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

Fair Neutral Skin- Concealer and Foundation Swatches

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 

This is a blog post I've been wanting to write for a while now. I know it will only be helpful to people with skin tones very similar to mine but I wanted to post it anyway. One of the things I do when I'm researching a potential base product is look for images of swatch comparisons. Over the past few years in particular I've gotten quite adept at shade matching myself online. I find the swatches on brand websites can often be unreliable so I try to find swatches from online reviews. Particularly those that compare different brands as that's the best way for me to see if a shade might match me. Keep in mind that these are more saturated swatches than the amount of foundation you would apply to your face and they are dried down for the most part. It's not so much about the depth of the shades compared to the skin on my arm as it is about the tones and undertones compared to one another. Hopefully, this is helpful if you're looking for your shade match in the Kosas concealer for example and you know your shade in the Lisa Eldridge foundation, you can easily see if they are comparable. I know everyone wants different things from their foundation or concealer whether it's having the perfect match, one shade deeper, a concealer that perfectly matches their foundation or one that's a tiny bit brighter for under the eyes. As you can see the range of shades is quite wide as are the undertones. All of these shades work for me, some better than others. It completely depends on the coverage level too as a sheer skin tint is more forgiving if it's not an exact shade match because there's less pigment. There are a wide variety of brands here, drugstore, mid-range, high end and luxury. If you would like to see a full, in-depth review of any of these products with before and after photos, application techniques etc. please do let me know. I have dedicated reviews of the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream and Lisa Eldridge The Foundation. I've featured many of these products multiple times on this blog and on Instagram so if you want to see more you can use the search bar to find specific posts. I've posted two different swatch photos so you can see the differences in lighting. I have fair neutral skin and I like to match my neck more than my face because I have a mixture of undertones on my face as well as pigmentation and freckles which is why I can get away with such a variety of shades. If you have a similar skin tone to mine, you might find this helpful in some way. 

1. Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Concealer (N95)

2. Kosas Revealer Concealer (01N)

3. NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Serum Concealer (Light)

4. Sculpted Satin Silk Longwear Concealer (Vanilla)

5. *Note Cosmetics BB Concealer 

6. *YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen (1 Rose Lumière)

7. *Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Multi-Use Concealer (06 Neutralizer)

8. *Rimmel Kind & Free Hydrating Concealer (10 Fair)

9. *IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Nude CC+ Glow (Fair Porcelain)

10. *IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream (Fair)

11. *Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation (120N)

12. *YSL Beauty Nu Bare Look Tint (Nu 2)

13. *L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum (0.5-2 Very Light)

14. *Lisa Eldridge The Foundation (No. 5)

15. *Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector (0N1 Petal)

16. *bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation (01 Fair)

17. *bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick (Opal)

18. Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation (140 Porcelain)

19. No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation (Porcelain)

20. LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation (LN3)

21. Nabla Skin Realist Beautifying Tinted Balm (Fair)

22. *Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation Stick (Beige Albâtre)

23. Typology Tinted Serum (Type 1 Fair)

24. *Rimmel Kind & Free Moisturising Skin Tint Foundation (10 Rose Ivory)

25. Bodyography Oil Free Natural Finish Foundation (100)

26. Glossier Stretch Concealer (G11)

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and if you have any questions you can always send me a DM on Instagram. 

Emma x

If you want to support what I do you can Buy Me A Coffee here. 

Empties 3- €2000 (Almost) Worth of Empty Beauty Products

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

*PR Samples 

**Gifts/ Gift with purchase

This is my third and final empties post of 2022. You can read my previous two posts here and here. Once again I meant to write this a couple of months ago but it's been quite a chaotic time lately so this is probably going to be a bit of a bumper installment. This time I'll start with makeup, then skincare, bodycare and haircare. Hopefully, it will be easy to scroll down and find what you're interested in reading about. If you've read my other empties posts you'll know that at the end I like to calculate how much I spent on products versus how much was sent to me as press samples. There are 68 products (some of which are multiples) so let's get started!

Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid 30ml, €28

This is one of my favourite makeup priming products. It's my second or third bottle but I didn't use it up as quickly this time because I was using other similar products. I particularly love this when my skin is more on the dry side. It's an oil/serum so bear that in mind if you don't like oils as it might be too heavy. It also might have an impact on the foundation or concealer you use on top of it but I've never had an issue. The instructions say to use two pumps but I find that excessive for my combination skin so I just use one pump which I find sufficient and it lasts longer that way too. I already have a backup of this product, so it's clearly a repurchase for me.

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation SPF 30 30ml (100 Neutral Fair) 12m, €56

I wrote about this foundation in the post I wrote at the beginning of this year reviewing every makeup product I tried last year. To sum it up, it was a beautiful foundation when I could get it to work properly on my skin. The finish of it really depended on how my skin was behaving and what products I used to prep my skin. It had a tendency to sit on my skin and not blend if it was already quite hydrated but then if it was a bit more on the dry side, it clung to my dry patches so it was a delicate balancing act, but when it worked, it looked great. It was just too much work for the price for me. I have more reliable foundations that are half the price so I definitely wouldn't repurchase it. 

*bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation (05 Sateen) 30ml 12m Made in USA €37

I really love this foundation. This was my second bottle of it and I've just opened a third. Granted, I was sent all three as press samples but I would gladly spend my own money on it as it's such a high-performance foundation and a great price point. It's the one I go to any time I want my foundation to last all day and not budge, or when my skin isn't great and I want more coverage. It also works well mixed with a serum or tinted moisturiser to give a more sheer coverage but still long-lasting wear time. If you're a fan of Estée Lauder Double Wear or Double Wear Light I think you'd like this one as it's somewhere in between those two in terms of coverage. You can see high-quality images of me wearing this foundation in this post. 

Uoma Beauty Say What?! Weightless Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation (White Pearl T1N) 30ml 12m Made in Italy €35

This is another foundation I loved. It's exactly like the description, a soft matte finish but it doesn't look or feel dry. I wouldn't usually buy a foundation with the word matte in the description as I have combination skin and I prefer a more radiant finish and then use powder selectively to mattify. I don't know how well this would work for dry skin types but if you have combination/oily skin and you prefer a more matte finish I'd definitely recommend this foundation. It also has an excellent shade range, one of the best I've ever seen. The formula is slightly different for each shade bracket depending on the needs of that skin type which is something I don't think I've seen from any other brand. I would buy this again no problem but I am trying to use what I have at the moment. You can read my full review of this foundation in this post. 

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Liquid Cheek Colour (Cherub) 15ml 6m Made in Germany €24

As you can see from the photo of this I didn't come close to finishing it and for shame. I really should have used this more but as mentioned above it has a 6 month life once opened and I found after that it didn't blend as well as it had before. This shade is more suited to fair skin tones, I know they have other shades that would probably work better on deeper skin tones. It's a sheer formula that can be slightly built up but you're not getting too much pigment. It blends seamlessly and gives a beautiful flush to my cheeks but I don't think I'd buy it again because of its expiry time. Liquids always need to be used up faster than powders and I know I wouldn't get through this in 6 months, not that you always have to go by these dates but my experience was that it started to not perform as well after that time. If this was one of your only blush products or if you are a makeup artist who gets through products quickly then I'd definitely recommend this, I just felt as though I wasted it and I don't want to do that with my products anymore. 

Danessa Myricks Vision Flush (Bread 'n' Butter) 6ml €26

I actually bought this two years ago now and I probably had it mostly used up within a year but it's just taken me a while to clear it out of my makeup collection. I absolutely love this product. As with many of the Danessa Myricks products, it's multipurpose, which is probably why I used it up so quickly, I used it on my cheeks and lips. It also works really well mixed with a liquid highlighter to give it more of a sheen as it's matte. It's quite pigmented so a little goes a long way. It blends out beautifully and this shade which is a warm pink goes with so many different looks so I found it to be very versatile. I will buy it again but I have so many cream and liquid blush products at the moment, I want to use them first before repurchasing this. I have also recently been sent a PR sample of the new Hindash Color Fluid in the shade 'Heartist' which I think is quite a similar shade so I'll be using that for now. 

*Clarins Fix' Make-Up Long-lasting Make-Up Hold 50ml 18m Made in France €29

This was a lovely setting spray with a light, rosy floral scent. It did the job of setting my makeup but overall I prefer the ones from Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics and Danessa Myricks so I'd rather buy those before this one. 

**Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Dim Light) 1.4g 12m Made in Italy €27

I've seen people rave about these powders so I don't know whether this was just the wrong shade for me as I found it far too dark for my complexion. I got it as a gift so that's why I've held onto it for so long but this shade just didn't work for my skin tone. I'm just not the biggest fan of Hourglass. They've taken far too long to even try to be inclusive with their shade ranges and I also think their products are overpriced. But I suppose that's most brands unless you're a huge fan and don't mind spending your money on them. I've never been overly impressed and felt like I wasted my money, but that could be just the products I tried. I know people love this brand but I just haven't been excited enough by any of their launches to spend that kind of money. 

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Setting Powder (Light) 4g 24m Made in Italy €31

I bought this in a set with the concealer so I didn't pay full price but I did love this powder. In fact, I actually used it as my face powder because I really loved the finish. I don't apply that much powder so it lasted me for ages even though it's only 4g of product. That being said I wouldn't spend €31 on a specific under-eye powder, nor would I spend €31 on 4g of pressed face powder. So I'd say the set with the concealer was good value but buying both products separately is quite expensive, more money than they're worth to me. I have lots of powders to try out in my collection so I won't buy one for a while but as much as I loved this I don't think I could justify buying it at full price. 

Refy Brow Pencil (Medium) 0.6g, €18

I really liked this, it was my second one and I would buy it again. The colour match is great and it's easy to use as it has a thin nib. There's not much more to say, I find most eyebrow pencils quite similar so it's just down to the price. 

Glossier Brow Flick (Brown) 0.48ml 6m Made in France €16

I've mentioned this product many times before on my blog and I actually have a backup of this too. I'm using the West Barn Co. Brow Pen at the moment and I probably do prefer it if I'm honest. There's not much between them so again it just comes down to price. I did buy the West Barn Co. one at a discount so it probably worked out less expensive than the Glossier one but all in all I'd probably be more likely to buy the West Barn Co one again.

*bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Brow Gel 5ml €23

This is a good brow gel, it was the clear one so I tended to use it over brow pencil to avoid adding colour when setting them. I wouldn't buy it again purely because I have my Soap Brows which I love and is less expensive. The next two brow products which are in and around the same price worked better to set my eyebrows. 

Refy Brow Sculpt €20

I had to try this after seeing so many people rave about it. I can see why it's so popular, it sets my eyebrows so well and has great longevity. It's a thicker texture and can leave a white residue so you just have to be careful not to overdo it but it has a little brush in the lid to comb your brows through after and shape them more if you want. I'd definitely buy this again. 

Patrick Ta Major Brow Lamination Gel 5ml 12m €24.80

This product took me a while to get used to. I found it quite sticky and left a bit of residue at first but I just spent a few tries learning the best way to apply it, brush off any excess and it sets to incredibly well. Definitely one for people who want strong hold or have thicker, coarse eyebrows. It's the most expensive of the three I've mentioned here and always seems to be sold out. But if you can get it with the a 20% discount on Cult Beauty it's well worth it. I also found it lasted a long time before drying out. I will definitely buy this again once my Soap Brows is gone. 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion 10ml 6m Made in USA €22

My favourite primer, I can't say much more. It just works. I've tried others but I'll always come back to this because I love the lightweight texture, it dried quickly and it lasts for ages. A forever repurchase!

*L'Oréal Paris Air Volume 30H Mega Black Mascara 9.4ml Made in Italy €15.99

I really liked this mascara, definitely one for those who love volume as the name suggests, it gives exactly that. I personally prefer Lash Paradise so I wouldn't repurchase for that reason because I prefer an all-rounder but if you love thicker lashes, I'd recommend this one. 

*Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara 8ml 6m Made in France €29

I much preferred this waterproof formula to the regular one. You can't really go wrong with Lancôme mascaras and if you like a waterproof one, this is excellent. As you can see the brush is an unusual shape but it gives beautifully fanned-out and lengthened eyelashes. I probably wouldn't buy it full price but at a discount I definitely would when I'm looking for a waterproof mascara. 

