Empties 11- €1000 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 eleventh empties post and it's coming up on three years since I started writing this series. If you're not yet subscribed to my YouTube channel I am now also doing a corresponding Empties video so that you can watch or listen instead of reading if that's easier. There will be more details here, as I always add the product quantity, shelf life once opened, country of manufacture and the price. I also mention the amount of PR products versus those I bought myself just to be fully transparent. I apply a one in one out rule to my skincare so that I can accurately evaluate how each product effects my skin. There are 33 products this time so let's get straight into it.  

*YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Blur Primer 30ml, 24m, Made in France €43

I included this product in my 2024 Makeup Favourites video on YouTube. It’s definitely one of the best primers I’ve ever used. As I mentioned in the video I’m not someone who uses primer every single day. I don’t find it compulsory however it can help with the longevity of foundation or help to prep the skin. This is one of the primers that I have found helps my foundation look better and last longer. As the name suggests it also blurs the skin helping to reduce the appearance of texture and pores. I would gladly spend my own money on this however I have a good few primers in my collection that I want to use up first. 

*Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Pencil (Medium Brown) 24m, Made in China €11.99

This was a good brow pencil, it was very thin and the shade was good but a touch warm for my preference. Overall, I prefer the NYX Micro Brow which I have just repurchased instead of this one. 

*IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (Fair) 32ml, 12m, Made in Korea €46

I tried this for the first time in 2017. I bought it in New York before IT Cosmetics launched in Ireland in 2018. Since then I’ve been sent several press drops and I’ve also tried the Nude Glow version. The original has stood the test of time and it’s one of the most reliable foundations I’ve ever tried. It works on my skin no matter how it is or the time of year. I know it will blend easily and look great. I wrote a review in 2017 and I stand by it. It’s supposed to be full coverage but I don’t find it to be too much at all. It’s creamy and hydrating and as a bonus it contains SPF50. The only real negative I can say is that it could have a better shade range. It’s also quite pricey now (I think I paid $39 in 2017). The shade Fair works on me but I have a feeling Fair Beige might be a bit better so I’m going to try that the next time I’m buying this. I have a backup that was also sent in PR. This is one that I really think is worth the money, particularly if you have pigmentation, rosacea or dry skin. Read my full review here. 

Kosas Revealer Concealer (01N) 6ml, 6m, Made in USA €29

This is a creamy, medium but buildable coverage concealer in a tube with a doe foot applicator. Despite the fact that this is the first concealer I’ve used up in a very long time, I’m still in two minds about it. I go back and forth between loving how it looks on my skin and thinking it looks a bit dry and unflattering. It could be my skin prep but that’s usually the same every day. It definitely started to look more dry as it was coming to an end, there’s still a bit left in the tube but it’s hard to reach so I decided to retire it instead of scraping the sides. The shade match is great, it works so well on my pale neutral skin. I prefer a concealer that matches the rest of my face because I find if I use a lighter shade under my eyes it can enhance my dark circles. I didn’t use it on the rest of my face as it’s a bit too creamy/hydrating for that. I obviously liked this enough to use it up almost completely but I don’t know if I would buy it again as it wasn’t perfect. It didn’t look the same every single day and some days it started to look dry throughout the day. It comes in a mini 2ml size for around €15 and there are 38 shades available which is great for a concealer. I would say if you want to try this one, get the mini first to make sure you like it. It’s a third of the amount for half the price so it’s not as cost effective but it’s better than buying a full size and not liking it. I’ve just bought the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer and I’m hoping that will be my holy grail favourite, if not I know that Lisa Eldridge has a few different concealer formulas on the way and hopefully they will be amazing. 

Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer (Light) 5g, 12m, Made in Italy €39

Another product that was in my 2024 favourites video and I stand by it. This is a product unlike any other I’ve tried. It’s a complexion warming product in a formula that I would describe as a balm-cream. It has sheer to medium opacity so it’s difficult to mess up the application. I am so fair skinned that most bronzers don’t look right on my skin, this is the first bronzing product I have ever used up because it works so well on my skin tone. It warms my complexion and adds some dimension without looking obviously bronzed as I don’t feel that suits my skin tone. The balmy texture makes it so easy to blend out seamlessly. I can’t tell you how much I wanted to buy a backup of this during the Black Friday sale but I have three other bronzers I need to use up so I’m trying to get through those before I repurchase this even though the other ones I have don’t really compare. It’s just such an easy product and I can’t think of anything similar. I highly recommend it! 

Kosas Air Brow (Medium Brown) 3.7g, 6m, Made in USA €23

I bought this on the recommendation of my sister and I’m glad I did because it’s become a firm favourite, replacing Glossier Boy Brow as my tinted brow gel of choice. Medium Brown is a great shade match and there are 10 shades which is unusual for a brow product. It has a similar formula to Boy Brow in that it’s a bit thicker and more like a pomade. I prefer that as it means the formula adheres to my eyebrow hairs and doesn’t transfer to the skin around my brows which other brow gels can do. It means that I can back comb my brows to add volume. I’m using a Maybelline tinted brow gel at the moment that I was sent in PR but don’t like as much and once that’s done I will most likely buy this again as I really loved how easy it was to use and how long it lasted compared to Boy Brow. 

*NARS Climax Mascara 6g, 6m, Made in Italy €31 

I was sent PR from NARS for the first time this year and I was excited to try the products as it’s a brand that I haven’t ever really explored. I had heard great things about this mascara so I was very excited to test it out. This is a volumising mascara that packs a punch. It gives you big lashes which I love. It has a bristle brush too which tends to be my preference. I really like how this made my eyelashes look, the only issue was it flaked a lot on my under eyes. I always apply mascara on my lower lashes as I like how it looks but that means I have to deal with mascara dropping down throughout the day. This one flaked quite a lot especially as it dried out. While I liked it I wouldn’t buy it myself because there are other mascaras at a similar price point that I prefer. 

**Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow Highlighter (Pink Moon) 13ml, 12m, Made in Italy €33

This is the third bottle of Elevated Glow Highlighter that I’ve used up in the three years since it launched. I was sent Cosmic Rose and Crystal Nebula when it first launched and when I finished those I bought Pink Moon. I already have a new bottle ready to go because this is one of those products that has changed the game for me. It’s a multipurpose skincare/makeup product that can be used alone, beneath foundation, mixed with other products like liquid blush or mixed with a lipstick to make a blush. On the lips, the inner corner of the eyes or as pinpoint highlighter on top of foundation. That’s why I’m on my fourth bottle because it has so many uses and that’s one of the things I love about it. Now more than ever I’m drawn to multipurpose products and being able to get the most out of my makeup collection. If you’re someone who is self conscious about texture or fine lines this is such a great product as it almost smooths and blurs the skin. A little bit of this goes a long way so despite it being 13ml it will last a long time. I particularly love it mixed with liquid blush as it gives my cheeks such a beautiful glow. I will continue to repurchase this product as it is truly unique in my collection and it makes my skin look amazing. I have a full review here if you’d like to read it. 

*YSL Beauty Top Secrets Makeup Setting Spray Hydrating 100ml, 12m, Made in France €37

I don’t have much of an opinion on this one. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t wow me either. I have yet to top the original Urban Decay All Nighter so I wouldn’t buy this myself especially as it’s more expensive. 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Oil lnfused Water All-in-1 (Delicate Skin and Eyes) 400ml, 6m, Made in Poland €10.99

I started buying this instead of the eye makeup remover below because it’s a much bigger bottle and it’s pretty much the same thing, a bi-phase waterproof makeup remover. I’ll definitely buy this one again as it’s inexpensive and lasts much longer than the smaller bottles. This one is the blue one for delicate skin and eyes and I decided to get this instead of the yellow one as my eyes can be a bit sensitive. 

**Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Make-Up Remover 125ml, 6m, Made in Poland €4.99

I’ve reviewed this lots of times in previous empties posts and as mentioned above I wanted a bigger bottle of waterproof makeup remover so I’ll buy the above one instead as it’s 400ml and it does the same thing. 

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil 150ml, 12m, Made in Korea €24

I had heard some great things about this cleansing oil so when I placed a Stylevana order earlier this year I bought this to try as I love a good cleansing oil. I mentioned this in my 2024 skincare favourites video because it’s such a great oil cleanser. It’s fragrance free and it feels comfortable and removes makeup. sunscreen and waterproof products with ease. It contains rice bran, olive, sunflower and jojoba oils and macadamia seed oil. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and comfortable. This is probably the best cleansing oil I've ever used and I will 100% buy it again. It's also a lot more accessible as it's now available at Boots and Beauty Bay. 

*IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm 100g, 18m, Made in USA  €40

I’ve mentioned this in a couple of previous empties posts as this is my third tub (possibly 4th). I really loved this when I first tried it, enough to buy it again. But since trying K-Beauty cleansing balms I’m fully converted to them. So much so that I used this after using a K-Beauty one and the scent was really off-putting, almost like shoe polish. I much preferred the Beauty of Joseon one and I’ve just bought the Heimish one so I’ll be trying that next. They’re also so much more affordable which is a huge factor for me. I could get 3 or 4 cleansing balms from YesStyle or Stylevana for the price of this one and they do the exact same thing. 

*IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser 148ml, 12m, Made in USA €31

Another one I’ve reviewed a few times before, I’ve received it in PR and bought it myself. It’s a gel cleanser so I use it after a cleaning oil or balm or in the morning. I like this one because it’s hydrating, it doesn’t strip my skin or leave it feeling dry or tight which can be hard to find. I’m using a different one at the moment and even though I like this one it’s expensive for what it is and I will probably buy a less expensive second cleanser the next time I’m in need of one. I’d rather buy a cheaper cleanser and spend more on serums and treatment products. 

Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser 120ml, 12m, Made in USA €45

I bought this because I was doing research about how to reduce sebaceous filaments and this was one of the most highly rated products mentioned. It contains 3% sulphur, an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to eliminate excess sebum, breakouts and sebaceous filaments while calming skin. You can also use it as a mask by leaving it for a few minutes on your t-zone. This product was developed for acne prone skin but it could benefit anyone who wants to reduce blackheads, sebaceous filaments and excess oil. 

I have quite an oily t-zone, particularly my nose and depending on how my skin is doing, the sebaceous filaments on my nose can be more pronounced. I wanted a product that would help with the excess oil and this definitely did the job. It doesn’t get rid of the sebaceous filaments but it reduces the appearance of them which is probably as much as I’m going to get. This is a pricey product but it lasted for ages because I only really used it on my t-zone. I just bought a K-Beauty product that will hopefully do the same thing, the Ilso Sebum Softener. I’ve only used it once but I’m hoping it will be a good alternative to this one as it’s a lot less expensive. I do think this is a great product and it does what it claims it will, if you have acne prone skin you may want to look into it more. 

**REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 250ml, 9m, Made in UK €35

I have reviewed this before so I’ll be brief. This is a product I’ve repurchased again and again over the years. I think I’ve been using it for about ten years now and it’s still my favourite gentle chemical exfoliant. It contains lactic acid, willow back extract and azalaic acid. 

I was sent some PR from REN this year and one of the packages contained this product which was so exciting because it’s a product I love and have bought so much myself so I have that one on the go at the moment. You can use it every day but I usually use it a few times per week so the bottle will last me a good 6 months or so. This is one I’ll continue to repurchase unless I find something better. 

