April's farewelled products (and beauty diet update)

Here we are again with another load of empties.  Let's see if I can talk about these without getting too wordy...

 

Skin care

 

34) Kirkland Daily Facial Cleansing Towelettes (15 towelettes) - Something happens to me whenever I go to Costco.  I always get caught up in the multi-pack mentality so without ever trying them before I bought a massive box of these!  They're not the best wipes I've tried but they're not the worst either.  They actually smell quite refreshing and one wipe is usually enough to take off the day's makeup base.  They seem to be quite heavily laden with moisturiser which my skin will probably appreciate more as the weather gets colder. Expect many more of these empty packs to pop over the months because as I said, I bought an entire box!

 

35) Montagne Jeunesse Cucumber Peel-Off Masque - I bought this on a whim to treat my slightly oilier than usual skin and it worked! My post-vacation skin was a little oily and congested so I spread this on, and (very easily) peeled it off 20 minutes later. My skin immediately felt cleaner and the next morning I noticed my forehead bumps were visibly diminished.  I've bought some more of these to keep on hand for those times I need a more clarifying mask - and when I just feel like a little bit of fun!

 

 

 

36) La Clinica Gly C Refine Gentle Facial Cream Cleanser (10ml/0.35 fl.oz sample size) - One of my travel bag products.  This cream cleanser is a great balance of rich creaminess with skin smoothing Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C.  First impressions of this product is it felt gentle enough on my skin and rinsed off easily. 

 

37) Lancôme Bi-Facil Non Oily - Sensitive Eyes Instant Cleanser (30ml/1 fl.oz travel size) - Another travel bag item.  It's been a long time since I've used this Lancôme version and now I grudgingly have to admit I think this might be the best dual-phase remover out there because it removes the most stubborn mascara (Benefit's They're Real! anyone??) formulas like nothing else. What a shame I'm a cheapskate when it comes to removers but $60AUD is a bit too much for me even for 125ml.

 

38) Face of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover (125ml/4.23 fl.oz) - Another dual-phase remover and much more affordable than Lancôme as it only costs $8.95 for 125ml.  Okay, so this will take a little more elbow grease to remove the most stubborn eye products but at the price it doesn't matter if I need to use more product.  This is a repurchase and I will continue to repurchase because it's great value for money and is oil and paraben-free.  

 

39) Bioderma Crealine H2O (250ml) - So don't shoot me but after all the hype I just couldn't 100% love this product.  Sure part of me wanted to bathe in it because it felt so soothing and refreshing when removing makeup from my face - however...  It just didn't cut it with waterproof eye makeup removal.  I even tried leaving Bioderma-soaked cotton pads on my eyes for 60 seconds as I'd heard somewhere but it was still to no avail. I can't tell you how many times I woke up with residual mascara smudges! My verdict is obvious:  a great alternative to makeup wipes for cleansing my skin but not tough enough for waterproof mascara.  I won't be rushing to buy another bottle.

 

Hand and body care

 

40) OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover (120ml/4 fl.oz) - My fourth bottle for the year and counting. 

 

41) MOR Passionfruit Body Butter - I threw this into the travel bag too because the little tub (around 50ml) was just the right size for a week away.  These are now discontinued.

 

42) La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP (400ml/13.5 fl.oz) - This massive bottle of anti-irritation body balm lasted me months!  I used it as a soothing lotion for my dry sensitive skin and loved how easily it absorbed and how well it soothed any itchy or flaky skin - a must have for winter skin and I can see I'll repurchase this in future.

 

43) Ecoya Body Exfoliator (200 ml) - I won this gorgeous jar in a giveaway.  I loved the rich scent of white lotus flower, vanilla and patchouli and this really felt like a luxe body product with its creamy texture. My criticism is that it was a little too gentle an exfoliator for me - I like to feel instant results - and the exotic floral scent faded away very quickly.  I guess it's just an excuse to layer really because Ecoya do have the matching body cream!

