spectrum X KJH version of this brush cleansing soap a couple of years ago in a bundle with the Brush Launderette Towel (something I can't recommend highly enough!) I reviewed it in my first empties post. I was recently sent some brushes and another launderette towel and this soap by Spectrum which was so nice because I've been using their products for a few years now. I gave the brushes and towel to my sister as it was something she was going to buy because I constantly recommend them to her and she's now a huge fan. I love this brush cleanser, it does such a great job at thoroughly cleaning my brushes and the tin has one side that has textured rubber on it so you can swirl your brushes around to remove any stubborn stains. While I love it I wouldn't buy it again purely because I went through it so quickly. I wash my brushes once a week and they only get used once as I'm quite particular about having clean brushes each time I do my makeup. I have a lot of brushes and because I wash them so often it wouldn't be cost-effective to use this product to wash them each time. I use the anti-bacterial Fairy to clean my brushes and it does the job well. Granted, it's not as chic as a pink grapefruit and bergamot-scented dedicated brush cleaner but it makes the most sense for me. If you don't own that many brushes or wear makeup too often you might like a product like this as it will last much longer. So as much as I like it I couldn't justify spending €25 on it when my basic, reliable and inexpensive Fairy does the job.

Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox 89ml, 12m, Made in the USA €50

I had been hearing about the brand Act + Acre for a while and I was intrigued as the founder is Irish woman Helen Reavey, a tricologist and celebrity hairstylist. I'm always interested in Irish beauty brands and I was particularly interested because I've been trying to look after my scalp for the past couple of years since losing a lot of hair after my daughter was born. I usually use the JVN Pre-Wash Scalp Oil which I've mentioned a few times before in the blog. I bought the Cult Beauty Hair Edit last October and one of the big draws for me was this product as it was worth more than I paid for the whole box. I was dying to try this brand and there were some other great brands in there like Oribe, Olaplex, Aveda, Briogeo and Ouai. This is a weekly pre-wash treatment that you apply directly to your scalp section by section, a few drops at a time, massage in and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse well and double cleanse your hair. My advice is to not leave it on longer than that or your roots could be a bit oily after shampooing. It's best for people with a normal or dry scalp with any hair texture and concerns such as build-up, thinning and dryness. It is supposed to support the scalp's microbiome providing hydration to relieve dryness and soothe sensitivities. It helps to get rid of build-up which allows the scalp to breathe and in turn encourages healthy hair growth. Since I've been looking after my scalp I've noticed a big difference to my hair. It has grown faster, my scalp is less dry and my hair is more shiny with no noticeable split ends, something I had for years. I use it with my Manta Brush and I try to limit heat styling to a maximum of once per week. I'm not an expert but these changes have definitely worked for my hair. Of course, I have to compare it to the JVN Hair treatment. They do have some comparable ingredients like sunflower, basil, coconut and moringa oils but other than that the ingredients are different. The Pre-Wash Scalp Oil is €29.50 for 50ml so they are quite comparable in terms of price per ml. The Act + Acre has more travel-friendly packaging as the JVN one is glass. They both smell amazing. They promise to do very similar things for your hair and I would gladly repurchase either as they do last for a long time so you're getting value for money. Act + Acre is available in Ireland from their UK based website Act + Acre UK, Brown Thomas, Cloud 10 Beauty, Millies, Meaghers Pharmacy whereas JVN Hair is available on Space NK, Cult Beauty and Sephora UK so which one you go for may depend on accessibility and where you usually shop. 

JVN Hair Embody Volumizing Foam 200ml, 12m, Made in the USA €29

I haven't used a hair mousse in a while but I was curious to try this seeing as I've loved every other JVN Hair product I've used so far. I also loved the idea of a volumising mousse. I mostly used this in my roots and my crown on wet hair and diffused dry to give some lift at my roots. It definitely does what it claims to do and I loved what it did to my hair. My issue with this was the packaging, specifically the pump. I found it kept leaking, it took a few pumps each time to get any product to come out and overall it was just a bit faulty. I haven't looked into it yet but if this happened to other people I probably wouldn't buy it again because it was quite annoying and I lost an unknown amount from the leaking. This is the second time I've had issues with the JVN Hair packaging as the Shampoo pump wasn't working either, I had to email Space NK and they sent a replacement. It could have been a coincidence but it is something I had to mention as I always want to be transparent and give my experiences with products. I'd love to know if you've had any similar experiences. 