Isamaya Beauty Rubberlash Latex Lift Mascara 8.3ml 6m Made in Italy €35

I wasn't sure about this one at first but as I kept using it I liked it more and more. It doesn't clump but gives fanned-out, lengthened and volumised lashes. It's a really interesting and different brush and formula. I've never tried anything like it. I bought this as part of a set with the other products so I didn't exactly pay full price and as much as I liked it I just wouldn't pay €35 for a mascara, which made it even more sad when I finished it. 

Glossier Pro Tip (Black) 0.47ml 6m Made in France €19

This was my favourite liquid liner for a long time but it has now been eclipsed by the Hindash Heroline. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great product but I just prefer the Hindash one and there's not much difference in the price. 

Uoma Beauty Cleopatra Ink Liquid Eyeliner 0.5g 6m Made in Italy €20

I had too many issues with this. The first one I bought was incredibly dry when I first tried it so I contacted the customer service where I bought it and they sent a new one. That one was definitely better but it wasn't long before that one dried out too and I wasn't bothered contacting them for a replacement because it was such a hassle the first time. I don't know what the issue was but it just wasn't good enough for me so I wouldn't spend my money trying to find out if it was just a fluke. I was disappointed but I have my Hindash one now so I'm very happy with that.

Delilah Gel Line Eye & Brow Liner (Ebony) 2.3g 6m Made in Italy €25

This was an excellent gel liner, it had great staying power and was easy to use but I just don't think gel liner is the best option for me because I don't wear it enough and then it dried out when there was still a lot left. I'll stick to liquid liner, pencils and shadows from now on. But if you're someone who wears gel liner every day or again, if you're a makeup artist this is a great product. It's just not practical or cost-effective for me. 

*Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml 6m Made in Poland €10.99

I don't use micellar water much but as this was sent in PR I kept it to use on lazy makeup removal days. I also use it on a thin brush to correct liner or eye makeup and it works a charm, just make sure there's not too much on the brush. I probably wouldn't buy this size bottle myself but it is a handy product to have and I do rate this one as a great budget option. I'm using a different one at the moment but I'll buy the smaller size of this once I'm in need of a micellar water again. 

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

I love this product, it does the job of removing waterproof eye makeup remover well and it's such a great price point. I like to have a waterproof eye makeup remover on hand in my skincare collection because I often use long last products that require something extra to remove them. They're always on offer too so you can usually get them 50% off. This one works really well at removing waterproof mascara and other similar products. I'm using one that was sent in a press sample at the moment but I'll absolutely be buying this again.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm 100ml 12m Made in USA €36

This was a lovely cleansing balm, I don't have anything bad to say about it really, it smelled loevely and removed my makeup. I just didn't love it as much as the Then I Met You one, it has a thinner consistency which is maybe why I don't like it as much. There's not much money between them so I probably wouldn't buy this again for that reason. 

*Kiehls Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil 85ml 6m Made in USA €18

I really liked this, but overall I do prefer a cleansing balm so I wouldn't buy it myself. However, if you do like a cleansing oil this is a lovely one. It smells beautiful and it does an excellent job at removing makeup. This travel size lasted me a long time too so I can imagine the full size would be quite good value for money. 

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser 177ml, 60ml 18m Made in USA €17, €10

Another one I've mentioned time and time again. I've bought this, I've been sent it and I've bought it again and again. Countless bottles over the past almost 6 years. I just really love it. The pump packaging, the texture, the scent and the price. I don't always have it but if I need a cleanser and I'm making a Glossier order I'll buy it. I probably wouldn't specifically make an order just for this product but I still really love it. It's a simple and effective cleanser to use after makeup removal or in the morning. I know I will repurchase it again. 

*Lancôme Absolue Purifying Brightening Gel Cleanser 125ml €84

Let me preface this quick review by saying I would never spend €84 on a cleanser. Ever. I just don't think spending that much on a wash-off product is sensible, unless you have a huge skincare budget. I would rather spend that money on a great serum. Although I don't think I've ever spent €84 on any skincare product. It's a lovely cleanser, but to me it's not worth the money. You can get less expensive Lancôme cleansers that are just as nice and effective.  

*Casmara Deep Cleanser Multifunctional 3 in 1 50ml  Made in Spain €21

This was a travel size that I was sent as a PR Sample goodie bag when I was nominated for an award earlier this year. I'd never tried anything from Casmara before, I just knew they were a Spanish brand. This was a lovely cleanser and the 50ml size lasted a while, but it just didn't wow me. I wasn't sad when I finished it and when I went to look up the price it seemed difficult to get hold of which is always off-putting for me. The price is good for the full size but I just wouldn't buy it myself. 

