Oh hello! Well it feels like it was only just the end of the year to me but it's already February (aka 'First GWP month of 2019') and once again I've a bag of empties to share before I sort them out and recycle.
This month I managed to finish eleven full sized products and twenty-one samples.
Skincare.
I only finished two full-sized skincare items this month apart from sheet masks! I think that this is the least amount of full-size skincare products I have ever finished however, I did finish plenty of generously sized skincare minis and samples - ten in all.
One of the full sized items I finished was Algenist Genius Ultimate Melting Cleanser, a deliciously creamy gel-to-oil-to-cream cleanser. It was very very effective at removing makeup but worked equally well as a morning cleanser. It was also fantastic as a second cleanse as once melted it had a beautiful consistency that was perfect for facial massage and it was easy to rinse away. I have been very impressed by everything that I have tried from Algenist's Genius range.
I used a full-sized Caudalie VineActive Serum. I was a little disappointed in this as apart from being a lovely smelling wet serum that was nice to apply it really didn't do anything other than hydrate. Overall, I find that the more expensive products from Caudalie don't tend to do much for my skin, the cheaper hydrating ones are pretty good and in future, I will stick to these when buying from the brand.
I used Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for eye makeup removal only. I found that it wasn't as effective as Simple Micellar Water at removing stubborn waterproof mascaras. It was okay but I don't see myself repurchasing in the future.
Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser was a non-foaming gel cleanser which smelled kind of soapy. It was good to use as a morning face wash although I didn't notice any brightening effect from it.
I favour facial sprays over ones that you need to apply with a cotton pad but I did enjoy Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner, it felt very gentle and was refreshing.
A sample pack of ten First Aid Beauty (F.A.B.) Facial Radiance Pads was perfect for travelling with. I like these gentle exfoliating pads which contain Lactic and Glycolic acids and have purchased a full sized version of them in the past.
Cerave Moisturising Lotion was a very good basic moisturiser, it was thick in consistency, almost gel like, not at all oily yet very hydrating. It's an impressive moisturiser for the price and great if you are on a budget.
CO Bigelow Deluxe Facial Moisturiser is another good basic moisturiser. Lotion like inconsistency and slightly oily in feel it worked well for me as a night cream.
I used two small tubes of Zelens Hydro Shiso Balancing Moisturiser. I love anything by Zelens and this didn't disapoint. I enjoyed the feel of this light and easily absorbed gel/cream, it had a delicate fresh fragrance and it layered well with other products. I mainly used this one during the day with a serum under sunscreen and makeup.
I prefer La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream to the classic La Mer The Moisturiser as it's lighter in feel and less oily but I still think it's only okay and definitely doesn't warrant the high price tag that it carries.
Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream is slightly waxy feeling but it absorbs and layers well, It's one of those products that I wouldn't pick out and purchase but I'm perfectly happy to use it as a nighttime moisturiser whenever I am given it in a GWP or gift bag.
I'm not a huge fan of sheetmasks. I prefer a tradition mask that you apply and wipe off but I have a few that I have been gifted that I'm trying to use up. I tend to pop one in my bag when I go away for a work trip and wear them in the evening. I finally used up a box of five VitaBird Dual Masks, which were okay, the fit was reasonable, and they contained a fair amount of serum but didn't do much apart from adding a little moisture to my face.
I wasn't so fond of a Lala Fox Honey Nourishing Sheet Mask, the fit was terrible and it contained a thick sticky gel that just appeared to sit on my skin without absorbing.
I only finished two full-sized skincare items this month apart from sheet masks! I think that this is the least amount of full-size skincare products I have ever finished however, I did finish plenty of generously sized skincare minis and samples - ten in all.
One of the full sized items I finished was Algenist Genius Ultimate Melting Cleanser, a deliciously creamy gel-to-oil-to-cream cleanser. It was very very effective at removing makeup but worked equally well as a morning cleanser. It was also fantastic as a second cleanse as once melted it had a beautiful consistency that was perfect for facial massage and it was easy to rinse away. I have been very impressed by everything that I have tried from Algenist's Genius range.
I used a full-sized Caudalie VineActive Serum. I was a little disappointed in this as apart from being a lovely smelling wet serum that was nice to apply it really didn't do anything other than hydrate. Overall, I find that the more expensive products from Caudalie don't tend to do much for my skin, the cheaper hydrating ones are pretty good and in future, I will stick to these when buying from the brand.
I used Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for eye makeup removal only. I found that it wasn't as effective as Simple Micellar Water at removing stubborn waterproof mascaras. It was okay but I don't see myself repurchasing in the future.
Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser was a non-foaming gel cleanser which smelled kind of soapy. It was good to use as a morning face wash although I didn't notice any brightening effect from it.
I favour facial sprays over ones that you need to apply with a cotton pad but I did enjoy Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner, it felt very gentle and was refreshing.