****Kérastase Paris Curl Manifesto Curl Enhancing Defining Gel-Cream 150ml, 12m, Made in Spain €35

I was given this as a gift for Christmas 2022 so I was using it for 18 months. It took so long to use up because I didn't open it for a while as I was using a different curl cream and I have few others on the go so this wasn't my dedicated curl cream. When I did start using it I was so impressed. I haven't used Kérastase products in a while as I found some of them were too heavy for my hair and left a residue, in particular their shampoo and conditioner. I was so impressed with how well this worked for my hair, creating softly defined curls. The gel-cream formula works well as it's lightweight. The formula contains coconut oil, shea butter, manuka honey and ceramide. They recommend using 2-4 pumps depending on the length and thickness of your hair. I usually use 4 as I find my hair can take a lot of product. I then diffused dry. As a side note, the scent smells like fruit salad sweets to me. I would repurchase this as I found it really worked and not every curl product is created equal. I now know that I can rely on this the next time I need to buy a curl cream. 

Umberto Giannini Weather Proof Finish Anti-Humidity Hairspray 200ml, Made in the UK €9.99

This product appears to be discontinued so I don't want to go into much detail about it. It worked really well as a light hold hairspray but I've since moved on to the Hair By Sam McKnight Modern Hairpray which does the same and more, even if it is double the price. I'm happy I found a replacement before I knew I needed to. 

Vieve Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer 10ml, 12m, Made in Korea €15

I bought this as part of the Vieve Glowbe Trotter Set which along with this travel-size primer, also included a mini Skin Dew and Lip Dew. These were the first products I tried from Vieve and they left me so impressed that I've since gone on to add to my collection as well as having a long wishlist. Skin Nova is a skincare-makeup hybrid that hydrates, primes and illuminates. It contains beta-glucan (strengthens skin barrier, soothes redness and irritation and smooths) and niacinamide (minimises the appearance of pores, helps to improve uneven skin tone and promotes radiance). You can wear it alone, under makeup, mixed with your base for customisable coverage or on the body. It has light-reflecting pigments to give your skin a luminous glow and it makes makeup last longer. Other ingredients include Rose Water to balance the skin's natural oils while hydrating and Orchid Extract which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soothes and hydrates. It's one of those great multi-tasking products that can do so many different things in your makeup routine. I love how it makes my skin look and how makeup applies on top of it. I was using it sparingly because I can't justify buying another primer but the next time I'm in the market for one, I'll be buying Skin Nova. I have a video applying all three products which you can watch here

MAC Fix + Stay Over Long-Lasting Setting Spray 100ml, 24m, Made in Belgium €32

I've had the original Fix + a few times over the years and it's great as a way to refresh your makeup or to take away any powdery look to the skin. It's not exactly a setting spray but this one is supposed to add longevity to your makeup. I don't have much to say about this, I don't really know why I bought it when I know I love the Urban Decay All Nighter. It was fine, it did the job but I prefer the Urban Decay one overall. They're quite comparable in price so it's going to be Urban Decay for me in the future. 

*Sweed Pro Lash Lift Mascara (Dark Brown) €25

At the beginning of the year, I was sent some products from Sweed and I was particularly excited to try their mascaras as I had heard so many good things about them. I mentioned both of them in my recent favourites video on YouTube. I'm so happy I chose this formula in the dark brown shade as I think it was such a great combination. As the name suggests, the Pro Lash Lift is ideal for anyone who wants to give their lashes a lift and hold a curl. I use an eyelash curler most days but this is one of the few mascara formulas that lifted my lashes without using a curler. It gives my lashes a lift, definition and length. It has more of a fanned-out, fluttery kind of eyelash look compared to the Cloud Mascara which gives more volume and impact. This is ideal for days when I'm wearing minimal or no eye makeup as it's almost an eye look in itself. It has an unusual brush that's quite thin which is excellent at depositing product right at the roots and inner corners. It allows you to coat each lash evenly, including the really small ones. I have an application video, which you can watch here if you'd like to see how it looks on my eyelashes. My sister also bought this mascara as she only uses tubing mascaras so the removal is easy. She loved it too and said it was the best tubing mascara she's ever tried, she's even more discerning than I am so that's high praise! I would definitely spend my own money on this mascara as I loved how it looked and I was truly sad when it started to dry out after about 5 months. The Cloud mascara started to dry out sooner so that could just be a difference in the formulas. I loved both and I think which one you'd like will depend on your preferences. 

*Sweed Cloud Mascara (Black) €28

Cloud Mascara is the more impactful of the two. A thin layer can give quite natural lashes but it builds up beautifully to give your lashes volume and definition. I got the black in this formula but it also comes in Dark Brown. This one is for people who like their lashes to stand out. You can apply one layer for some nice definition and length and then add extra coats for more volume and it layers so beautifully without clumping. The brush tapers to a thin point which allows you to easily coat the lashes in the inner corners. I have no hesitation recommending this mascara and I'd definitely buy it myself as I love how it makes my eyelashes look. 