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist 100ml, €70

Like the Lancôme cleanser, I can't justify the price of this. I've wanted to try it for ages and I eventually got it in the Cosmetips X KJH bag. I would never have bought this at full price. It's a beautiful mist and it feels luxurious but it's too expensive. I didn't notice much difference using it and for that reason and the price I wouldn't buy it again. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir 30ml 12m Made in France €13.50

I much prefer this mist to the Omorovicza one. Maybe it doesn't do as much for my skin but I love the sensory experience of using it. The scent is quite polarising so I'd definitely try before buying but I've been using this on and off for about 12 years and it's something that I won't always have in my collection but when I do it makes me so happy to use it. And I suppose that's all you really want in a product. 

*bareMinerals Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Serum 30ml x2 12m Made in USA €47

Another one I've mentioned again and again. I have one on the go at the moment too and I absolutely love it. By far the best hydrating serum I've tried. It doesn't contain hyaluronic acid but instead it has glycerin, squalane and niacinamide. It just really agrees with my skin and I notice a difference when I use it which is exactly what you want for this price. I've only bought this once because the gracious bareMinerals team have kept me stocked up but it's that one product in my skincare routine I have to have. 

Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum 30ml 12m Made in Ireland €43

A lovely hyaluronic acid serum, but I much prefer the bareMinerals one above and therefore wouldn't buy this again. However if your skin loves hyaluronic acid, I would really rate this. 

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops 40ml 12m Made in Korea €35

Love, love, love! I am doing everything in my power to not repurchase this but I have other similar products I need to use up first. I had too many of the same kinds of products open and I didn't want them to expire so I'm trying to use what I have first but I'll definitely repurchase this. It's such a gorgeous product for wearing under makeup, especially when your skin is a little bit dry. 

*IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concentrated Derma Serum Niacinamide 30ml 12m Made in USA €25

This felt nice to use but it just didn't make a noticeable difference to my skin. Maybe it's just not strong enough for me but possibly a good option if you want to try niacinamide as an ingredient without spending too much. 

*IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dullness Concentrated Derma Serum Vitamin C 25ml 12m Made in USA €25

I think this was in my last empties and I'll say the same thing as I probably said then. It was nowhere near as good for my skin as the Pestle & Mortar Vitamin C. Like I said above, possibly suited to Vitamin C beginners or younger skin but it just didn't make a visible difference the way the P&M one does. I'm using a very expensive one at the moment so I'll be interested to see how they all compare once I've used that up. 

Skyn Iceland Icelandic Youth Serum 30ml, 12m Made in USA €46

This one is a big no. I think it's discontinued too which makes sense. It smelled strange to me, almost like green tea but not in a good way. I also didn't notice any difference using it. I bought this much discounted so I don't feel too bad because I didn't pay full price but I just couldn't wait to finish it. I've tried other Skyn Iceland products and loved them but this just wasn't for me. 

Ultra Violette SPF 50+ Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen 50ml 12m €41

Another big win and a definite repurchase. I loved using this, it worked so well under makeup and I was genuinely sad when I finished it. I haven't repurchased it yet purely because I have a few facial SPF products I need to use first. I've tried a few Ultra Violette facial SPFs now and I've loved them all, there's something for every skin type. 

Ultrasun SPF 50 Face Spray 75ml Made in Switzerland  €21

I can't really say too much about this because my boyfriend used it more than me but he loved it. It's not a product I would use alone but more as something to top up when you're out and about. Very handy to have but it's important to fully apply sunscreen all over rather than relying on just a mist. I'd definitely buy this again. 

Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF 30 50 ml, €36

This is one that I did really enjoy using and I liked it under makeup. It's a slightly tinted SPF with mica in it so it does have a light-catching effect. The shade is slightly too dark for me so I tended to use a lighter foundation shade over it to almost cancel it out. I wouldn't buy this particular one again purely because I find tinted SPFs involve more finesse than I'm willing to put in to my SPF routine. I want something easy that I don't have to think about. It may work well for someone with a deeper skin tone than mine. I prefer their Unseen Sunscreen and I'd like to try some of their other ones about which I've heard good things. You can get a 15ml size of this for €16.90 if you wanted to try it out first without buying the full size. 

*bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Tint Protective Moisturiser SPF30 PA+++ 50ml 12m Made in USA €45

I really liked this as an all-in-one moisturiser and makeup prep product as it gives a radiance to your complexion. The one thing I didn't like was the scent and I can't exactly describe it except to say I just didn't like it. I'd rather no scent than a bad scent so for that reason I wouldn't buy this myself even though I really liked the product itself. I couldn't find this in stock anywhere so perhaps it's been discontinued or is being reformulated. 

*Kiehls Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream 50ml 12m Made in USA €46.50

I went to a launch dinner for this back in February and I was so excited I broke my one in one out rule and started using it straight away. It lasted for such a long time and was ideal for my Winter and Spring skin when the weather was still cold. I loved the texture and scent and I noticed a difference when using it. I'd definitely consider buying it myself but I have a lot of moisturisers to get through before that. It's definitely a stand-out moisturiser for me which doesn't happen too often. 

*bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Face Cream 50g 12m Made in USA €60

This was a lovely moisturiser that I used at night. It left my skin feeling hydrated and it lasted a long time. There was nothing wrong with it at all, it's a perfectly good moisturiser, but I just preferred the Kiehls one above and it's less expensive so for that reason I wouldn't repurchase this one. However if you're someone who can't use retinol for any reason you might like this plant-based alternative. 

Auric Plush Ritual Ceramide Lip Treatment (Bare) 3g 12m Made in Italy $32

I have mixed feelings about this one. It's a stunning lip treatment, I'd go as far as to say it's probably the best lip treatment I've ever tried. The packaging is so beautifully considered. The texture, scent and results you get from it are second to none. My issue lies in the cost to have it shipped to the EU and the amount in the jar. I tried to not buy this for a while but I was suckered in with a 15% discount code. Even with the discount, with added taxes, shipping and customs it ended up being about €60 in total. I wouldn't mind if it lasted the 6 months that the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask lasts for me. However for €60 you get 3g of product which is such a tiny amount. I used it every evening for 6 weeks and then it was gone. Which means it cost me €10 per week. For comparison, the aforementioned Laneige mask contains 20g of product for about €22. As much I loved using it and the results for my lips, it just doesn't make sense for me to spend that amount on such a small amount of product. If I lived in the US and got free shipping I'd definitely buy it once in a while as a treat or as a gift for someone because it's such a beautiful product. I have to hope that Auric eventually is stocked by a retailer here in the EU. 

*bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Lip Mask 13g 12m Made in USA €28

This is my second one of these and I really like it to wear overnight, especially during the colder months. It's a thick texture that really keeps the moisture locked in. Once again there is nothing wrong with this product but I prefer the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask which contains more for less money. 

*bareMinerals Ageless Lip Balm x2 3.3g 12m Made in USA €26

I used up two of these since my last empties post. It's a lip balm stick that I apply during the day because it's easier and then I like to wear a lip mask at night. I enjoyed using it but I found I had to reapply quite often as my lips need a lot of hydration so in that sense it probably wouldn't be cost-effective to buy it myself as I feel my lips need more from a lip balm. 

Ultra Violette SPF 50 Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm (Nude) 15g 12m Made in Australia €18

This is the only Ultra Violette product that I didn't like, purely because of the scent. It just put me off using it because I could smell it so strongly. I think I would prefer an SPF lip balm without colour and in a less glossy texture too. I would say it's meant to be worn alone but I would always use it to prep my lips under lipstick or other lip products and it's too glossy and thick for that purpose. It could be the ideal lip SPF if you're wearing it alone as it comes in a few different shades. I'd try it first though to make sure you don't have the same issue with the scent that I had. 

**By Terry Baume de Rose 2.3g 12m Made in France €16

I had heard such great things about the pot version of this so I was very excited to try it. I actually got this as a GWP when I ordered the foundation from the By Terry website. From the first use I really didn't like this. I usually like rosy floral scents but this was so overpowering and not a pleasant rose scent to me. I tried to use as much of it as I could but I don't think I finished the tube. It was just a travel size so thankfully I hadn't bought a full size or I probably would have given it away. You may really like this scent but I couldn't get past it enough to appreciate the product itself. 