A sample pack of ten First Aid Beauty (F.A.B.) Facial Radiance Pads was perfect for travelling with. I like these gentle exfoliating pads which contain Lactic and Glycolic acids and have purchased a full sized version of them in the past.
Cerave Moisturising Lotion was a very good basic moisturiser, it was thick in consistency, almost gel like, not at all oily yet very hydrating. It's an impressive moisturiser for the price and great if you are on a budget.
CO Bigelow Deluxe Facial Moisturiser is another good basic moisturiser. Lotion like inconsistency and slightly oily in feel it worked well for me as a night cream.
I used two small tubes of Zelens Hydro Shiso Balancing Moisturiser. I love anything by Zelens and this didn't disapoint. I enjoyed the feel of this light and easily absorbed gel/cream, it had a delicate fresh fragrance and it layered well with other products. I mainly used this one during the day with a serum under sunscreen and makeup.
I prefer La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream to the classic La Mer The Moisturiser as it's lighter in feel and less oily but I still think it's only okay and definitely doesn't warrant the high price tag that it carries.
Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream is slightly waxy feeling but it absorbs and layers well, It's one of those products that I wouldn't pick out and purchase but I'm perfectly happy to use it as a nighttime moisturiser whenever I am given it in a GWP or gift bag.
I'm not a huge fan of sheetmasks. I prefer a tradition mask that you apply and wipe off but I have a few that I have been gifted that I'm trying to use up. I tend to pop one in my bag when I go away for a work trip and wear them in the evening. I finally used up a box of five VitaBird Dual Masks, which were okay, the fit was reasonable, and they contained a fair amount of serum but didn't do much apart from adding a little moisture to my face.
I wasn't so fond of a Lala Fox Honey Nourishing Sheet Mask, the fit was terrible and it contained a thick sticky gel that just appeared to sit on my skin without absorbing.
Bodycare and Perfume.
Love & Toast Honey Nectar Bodywash has a 'clean formula' produces a good amount of foam, and a pleasant soft honeysuckle and apricot perfume. This was okay, I would use it again but it wasn't outstanding in any way and there are other shower gels that I prefer.
I used another bottle of Nivea Express Hydration Sea Mineral Body Lotion. This is my favourite drugstore lotion, it is light, non-greasy, easily absorbed, fresh scented, very hydrating, and cheap. I always have backups of this one!
Malin+ Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturiser is an oil-free formula that feels very fresh and hydrating. It has a light citrus scent (grapefruit?) that I liked. The only thing wrong with this sample was that the product was too thick to be packaged in a bottle and it was extremely difficult to get out.
Susanne Kaufmann Ringelblumenöl Body Oil is a truly lovely body oil. It has a fresh floral scent and feels like a dry oil when you apply it, absorbing instantly and leaving skin feeling very comfortable and soft. These aren't the cheapest body oils but you only need to use a little so these mini bottles do actually last for some time.
Rodial Stem Cell Hand Cream is a lightly textured non-greasy hand cream with a delicate rose fragrance, and sleek stylish packaging. I wouldn't pay full price as I think it costs around $30.00 but I always grab them if I see them in TJ Maxx where they cost $5.00.
I don't normally include supplements in my empties but I thought I would include the 30 pack of Goop 'Why Am I so Effing Tired?' here as they are mostly sold in beauty outlets. Firstly, I must say that I was given these by someone, there is absolutely no way that I would pay $90.00 for a month's worth of vitamins. I must also add that obviously the best way to get the nutrients that you need is by eating a healthy diet (which I do but I'm also not averse to topping things up with supplements as long as they are not harmful). Goop vitamins are packaged in individual daily portion packs, which aren't the most eco-friendly but are handy for travel. This formula is designed to increase energy levels as well as adding to general wellbeing. Each pack contained what I would call a multi-vitamin, along with an Omega 3 oil capsule, a blended capsule of herbal extracts, and a Liquorice Boost pill. They tasted pretty awful and I can't honestly say I noticed any change in my energy levels so I'm very glad that I didn't actually pay for them.
I finished five perfume vials, two of which were Byredo Eleventh Hour which I loved. This fragrance had notes of rum, plum and fig - it was basically Christmas in a bottle, very seasonally appropriate.
I'm a big fan of L'Etat Libre d'Orange perfumes and enjoyed the two that I finished. Putain des Palaces is a big dusty floral powder scent. It's not the type of thing that I usually like but I love this and would buy a full sized bottle - and I love the saucy name! Jasmin et Cigarettes is a straight-up blend of Jasmine and Tobacco. I like a dirtied up white floral and this one is very feminine and easy to wear.
Versace Bright Crystal feels bright and sparkling but it is a little too generic for my tastes
I used another bottle of Nivea Express Hydration Sea Mineral Body Lotion. This is my favourite drugstore lotion, it is light, non-greasy, easily absorbed, fresh scented, very hydrating, and cheap. I always have backups of this one!