The totals are as follows:

11 PR Products: €413.90

12 Products bought by me: €292.46

3 Travel/Sample Size 

4 Part of a Set

3 Repurchases

1 Gifts or Gift With Purchase: €35

The total is 24 products: €741.36

I finished these products over the three month period since my last post at the end of March. As I always mention, the amount of money I spent on those 12 products is much lower as I rarely buy anything full price. I probably didn't spend any more than €200 on the products I bought and I would imagine it was less as some products were part of sets (like the Ameliorate products, the Act + Acre Scalp Detox and the Vieve Skin Nova). If there's anything you'd like to see me try or anything you'd like swatches of, a Reel on or a blog post about, please do send me a DM on Instagram or leave a comment here. 

You can also visit my ShopMy profile to see collections of all my favourite beauty products by category. If you've made it this far, I want to thank you for taking the time to read such a lengthy blog post. I love putting these posts together even though they are quite time consuming so the fact that other people might find them helpful makes it so worthwhile. If you enjoyed this blog post or found it helpful and you'd like to support what I do, you can Buy Me A Coffee which helps to fund my work as a Content Creator. 

I'd love to know if you've tried any of these products and what you think, does your opinion differ from mine? Are any of them on your wishlist to try? 

Emma x

Mint Green Sixties Inspired Eyes- Recreating A Beyoncé Look By Rokael Beauty

This post contains affiliate links, if you buy something based on my recommendation using the links below, I will receive a small commission but it won't cost you anything extra.

*PR Samples

I bookmarked this look to recreate as soon as I saw it. It’s one of the recent looks that Rokael Beauty did for Beyoncé, photographed by Blair Caldwell which you can see below. His looks for her are always incredible but this one stopped me in my tracks. Mint green and sixties inspired, it’s everything I love in a makeup look. If you don’t know, Rokael has his own line of lip products and lashes and they’ve been firmly on my wish list since they were released. The shades and textures look beautiful and the packaging is something special. Check out rokaelbeauty.com to see more. The sixties cut crease is so easy to do with the Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencils. I used Cinder Smoke as it’s a bit softer than black and topped it with Smoke and Mirrors from the Vega palette. I mixed a few shades for the mint eyes, mine is a bit more saturated but I still loved how it turned out. I used Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick and Kitten Lash, the perfect liner and mascara for this kind of look. I finished the eyes with a few of the Sweed No Lash- Lash individual false eyelashes. I contoured my lips using two different NYX lip pencils and then added Songbird Gloss Embrace from Lisa Eldridge. The brushes make such a difference for a look like this, the MYKITCO and Spectrum Collections X KJH brushes make a look like this so much easier to achieve. I loved recreating this makeup, trying to find the right shades and wearing my hair a little differently than how I usually would to match the overall aesthetic. It was so much fun, sixties inspired makeup usually has a strong element of playfulness to me and that's one of my favourite things about makeup. 

YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Blur Primer 

Prada Beauty Reveal Skin Optimizing Foundation (LC5)

Smashbox Under Eye Brightening Enhancer (Light/Medium)

Fenty Beauty Match Stix (Amber)

Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer (Light)

NYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch! Brow Tint Pen (Ash Brown)

West Barn Co. Soap Brows Extra Strong Hold

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil (Cinder Smoke)

Lisa Eldridge Vega Eyeshadow Palette (Smoke and Mirrors)

By Beauty Bay Pastels Palette (Daze) (limited edition, similar here) 

Morphe x Nyane Palette (Yung Metsi) (limited edition, similar here)

Hindash Cosmetics Beautopsy Palette (Lines)

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara

Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil

Hindash Cosmetics Color Fluid (Heartist) 

Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow Highlighter (Pink Moon)

Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette No. 4 All of Lavender Fog (Mauve Pink) 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum (Light Cool 20)

Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof (02 Noir Intense) 

Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive

Sweed Beauty X Nikki Makeup No Lash Lash 

NYX Professional Makeup Lip Liner (Nude Truffle)

NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner (Brooklyn Thorn) 

Lisa Eldridge Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss (Songbird)

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 

MAC Fix+ Stay Over Spray 

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Skin CC+ Skin Perfecting Brush (discontinued, similar here)

Zoeva 128 Cream Cheek Brush (discontinued, similar here) 

Spectrum Collections X KJH 08 (powder), 13 (eye blending), 18 (lips), 21 (eyes) 

Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Blend Brush (No. 15) 

MYKITCO Pro 1.24 My Mini Smudge 

Lancôme X Louvre Brush (limited edition, similar here) 

West Barn Co. The Brow Brush 

Half Magic Beauty Adornment Tweezers

Surratt Beauty Relevée Eyelash Curler

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, I'd love to know what you think of this look, would you wear it or are there any elements of it you'd wear? If there are any specific product reviews you would like to see from me please let me know. If you'd like to support my work as a Content Creator, you can do so through Buy Me A Coffee. 

Emma x