*Kiehls Super Multi- Corrective Eye Zone Treatment 14ml 6m €45

I really like this eye cream, I've bought and been sent PR samples of lots of different Kiehls eye creams and I've always found them to be very effective products. I would buy this myself no problem as I have quite dry under eyes and I like to buy a good eye cream to keep that area hydrated. 

*L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Eye Serum 20ml 6m Made in Germany €30

I love this and I've already purchased a second one. It has an applicator with metal rollerballs to cool under your eyes so it's a lovely product to use in the morning. I use it under eye cream every morning to give some added hydration to my eye area and a couple of times a week I'll use a thicker layer with my Dieux reusable eye masks on top. As I mentioned already I do have quite dry under eyes so adding this step has really helped especially with how my makeup applies on top of it. 

*IT Cosmetics Confidence In An Eye Cream 15ml 12m Made in Korea €40

I really liked using this eye cream too. I don't have much to say except it's a good eye cream, if I was to choose between this and the Kiehls one I probably preferred the Kiehls but only just, they're quite similar in what they did for my eye area. 

*Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches 30 pairs, 6m Made in Korea $18

I received these as a PR sample pre-pandemic and it took me much longer than it should have to use them up because I kept forgetting that I had them and then they seemed like a faff to use when I did remember. I did really like the results of using them when I did remember to use them. So when I finished the tub I decided to buy some reusable eye masks from Dieux in the hopes that I would use them more which I surprisingly have been doing. I really try to avoid unnecessary single-use items where I can and I think if you're someone who enjoys eye masks, the best option is to buy some reusable ones and a caffeine-based hydrating serum instead. 

Nursem Caring Hand Cream 300ml, 75ml 12m Made in UK €24, €12

I think I mentioned my dry hands issue before but basically, I ended up with dermatitis on my hands during 2020 from washing my hands so often at work and they haven't really been the same since. To cut a long story short they began getting bad again when I was expressing milk using a pump for 6 months earlier this year and I was washing the pump parts up to 7 times per day at the height of it. I bought pair of gloves but often I was trying to wash them as fast as possible and I just forgot to use the gloves so my hands suffered. I wanted a basic hand cream that would nourish my hands and absorb quickly so I decided to try Nursem which is apparently a brand developed by nurses so I figured it would be a good one to try.  I bought the 300ml pump bottle because I thought that would make it easier to use. I really love this, it's exactly what I wanted and because it dries in quickly and the pump bottle is such a handy (pun intended) way to dispense it, I find I use it more regularly than I would a different hand cream. I've since used up the smaller tube and bought a second pump bottle. So this is clearly a winner for me. 

Flexitol Rapid Relief Hand Balm 56g Made in UK €6.99

I bought this when my hands were really bad during the Summer and it did a great job of helping them get back to normal. I used it as an overnight treatment and then the Nursem one during the day. I keep meaning to repurchase this to use at night but I've been trying to finish up another one I have before that. 

Glossier Hand Cream 50ml 12m Made in USA €18

This was another big no from me. The scent is supposed to be an adapted version of the 'You' perfume but I really didn't enjoy the scent at all. I found it quite off-putting to use. I also didn't think the formula was particularly good for my skin but as mentioned above I do have very dry hands so it might be better suited to someone with normal skin on their hands. The only redeeming feature for me was the packaging which was quite cute. I also think the price is too expensive for what it is and the amount you get. It just wasn't for me. 

*Clarins Aroma Revitalizing Silky Body Cream 200ml 18m Made in France €37

I loved using this, it came before the Summer and I'm fairly sure I had it used up after a month because I loved applying it so much. The scent is exquisite, so invigorating and the texture is beautifully silky as the name suggests. It's rare that I apply body lotion every time I shower but this product made me want to do that and that's a great product to me. I haven't repurchased it yet as I have a few other body lotions to use up first but I'll definitely buy it again when they're all used up. It's expensive for a body cream so definitely a treat or could be a lovely gift to get someone. 

