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

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*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

Empties 2- €1200 Worth of Empty Beauty Products

This post contains some affiliate links. If you decide to buy something based on my recommendation and you use the links below, I will receive a small commission.

*PR Samples are marked with an asterisk

**Gifts with purchase/ gifts from friends are marked with a double asterisk

 

 

This is my second empties post of the year, my first one was back in February if you'd like to read it. This time I have 46 empty products a couple of which are multiples. I have calculated everything based on what I bought myself, what was sent in press drops and some gifts. I knew it would be more than last time as I was dealing with another 6 weeks worth of products. I found it so interesting to see what I used up as I've been trying to maintain my one in one out policy. It's also been interesting to see where I could save money. The products that aren't very good value for money and the products I don't need.

 

*L'Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Moisture Boosting Shampoo and Conditioner 250ml, €4.99 each 

I was given these products at a press event back in April. I was invited to have my hair washed and blow-dried in a salon in Dublin. It was such a treat as I haven't been able to visit my hair stylist in over a year. I wasn't expecting much with this new Hyaluronic Acid launch. It felt like a gimmick and L'Oréal jumping on the Hyaluronic Acid trend but doing it in a different way. However, I was genuinely surprised by how my hair felt after using these products. I thought it was just the blow dry but when I washed it myself it felt the same. It felt soft and looked hydrated which is hard to achieve as my naturally curly hair is quite dry and frizzy. I very rarely notice a difference between the shampoos and conditioners I use but I did with these ones. They're quite affordable too. I'll be buying them myself for sure.

 

*L'Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic 72H Moisture Wrapping Mask 300ml, €10.49

 

Like the shampoo and conditioner, this left my hair feeling hydrated and sleek. It's a thicker and more hydrating version of the conditioner. I would probably buy the shampoo and mask if I was to buy them myself. My hair is dry so I don't wash it that often and I usually use a mask instead of conditioner anyway. 

 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask 236ml, €40

I was so excited to try this after seeing some other curly-haired people mention how much they loved it. It didn't do enough for me to warrant spending €40 on it. I bought it using a discount code so it was less expensive but I have tried cheaper masks that have made more of a difference to my hair. I've also used their Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Hair Mask which I preferred, but I still think it's too expensive full price. I'd rather buy the L'Oréal one or a similar price point if I was buying a hair mask. I'm using a better one at the moment which will most likely be in my next empties. It wasn't worth the money to me but this could be because of my hair type. 

 

Rituals The Ritual of Jing Night Rescue Hand Mask 70ml, €10.50

I love Rituals hand care products. I have been buying them for years and I've always found them to be effective as well as inexpensive. This product seems to be discontinued as I can't find it anywhere online but their Hand Balms are basically the same. I use them at night as they're a thicker texture. They make a difference to my hands and the scents are beautiful. I'll definitely be buying them again. 

 

CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream x 4 50ml, €6.49

This was the only hand cream I tried that didn't irritate or sting my hands during the height of the first lockdown. My hands were in a bad way. I had dermatitis from constantly washing my hands in work as well as using hand sanitiser countless times a day. I needed to repair my skin barrier and do so without irritation. This is a very simple formula and it worked. My hands started to get bad again recently so I went back to this and have used 4 tubes in the past 3 months. The only issue I have with this product is the size. I found myself going through them so fast and it works out more expensive than you'd think. So I recently bought a 300ml pump bottle of hand cream from the brand Nursem. It's much better for ease of use and worked out less expensive too. 

 

Avene Cicalfate Restorative Hand Cream 100ml, €11.45

I didn't like this at all. So much so that I stopped using it so it's not empty and I don't want to pass it on to anyone because I wouldn't recommend it at all. In theory, it's what I was looking for but it left an almost powder-like film on my hands after rubbing it in. They felt even drier than before I applied it. I didn't enjoy using it at all and it wasn't worth continuing to try it out because it felt so uncomfortable on my hands. It may not bother you but it wasn't for me.

*Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Balm 100ml, €25

I was using this before my hands started to get bad again. I have used the Clarins Hand Cream for years and I love it, it's a highly rated product for a reason. I was sent this in a press drop a few months ago and I was intrigued to see if it was different to the original. As with most hand balms, it's a thicker texture and more suited to using at night. I loved it and would buy it again when my hands are a bit more back to normal and I can use products with fragrance again. It's ideal as a night treatment for your hands and nails which is how I liked to use it.

 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 20g, €24

This was my third time purchasing the Lip Sleeping Mask. I usually buy it when there's 20% off on Cult Beauty. I find it to be an effective overnight lip treatment and it lasts me a long time as I usually just use it at night. I will most definitely be buying this again when I have finished the lip balm I'm using at the moment.