*/***Lancôme Absolue Rose 80 The Brightening and Revitalising Toning Lotion 50ml, 12m, Made in France €50

This was sent in PR as part of a gift with purchase and I kept it to use while travelling as it was a handy size. The full size is 150ml and €150 and I didn’t realise until I was writing this post that it’s so eye wateringly expensive. I brought it away to France with me on holiday in September and I kept using it when I came home. It lasted quite a while considering it’s an essence and you usually use more of this type of product. The texture is almost in between an essence and a serum. I don’t even want to know what this does because it’s so expensive I’ll never buy it myself but I will say I enjoyed using it, it smelled of fresh roses which I love. The texture was satisfying to use and it left my skin feeling and looking  hydrated and plump. I’m currently using a Beauty of Joseon Essence which is less than 7 times cheaper so I’ll be sticking with that. 

***Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner 30ml, 12m, Made in Korea €7.20 

This is an exfoliating toner that hydrates and balances the skins pH while preventing breakouts. It contains tea tree, niacinamide, salicylic acid (BHA), lactobionic acid (PHA) and witch hazel. It’s ideal for anyone with oily/combination or acne-prone skin. The full size is 150ml and €23.80. I didn’t get enough of a feel for this product from this 30ml size and I already have a chemical exfoliating tonic (from REN) that I love so I don’t think I’d buy the full size of this, however it could be a good option for anyone who wants to combine AHA and BHA with some anti-bacterial and oil controlling ingredients. 

*May Lindstrom Skin The Jasmine Garden Botanical Facial Mist 100ml, 12m, Made in USA €96

May Lindstrom Skin is a brand that’s been on my radar for a few years, I heard people rave about the Honey Mud Mask and I always admired the beautiful packaging. They sent me some products earlier this year and this was the first one I tried. I’m a big fan of a facial mist so I was excited to try this one. Sadly I used it a couple of times and then the pump stopped working. It wouldn’t spritz any of the mist so I had to decant it into a plastic bottle I got in Boots. If I had bought it myself I would have emailed the brand to ask for a replacement pump but seeing as it was a press sample I just decanted it and continued to use it. Packaging issues aside it was such a lovely product to use. It contains lots of botanical oils and extracts as well as colloidal silver, cacao and vanilla. It smells incredible and it’s supposed to hydrate, reduce redness and inflammation, cool and calm acne flare ups and enhance the penetration of oils balms and serums. This is without a doubt the most expensive facial mist I’ve ever used. It’s a beautiful product and I thoroughly enjoyed using it however it’s not exactly within my skincare budget. I do however love the story behind the brand. May Lindstrom developed the brand as she struggled with highly sensitive and reactive skin since she was a child. The products are made in micro batches with quality, fresh ingredients and a direct to consumer business model. I’m currently using the Youth Dew Serum and it’s one of my favourite products of the year. If you have the budget to try this brand and you like a more natural approach to skincare, it’s definitely a brand worth exploring. If you're looking for something more affordable, I recommend the mist below. 

Haruharu Wonder Black Bamboo Mist 80ml, 6m, Made in Korea €12 

This is a mist with 99% naturally-derived ingredients. It contains fermented bamboo extracts which is a natural source of antioxidants to calm and soothe the skin and Beta-Glucan which is wound healing, anti-oxidant and anti-aging as well as soothing and moisturising. It comes in two sizes, 80ml and 150ml. I loved using this mist, I found it to be calming, hydrating and refreshing and I would 100% but it again in the bigger size. I particularly love mists during the warmer months to give my skin extra hydration without adding any texture. 

**L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Eye Serum 20ml, 6m, Made in Germany €37.99

I’ve gone through a few of these bottles now. I have quite a dry eye area so I like to use an eye serum under my eye cream. This one has a metal applicator and contains caffeine so it’s great for anyone who has puffy eyes in the morning. I like to use this with my Dieux Forever Eye Masks too. I usually buy it when it’s part of the Boots €12 Tuesday because it’s such a good deal. This is something I will definitely be repurchasing as I find it really makes a difference to my eye area. 