*Andrew Fitzsimons Fantasy Curls Shampoo and Conditioner 250ml, 12m Made in UK €11.99 each

I'm always interested to try hair products specifically for curly hair and I did really like these two. They hydrated my hair without leaving a residue which is what I look for in shampoo and conditioner. They're priced very well too which I appreciate. The only negative thing I have to say is that the scent wasn't my favourite. It's like a perfumed coconut scent to me, rather than a fresh coconut scnet. I know other people loved it so it's just a very personal thing but I would buy them myself as it's difficult to find curly hair products at this price point. 

*Kiehls Amino Acid Shampoo and Conditioner Refills 1L x2 12m Made in USA €58.50 each

I was sent both of these along with a full bottle of the conditioner so I could refill it. I ended up pouring the shampoo refill into an old shampoo bottle and it worked very well. They are expensive but they lasted such a long time so I can see that they would really appeal to people. I'd love to see a service from Kiehls where you could bring in your empty shampoo and conditioner bottles and have them refilled in-store at a discount alternatively. I'd definitely use a service like that. I know it wouldn't work for everyone but I know some people would love it. 

R+Co Dreamhouse Cold Pressed Watermelon Wave Spray 89ml, 12m Made in USA €30

I really loved this product. I bought some of the R+Co X Ashley Streicher products because I follow her on social media and I love her hair advice and tutorials. I also loved the idea behind this wave spray. I found it worked well at adding hydration and texture without that dry, crisp feeling of a sea salt spray. Granted I already have curly hair but I found this gave me some extra definition. It also lasted a really long time despite only being 89mls. I'll definitely buy this again at some point but I have so many hair-styling products I need to use up first. 

JVN Complete Air Dry Cream 30ml 12m Made in USA €10

I wasn't going to include the next two products because they were just travel sizes but I loved them so much I wanted to mention them. I've already bought a full size of the Air Dry Cream because I liked it so much. I apply it to towel-dried hair and then use a diffuser. It gives my hair hydration and I find my curls are more defined when I use it. I'm looking forward to continuing to use it now that I have the full size. I bought this in a set with a full size of the Pre-Wash Scalp Oil which is incredible too. 

JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum 25ml 12m Made in USA €14

This was also in the aforementioned set and I loved it too, it's a heat protector and primer in one. It contains ingredients that balance the hairs porosity so that it can retain moisture. It's supposed to be used as the first step in your styling routine. I definitely want to buy the full size of this too. All of the JVN products smell incredible too. I've just bought the hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner so I'm looking forward to starting them once I've finished my current products. 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo 198ml Made in USA €23

I bought this in the Summer of 2021 with the intention of bringing it with me in my hospital bag when I had my daughter and then using it after as I figured I probably wouldn't get to wash my hair that often. It's still the best dry shampoo I've tried. I recently bought a Kerastase one because I couldn't find this in stock anywhere but I definitely prefer the Living Proof one, it works better than any of the others I've used and it smells great too which is a must with dry shampoo. I'll definitely be buying this again once the Kerastase one is finished.

The totals are as follows:

28 PR Samples: €954.46

38 Bought by me: €958.27

2 Gifts/ Gift With Purchase: €43

The total amount is €1955.73 for 68 products over 6 months. I used the average prices for the most part and I tried to include links to websites where the products were the least expensive and currently in stock. As I've mentioned in my previous empties posts I didn't actually spend that much on the products I bought. I bought most at 20% off at least and I know some were even less expensive than that. I've had some of these products for a couple of years too. I've spent quite a bit of money on beauty products this year but I've also been kindly sent a lot as PR samples too. I've been quite good at keeping my one in one out rule for skincare and I'm trying to do that with makeup and hair products too. 

I want to reset myself for the beginning of 2023 so I'm embarking on a three month no buy. I have accumulated a lot of beautiful products over the past year, especially the past 6 months and I really want to make use of them and appreciate them. I also have a backlog of content I want to produce because I like to thoroughly test out products before writing full reviews and giving my definitive opnion. My goal is to spend the next few months using what I have and not lusting after new products. In that time I'm planning to make a list of any new products that interests me and then at the end of the no buy I'll see if I still want to buy any of them. I did this at the start of last year and it was a great way to challenge myself, I was determined not to break it and I didn't. Hopefully doing it for longer this time will be even more interesting. 

If you've made it this far, I'd love to know if you've tried any of these products and what you think of them. I hope you all have a lovely New Year and thank you for all of your support, I appreciate it so much. 

Emma x