Malin+ Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturiser is an oil-free formula that feels very fresh and hydrating. It has a light citrus scent (grapefruit?) that I liked. The only thing wrong with this sample was that the product was too thick to be packaged in a bottle and it was extremely difficult to get out.
Susanne Kaufmann Ringelblumenöl Body Oil is a truly lovely body oil. It has a fresh floral scent and feels like a dry oil when you apply it, absorbing instantly and leaving skin feeling very comfortable and soft. These aren't the cheapest body oils but you only need to use a little so these mini bottles do actually last for some time.
Rodial Stem Cell Hand Cream is a lightly textured non-greasy hand cream with a delicate rose fragrance, and sleek stylish packaging. I wouldn't pay full price as I think it costs around $30.00 but I always grab them if I see them in TJ Maxx where they cost $5.00.
I don't normally include supplements in my empties but I thought I would include the 30 pack of Goop 'Why Am I so Effing Tired?' here as they are mostly sold in beauty outlets. Firstly, I must say that I was given these by someone, there is absolutely no way that I would pay $90.00 for a month's worth of vitamins. I must also add that obviously the best way to get the nutrients that you need is by eating a healthy diet (which I do but I'm also not averse to topping things up with supplements as long as they are not harmful). Goop vitamins are packaged in individual daily portion packs, which aren't the most eco-friendly but are handy for travel. This formula is designed to increase energy levels as well as adding to general wellbeing. Each pack contained what I would call a multi-vitamin, along with an Omega 3 oil capsule, a blended capsule of herbal extracts, and a Liquorice Boost pill. They tasted pretty awful and I can't honestly say I noticed any change in my energy levels so I'm very glad that I didn't actually pay for them.
I finished five perfume vials, two of which were Byredo Eleventh Hour which I loved. This fragrance had notes of rum, plum and fig - it was basically Christmas in a bottle, very seasonally appropriate.
I'm a big fan of L'Etat Libre d'Orange perfumes and enjoyed the two that I finished. Putain des Palaces is a big dusty floral powder scent. It's not the type of thing that I usually like but I love this and would buy a full sized bottle - and I love the saucy name! Jasmin et Cigarettes is a straight-up blend of Jasmine and Tobacco. I like a dirtied up white floral and this one is very feminine and easy to wear.
Versace Bright Crystal feels bright and sparkling but it is a little too generic for my tastes
Haircare.
Philip B Peppermint Avocado Shampoo has just the right amount of peppermint fragrance. It claims to be scalp stimulating and give volume and it was a nice shampoo but I don't think that it warrants its luxury price tag.
L'Oreal Elvive Colour Vibrancy Conditioner is a berry scented drugstore conditioner. I rather like the Elvive range and there are several formulas within it that I rate. I often get these if I find them on special offer and it's a perfectly fine conditioner that I have no problem to use.
Ouai Treatment Mask smelled fantastic and left my hair feeling nice and soft. I used this more like a conditioner rather than a mask and it worked very well in this way. ( I've a lot of hair masks that I'm intending to use up in this way as I never get around to applying them and leaving them on for 20 minutes or whatever no matter how hard I try!)
Bumble & Bumble Don't Blow It (H)air Styler is a leave-in conditioning cream that also adds a little texture. It works well on my fine hair and I like that it adds a little body. I have plenty of other serums/leave in conditioners at the moment but I will get this again at some point I am sure.
Ouai Hair Oil is a repeat empty for me and it's one of my favourite hair oils that smooths and hydrates my hair without weighing it down.
Living Proof Nourishing Oil didn't work great for my hair, it felt a little too greasy and left my hair looking lank. I was disappointed by this.
L'Oreal Elvive Colour Vibrancy Conditioner is a berry scented drugstore conditioner. I rather like the Elvive range and there are several formulas within it that I rate. I often get these if I find them on special offer and it's a perfectly fine conditioner that I have no problem to use.
Ouai Treatment Mask smelled fantastic and left my hair feeling nice and soft. I used this more like a conditioner rather than a mask and it worked very well in this way. ( I've a lot of hair masks that I'm intending to use up in this way as I never get around to applying them and leaving them on for 20 minutes or whatever no matter how hard I try!)
Bumble & Bumble Don't Blow It (H)air Styler is a leave-in conditioning cream that also adds a little texture. It works well on my fine hair and I like that it adds a little body. I have plenty of other serums/leave in conditioners at the moment but I will get this again at some point I am sure.
Ouai Hair Oil is a repeat empty for me and it's one of my favourite hair oils that smooths and hydrates my hair without weighing it down.
Living Proof Nourishing Oil didn't work great for my hair, it felt a little too greasy and left my hair looking lank. I was disappointed by this.
I must admit I didn't finish up as much stuff as I was expecting to during January, but there are several things that I have made good headway into which I will hopefully finish very soon. I need a little room on my shelf for a few new products that I have incoming!
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