*Lancôme Rénergie Yeux HCF Triple Serum 20ml, 6m, Made in France €80

I didn’t want to like this as much as I do because it’s so expensive. It has hyaluronic acid, a potent tri-peptide called SNK peptide, a vitamin C derivative, niacinamide and vitamin F to smooth the skin texture around the eyes. All of these ingredients combined are supposed to improve the key signs of ageing. It definitely made a difference to my eye area. It was more hydrated and bouncy and my under eye concealer applied beautifully over it. The only reason I haven’t repurchased it is that it’s too expensive for my skincare budget but if you’re looking for an eye cream that works and you have the budget, it might be worth checking out. 

*Violette_FR C’est La Cream 93ml, 12m, Made in France €78

Violette_FR sent me a package with Boum-Boum Milk and C’est La Cream at the beginning of April. I just finished the cream in the middle of this month after using it day and night for the first month and then every night after that. It’s expensive but you get a lot in the tube. Most moisturisers are 30ml so you’re getting three times that amount. That’s why I actually think it’s very good value especially as it lasted me 9 months of daily use and I was using it quite liberally, bringing it down my neck. It’s a pre-biotic based, protective barrier cream. Violette wanted to create a moisturiser that would work on anyone because she is a makeup artist and works with an array of skin types. I loved this combined with the Boum-Boum Milk but it was great in the evenings on top of whatever serum I was using. It’s calming and nourishing and made my skin look and feel great. I have a lot of moisturisers to get through before I need to buy one but I whole heartedly recommend this product and I would buy it again myself. 

*IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Lotion 75ml, 12m, Made in USA €32

I was looking up this product for this post and I discovered that it’s been discontinued so there’s not much point in me reviewing it. IT Cosmetics have been known to discontinue products and reformulate them so perhaps that is the case with this one. 

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 50ml, 12m, Made in Korea €21

I bought this because I’d read some great reviews of it and I was curious to try more K-Beauty sunscreens. It’s a chemical sunscreen and contains black rice extract to hydrate, niacinamide to help with pigmentation and ceramides to nourish the skin. It has a velvet finish and the texture is thicker than that of the other Korean sunscreens I’ve tried however it blends into the skin with ease and doesn’t feel heavy at all. I loved this sunscreen, it’s one I would use more in the warmer months because of the velvet finish. Although I think any skin type could use it. I’ll definitely repurchase it for next Summer. 

*Heimish Artless Glow Tinted Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++  40ml, Made in Korea €20

I was sent this in a PR package from Stylevana last year and it was my first time trying a product from Heimish. This is a glowy, priming sunscreen that has a slight tint to it. It’s the only tinted sunscreen I’ve tried that actually works on my skin tone. I thought this was a beautiful product, I loved how glowy it made my skin look. I wouldn’t buy it again because when I used the amount needed to fully protect my skin I found that it sat on my skin and didn’t fully absorb the way my other Korean sunscreens do. I would need to apply it in layers to get the right amount of sun protection without it sitting on top of my skin and to be honest that's too much of a faff for me. I don’t know whether it’s something to do with the tinted element to the formula or it’s just the formula itself. They do have a non tinted version which may work better but I already have three Korean sunscreens that I love so I’d rather use those and then a glowy primer or skin tint on top as that works better for my skin. 

Monday Moisture Shampoo 350ml, 12m, Made in China €9.49

Monday Moisture Conditioner 350ml, 12m, Made in China €9.49

I find it difficult to review shampoo and conditioner because for the most part they’re usually quite similar. As long as they smell nice and don’t weigh my hair down they’re fine. I liked these ones, they were inexpensive and I liked that they’re 350ml instead of the usual 250ml. The scent was nice too. The only negative for me was the pump didn’t pump out much product so you have to pump it a good few times to get the right amount out which in a wet shower can be a bit annoying but that’s the only con. I would buy these again because I don’t like to spend too much on shampoo and conditioner and they’re on offer in Boots sporadically so you can get them a bit cheaper. 

*Garnier Ultimate Blends Repairing Papaya Hair Drink 18m, Made in Belgium €12.99

I reviewed another one of these products in my last empties post and I said that it was moisturising enough for my hair and I feel the same about this one. It’s probably better suited to straight or oily hair. I prefer to use a regular conditioner or hair mask as I find they work better with my curly hair. 

**Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo 198ml, 24m, Made in USA €32

I bought this in a two pack set with the regular version of the Dry Shampoo last year and it lasted me for a long time as I don’t use it too much but it’s something I always have on hand. The original version has been my favourite dry shampoo for a few years now and I loved this one just as much. I didn’t notice a huge difference between them so I’d happily buy either the next time I need dry shampoo although this one is a bit more expensive so I'll probably stick to the original one. 

****Nuxe Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream 50ml, 12m, Made in France €10

My mam bought this for me in the airport on our way to France because I needed a hand cream for the trip. It smells lovely and works really well. I’m a big fan of the Rêve de Miel range, the lip balm and body lotion in particular. I liked this but I usually buy the O’Keefe’s Working Hands because I need something a bit stronger for my dry hands. 

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

I’ve reviewed this product so many times now and I’ve used it for years. It’s a great hand and nail cream and it’s a cult product for a reason. It’s definitely more on the pricey side for a hand cream so it’s not something I always have but I’m sure I’ll buy it again in the future. 

*Remedy for Body Bumps 162ml, 12m, Made in the USA €34.95

Remedy is a relatively new skincare brand founded by Dr. Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of the Doctorly YouTube channel. I’ve watched the channel for years so when I was contacted by the brand I was delighted to get the opportunity to try out the products. They sent me three products and one of them was the Remedy for Body Bumps. 

It contains urea, retinol, ceramides and lactic acid. This blend of ingredients is supposed to alleviate KP, texture and redness, gently moisturise and exfoliate and promote a healthy skin barrier. I have very dry skin on my body, particularly my arms and legs and I have always had KP (Keratosis Pilaris). I've never found anything that made a huge differnce until I tried this product. I didn't completely get rid of it but it made a big difference to the look and texture of my skin. I would love to see them making a bigger size of this body moisturiser because I was applying it consistently every day, I went through it quite quickly (well more quickly than I usually go through a body moisturiser). The brand is US based and therefore it’s going to be more expensive to get the products here in the EU. I can definitely see them being stocked somewhere like Space NK in the future and that would obviously cut down on shipping costs for anyone based outside of the US. I loved what this did for my skin but the shipping and customs costs are a big drawback to purchasing this myself. I’ll have to have my fingers crossed that the brand does well and gets an EU based stockist soon! 

The totals are as follows:

15 PR Products: €643.93

15 Products bought by me: €365.95

2 Travel/Sample Size 

4 Repurchases

3 Gifts or Gift With Purchase: €44.20

The total is 33 products: €1054.08

I finished these products over the three month period since my last post at the end of September. As I always mention, the amount of money I spent on those 15 products is much lower as I rarely buy anything full price. I probably didn't spend any more than €280 on the products I bought. If there's anything you'd like to see me try or anything you'd like swatches of, a Reel on or a blog post about, please do send me a DM on Instagram or leave a comment here. 

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

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

Emma x

Empties 10- €1100 Worth of Beauty Products

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

*PR Samples

**Repurchase/ Bought after trying a press sample

***Travel Size/ Mini

****Gift/ Gift with purchase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The totals are as follows:

16 PR Products: €585.87

17 Products bought by me: €511.77

5 Travel/Sample Size 

3 Part of a Set

10 Repurchases

2 Gifts or Gift With Purchase: €22

The total is 36 products: €1119.64

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

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

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

Emma x

Empties 9- €700 Worth of Beauty Products

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

*PR Samples

**Repurchase/ Bought after trying a press sample

***Travel Size/ Mini

****Gift/ Gift with purchase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Sweed Cloud Mascara (Black) €28

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

The totals are as follows:

11 PR Products: €413.90

12 Products bought by me: €292.46

3 Travel/Sample Size 

4 Part of a Set

3 Repurchases

1 Gifts or Gift With Purchase: €35

The total is 24 products: €741.36

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

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

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

Emma x