 

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm (Berry) 10g, €18

To me, this is the daytime version of the Lip Sleeping Mask. I prefer a tube lip balm to keep in my bag and for during the day at home as it's more hygienic and easier to use. I would say this is a less intense but more glossy version of the LSM. It's not a gloss but more a very shiny balm. I usually apply it alone if I'm not wearing makeup. If I am wearing makeup I will apply it at the start so that it dries down a bit by the time I'm finished. I find it to be excellent at preparing my lips for any other lip products and I enjoy the scent and texture. It's half the amount of the LSM so perhaps it's not as good value for money. I loved it and I have no doubt I'll buy it again but as I mentioned I am trying to use what I already have first. 

 

REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic x 2 250ml, €32

I mentioned this in my last empties as it's a product I always have in my skincare routine. I have been using this for years and have gone through countless bottles. It's a lactic acid chemical exfoliant which is my preference as it's more gentle on my skin. I use this a couple of times a week alternating with a salicylic acid based product. I keep buying this because it works and I notice a difference when I don't use it.

 

Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r 45ml, €13

This was a travel size from a set I bought when Fenty Skin launched in Europe over a year ago now. I was using up other cleansers before I tried this one so I only got around to using it a couple of months ago. It removed my makeup well and had a light sweet scent. The texture is thicker than a balm or oil. I didn't dislike it but I prefer a thinner consistency. I liked this cleanser and happily used it but I wouldn't buy the full size as there are many other cleansers I like better.

 

*Lancôme Absolue Oil-in-Gel Cleanser 50ml, €32 (Travel Size GWP approximated from full size price which is €80 for 125ml)

I liked the texture of this cleanser, it's almost like a balm, oil and gel mixed. It removed my makeup effectively too. I wouldn't buy it myself purely because of the price and the scent. I find a lot of high-end brands add a perfumed scent into their skincare. Although I don't usually react to fragrance, I didn't like this scent. For me most of the reason I like or dislike a product is the experience of using it and scent has a huge hand in that. It's something to keep in mind if you are sensitive to fragrance.

 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream 200ml, €16

I bought this when I ran out of a second/morning cleanser and didn't have a backup. I went into Boots and couldn't decide what to buy so I ended up going with La Roche-Posay. It's a brand that makes simple and effective products that are a bit more "affordable". I was having some breakouts at the time so I went with a cleanser from the Effaclar range. It contains glycerin for hydration. Zinc PCA, an anti-inflammatory to help with breakouts. And niacinamide which is an all-around great ingredient. This is a basic cleanser in the best way possible. It does what it's meant to and doesn't irritate my skin. It's great as a second or morning cleanser and I would buy it again as I always find LRP products work well for my skin. 

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm 90g, €42

This product was in my last empties. I used a different cleanser in between finishing the last one and opening this one and I really missed it. I was so excited to open a fresh one. I wrote a bit more about the brand last time so I'll keep it brief. This is an experiential cleanser that feels and smells wonderful. I know I didn't pay full price, I think it was 20% off. If I could afford it for full price I would buy it but to me €42 is too expensive for a cleanser. I adore this product but I'm trying to use less expensive cleansers and spend a bit more on serums instead. If you can afford it, I can't recommend it enough. 

 

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Cleansing and Make-Up Removal Fluid 400ml, €22

I bought this after I used up the other La Roche-Posay cleanser. This is for removing makeup too which I found helpful as a second cleanser. Sometimes you need that extra help, especially for waterproof or long-wearing makeup. The Toleraine range is extra gentle as it is formulated for sensitive and reactive skin. I also bought this because it's a 400ml size with a pump which meant it would last a lot longer. As with the Effaclar one, it's a very simple cleanser formula. What it lacks in excitement it makes up for in ease of use and reliability. I would buy this again, especially for when my skin needs some extra TLC. 

*Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer 50ml, €12

I've had this for quite a while now but I never fully finished it because I got excited by other makeup priming products. It's a great, inexpensive priming moisturiser for anyone who has more combination/oily skin. It contains a naturally derived alternative to silicone so it makes an excellent base for makeup but without that slippery silicone feeling. It's a less expensive version of the Glossier Priming Moisturizer. I'd probably buy this instead because they're very similar and this one is more wallet-friendly. 

Avène Very High Protection SPF 50+ Mineral Fluid 40ml, €22

I wouldn't buy this again because I didn't like the texture. It's not as heavy as some sunscreens but I have found others that I like more and work much better under makeup for me. If I'm wearing sunscreen with makeup over it I need something I know will work under most of my base products. If I was going on holiday and not wearing makeup it would be fine. I actually do like Avène as a brand even though I didn't get on with the two products mentioned in this post.

 

*Clarins Double Serum Eye 20ml, €63

I loved the original facial Double Serum so when I saw the eye version I was very interested to try it. I was sent this and I loved using it and how it made my eye area look and feel. It worked very well under makeup too. The only negative thing about it for me is the price. I wouldn't spend that much on an eye cream at the moment. I have noticed more fine lines around my eyes and my eye area is quite dry so I would always use an eye cream. I know they're not always necessary and so many people don't use them. I can't use my moisturiser under my eyes as I've had issues doing that in the past. Your budget is going to dictate whether you think this is too expensive for an eye cream. For me it is. If I had more disposable income I would say it's worth it. I do think it's worth spending on the areas that are most of concern to you. I always try to spend on eye cream, serums and SPF and then buy less expensive cleansers and moisturisers. But it's all personal and relative to your skin and budget. You can get an excellent eye cream for half the price of this one. But if you can afford it I don't think you would be disappointed. Especially if you love the Double Serum. 

 

*bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream 15g, €46

This is €17 less than the Clarins one which may not seem like a lot, but spending €46 seems a lot more reasonable than spending €63. This is a completely different texture to the Clarins one. It's an eye cream with a richer texture. It has a plant-based retinol alternative so it's not going to give the same results as retinol. It's close enough that if you can't use retinol or find it too irritating this one will be more gentle. It also contains hyaluronic acid, protein peptides, squalane and glycerin so it's very hydrating, which is exactly what I need for my eye area. I enjoyed using this and next time I'm in the market for an eye cream I would buy this one. 

 

**Clarins Beauty Flash Balm 30ml, €24 (Travel Size GWP approximated price based on full size 50ml for €41)

Beauty Flash Balm is one of the first high-end products I ever tried. My mam would buy it years ago and I would use it because I loved the scent. I don't think I knew what it was supposed to do. Later on, I would use it as a makeup primer and now the scent is so nostalgic for me. They have recently reformulated it so I'm very interested to try the new one to see if it's very different. I might buy it at some stage to see how they compare.

 

*Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum 50ml, €112

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. The selling point is that it contains a cocktail of ingredients that are known to work for the skin. It has hyaluronic acid, vitamin c and niacinamide and ferulic acid. These are all ingredients I have found to make a difference to my skin, although I do prefer glycerin and squalane when it comes to hydration. I found that this did make a difference in how my skin looked and felt. It improved brightness and texture which are two things I've been trying to work on since having post-pregnancy acne last year. This is an expensive product and that's the only reason I probably wouldn't purchase it myself (full price anyway). I was so sad when I realised I had used it all up. What I will say is that whether this is worth it for you will depend on the type of skincare user you are and your budget. This is an easy one and done product that you could use if you don't have any ongoing skin issues. They're ingredients that most people can use and are known to make a difference. I always try to use products with vitamin c and niacinamide as well as a hydrating serum. These ingredients combined with ferulic acid take the effort out of having to buy and use separate products. The question is would I buy a serum for €112? Even though I loved this product, it's a lot to drop that much money on one product. If I was to buy my favourite hydrating serum, vitamin c serum and niacinamide serum it would cost about €170. So having all three in one product would save me money. If you can afford it and you like Lancôme skincare this product has surprised me and makes my skin look better. 

*IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dullness Vitamin C Serum 30ml, €25

I didn't notice much difference using this unlike when I used the Lancôme serum or my favourite Pestle and Mortar Vitamin C one. The texture is quite watery which I found made it difficult to apply without it running down my hands. It may not be strong enough for my skin but it could work well for someone who is only just starting to use vitamin c. I wouldn't buy it myself though as I have used other products where I see more of a difference in my skin. 

 

*IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml, €25

I didn't think I'd like this because I don't usually like serums with hyaluronic acid as much as other hydrating ingredients. However I did think this did a good job at giving my skin some added moisture. I wouldn't buy it myself as I do have other serums I prefer over this one. But if you do like hyaluronic acid then it could be one to try as it's a great price point. 

*Kiehls Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate 50ml, €51

I've bought this before myself and liked it. I particularly like the lightweight creamy gel texture. It contains glycerin to hydrate and silicones to keep the moisture in. I could see it being a great hydrating serum for makeup artists because of the texture. I wouldn't buy it again because I prefer the bareMinerals Skinlongevity Serum and they are around the same price.

**Seoulista Fresh Skin Facial Mist 50ml, €15

This is a special one for me because my friend sent it to me in a care package for my hospital bag last year. It came in so handy because there was a mini heatwave when I was in the hospital and it was so warm and sticky in the ward. It was amazing used in conjunction with a small handheld fan I brought with me too. It has some great ingredients like Centella Asiatica, panthenol, blueberry and hibiscus extract which calm, soothe and protect your skin. I enjoyed using this and would buy it again. 

**Purple Cloud Lavender Mist Spray 100ml, €18

This isn't a beauty product but I thought I'd include it anyway. My boyfriend's mother bought this for me to bring with me in my hospital bag as I love the scent of lavender and find it very calming. It was one of those products you don't need but I found it nice to have a familiar scent around me in the hospital to calm me. I loved using it and it lasted for a long time. I'd buy this again because I have such wonderful memories associated with it.

*Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Multi-Protection Mist 75ml, €30.50

I was sent this last Summer but I was using a different facial mist at the time. I waited until I was finished that to start using this one. It has a light, fresh scent that reminds me of the sea. It also has an excellent mister that sprays an even and satisfying amount of product. This is a gorgeous product to use in warmer weather too. Would I buy it again? Most likely not because I have others I like that are less expensive. 

Pixi Beauty Glow Mist 160ml, €24

I have had countless bottles of this mist. It's something I use all the time but especially in the colder months. It's excellent at helping makeup mesh with my skin, especially powders and it gives an extra bit of glow. It's a product I will continue to repurchase as I haven't found anything else that gives me the same results. I'd also recommend buying the 160ml size as it's better value for money and lasts so much longer too. 

 

 

Auric Cosmetics Glow Lust Radiant Luminizer (Morganite) 35ml, $45 

I repurchased this before I had finished it because I didn't want to be without it and that's how I know it's a winner. This replaced Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter for me. They are similar products but I prefer the Auric one, I find it looks better on my skin. It's a better shade match too, it's more neutral than the fairest shade in HFF. I use it as a primer all over my face, to highlight under or over foundation or mix with liquid blush. It's harder to buy as it's only available online and shipping is expensive so that's the only negative for me. 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup (1N2 Ecru) 30ml, €41

I believe this foundation has been discontinued and replaced by Double Wear Sheer. I loved the original formula of this and used it for years. The reformulation wasn't as good but I did still enjoy using it. It had medium coverage with excellent staying power and no transfer. There's no point in going into more detail since it's no longer available. I may try the new Double Wear Sheer in the future. 

 

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer (L2) 5ml, €42

I'm in two minds about this concealer. I didn't pay full price for it, I bought it in a set with the powder and it was around €40 for both. I loved both products and I'm almost finished with the powder too. Unfortunately I had to stop using the concealer before I finished it because it was no longer performing as well. The expiry on it is 6 months and I used it for over a year and it started to dry out around the year mark. Up until that point, I loved it and used it almost every day. I don't apply much concealer under my eyes so they tend to last me a long time and that's the issue I had with this. I should buy smaller size concealers because I don't seem to get my money's worth. I do recommend this one and the shade match was spot on. I may buy it again in the future but I haven't decided yet. 

 

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer Stick (Baked) 26g, €22

This was another case of too much product. I used this a lot and yet it went bad before I finished it. There is far too much in the tube, I don't know how any average makeup wearing person would get through it. I actually would buy it again because I liked the formula and the shade which is rare for my skin tone. If I do buy it again I'll get the mini size which I'm sure would be plenty for me. 

 

 

Delilah Cosmetics Brow Line Retractable Eyebrow Pencil (Sable) €23

I have repurchased this three or four times now but I won't be buying it again. It's not a bad product at all but I can get very similar for less money. I like the ones from Refy, NYX Professional Makeup, Soap and Glory or West Barn Co. Another negative is that there are only two shades which is not good enough.

 

Glossier Boy Brow (Brown) 3.12g, €16

I don't think I could tell you how many of these I have been through over the years. I keep repurchasing because I find it's easy to use and not too expensive. It doesn't have the best hold I've ever tried but it's fine for me on an everyday basis.

 

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder 10g, €48

This is one that yet again that was let down by its expiry date which is 6 months. I found after that it started to dry out and not perform as well. I hadn't even used a third of it so it was a huge waste. I loved the powder but I don't use enough powder for this to make sense as a repurchase. If you do want to try it I would recommend buying the Pressed Powder Travel Size which is €19 for 2.5g. The value isn't as good for the amount but I'd be more inclined to use this size powder which would mean less waste. I probably will buy it again but I have so many powders to get through before buying a new one. If you're someone who uses powder a lot then it might be a good product to buy. You can usually always find it discounted too.

Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara 6.5ml, €33

I bought this because I had never tried it and always heard good things. It was bought at a discount, I paid around €24. I liked it but I didn't love it. I much prefer Monsieur Big or Lash Idôle Mascara so I won't be repurchasing it.

 

*Clarins Supra Lift & Curl Mascara 8ml, €31

It's the same situation with this one, I liked it but I didn't love it. I much prefer their Wonder Perfect 4D mascara, which is one of the best mascaras I've tried. Mascara is so personal as everyone's eyelashes are so different. This might be the ideal mascara for someone else. 

*bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara 8ml, €26

I love this mascara as a more everyday or minimal makeup mascara. It gives excellent length and a fanned-out effect. It's a formula that builds easily without clumping too. To me it's like a more intense version of Glossier Lash Slick, it almost gives a "your lashes but better" effect. Is she wearing mascara or does she have great natural lashes? I have been sent a few of these over the years but I would have no problem spending my own money on it.

 

Glossier Cloud Paint (Haze) 10ml, €20

I've mentioned the Cloud Paint blushes countless times here and on Instagram. They have recently been overshadowed by the Lisa Eldridge Enlivening Blushes which I've been wearing constantly for the past year. I do still love the Cloud Paints. I rarely wear one shade alone, I usually mix a couple and then add a liquid highlighter. I'm fairly sure the price has gone up but I will more than likely continue to repurchase them. Haze is one of my favourite shades and this is the second tube of it that I have used up. 

 

*IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Love is the Foundation Brush €35

I bought this brush about a year and a half ago and then got sent it in PR a month later. It quickly became one of my favourite brushes and not just because it looks cute, it works well too. Then, after about 6 months of use, it started shedding. Some of it came away from the glue so it became lopsided and more clumps of bristles started coming out. I eventually gave up because every time I washed it more hair came out. Every time I used it I was left with brush hairs across my face. I've been using the other one for about a year now and I haven't had the same issues yet. If you read my last empties you'll know I had the same issue with another IT Cosmetics brush. I love this brush and I use it all the time but if the same thing happened again I wouldn't replace it because I've been burned twice now. 

**Rebeluna Sponge €13.95

Gracey O'Connell sent this to me with some other Rebeluna brushes about a year and a half ago. I haven't been using it that long, but I had forgotten to dispose of it until now. So I thought I'd include it here even though it's not technically empty. I've tried a few different complexion sponges now, the Beauty Blender, the By Terry one and the Real Techniques one but this one is my favourite. I don't use a sponge too much but I do like them. The issue I have is that you have to replace them more often than brushes so I usually prefer to buy a brush instead. I will buy more of these though as I do like to have a sponge on hand to use with certain foundations. You can usually get them at a discounted price too which is always a good time to stock up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The totals are as follows:

15  PR Samples - €546.97

28 Purchased by me - €621.91

3 Gifts from friends or Gifts With Purchase- €70.95

The total amount is €1239.83 for 46 products over five months. I was going by the RRP or the least expensive full price I could find. I didn't spend that much on the products I bought. I would say most of the products had at least 20% off because I usually wait until there's a discount to buy something. So I'd say I actually spent less than €500 on those 28 products. It's still a lot and averages at about €100 worth of products per month, which I'm sure is quite normal for a lot of people. I'm aware that had I not received those 15 products that were PR samples I probably would have spent more money myself. I know I'm very lucky in that respect. The reason I wanted to continue to put these posts together is that I find this kind of content interesting and helpful. I also wanted to be as transparent as possible by giving a detailed account of exactly what I buy, what I'm sent, what I use and what I would or wouldn't want to use again. Despite my relatively small community online I do accumulate quite a lot of products from press drops. There is a percentage of products I have received that I give away or send to people because I won't be able to use them. I only have one face and most products should last a couple of months at least so there's no way for me to try everything. Using a smaller selection of products until they are empty is a much better way for me to test them out and give my fully formed opinion. 

I think I can learn a lot from compiling these posts about what kinds of products I like, what I shouldn't spend money on and where I could save. It's interesting for me if not for anyone else. Everyone has different needs, preferences and skin types so what works for me may not for you and vice versa. I'd love to know if you found it helpful or if there is anything else I could add or change. If you have time, I'd love to know if you have tried any of these products and if your opinion differs from mine. Thanks for taking the time to read this post and do let me know if there are any reviews you'd like to see.

Emma x