 

Cosmetics

 

Here are this month's additions to my beauty diet empties.  Don't forget you can also check in with Anissa and Norlin to see how they're progressing too!

 

44) L'Oreal True Match Blush (Nude Pink) - I've posted about this blush before (here) as it's an everyday staple which adds glow as well as natural colour to the cheeks. It's a great choice for fairer skinned women and I'd buy it again if I didn't have so many other options! 

 

45) Models Prefer Lip Gloss Pencil (Perfectly Polished) - These pencils provide the optimal mix of shine and colour.  Perfectly Polished was my first MP Lip Gloss Pencil purchase but I've added a few more since then because I love these!

 

46) MAC Lip Glass (Viva Glam VI) - I remember loving this so much that when I lost my original tube a few years ago I was so distressed I had to replace it then and there! I've gone off and back onto it a few times but recently I was really loving it layered over MAC Modesty Cremesheen lipstick.

 

 Culled...

 

 BYS Lash Fibre Pre-Coat - My one fail for the month.  Now that I have a much safer lash primer option (thank you again blinc!) I can toss this scary dry fibre product out.  I was always paranoid of those loose fibres falling into my eyes so out it goes!

 

 

That's it for another month...



November's farewelled products (2013 edition)

I don't have much to say by way of introducing this post although I suppose it feels like November was skincare month for me because I got through a lot of it...

 

 

Skin care

 

125) Vanedo Beauty Friends Raspberry Essence Mask - Expect to see sheet masks popping up every month from now on because I have a new skincare addiction and I've recently replenished my stock!  This particular mask claimed to be firming and brightening and I certainly did notice a comfortably firming effect while I was wearing the mask and for a little while afterwards.  I love the Vanedo brand of sheet masks although they've been a bit difficult to source online so far.

 

126) Skinlite Green Tea Essence Mask - I know the Skinlite range of sheet masks can be purchased via the Sasa website.  This green tea essence mask also claims lifting properties but I didn't particularly notice, although it was hydrating so I guess I'd score it a 5 out of 10.  Nice but not remarkable.  See I am starting to get picky about these finally!

 

127) BE Fresh Make-up Remover Wipes For Sensitive Skin (25 wipes) - This is the second variety of wipes I've tried from this Priceline brand (see my previous experience here).  Although these are for sensitive skin and are fragrance free, they do contain alcohol - not an issue for me but possibly worth noting for some of you.  Anyway they did a perfectly good job of removing my makeup so I would repurchase if I wasn't still on my journey of trying every different makeup wipe in sight!

 

 

128) Maybelline City Rescue Total Clean! Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (70ml) - This is the third bottle of Maybelline's City Rescue Total Clean! I've used this year which means a couple of things: 1) I like it; but...  2) The 70ml bottle's a little small for this makeup junkie!

 

129) Pond's Flawless White Ultra Luminous Serum (30ml) - Serums are always so dang small in volume aren't they? I inevitably finish the serum first when I'm using an entire skincare range so of course this happened.  I don't think I'd ever tried a Pond's product until they brought out the Flawless White range this year - anyway, the serum is one of those slightly velvety, almost silicone feeling products that slides onto the skin making it feel instantly smooth.  Apart from it feeling nice I can't say that I noticed any remarkable changes in my skin's appearance so I won't be repurchasing. 

 

130) Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ (40ml) - One of my old faithful SPF moisturisers and a repeat purchase because of its high SPF and light, non-oily formula. 

 

 131) Dior Capture Totale Multi Perfection Concentrated Serum (3ml sample) - Another teaser from my little collection of Dior skincare samples this serum is meant to "intensely correct even the most deep-set visible signs of aging".  It's a light gel fluid, quickly absorbed and left my skin feeling refreshed.  Indulgent but tempting all the same. 

132) Dior Capture Totale Multi Perfection Crème (3ml sample) - As with the serum this is an anti-aging product. A very easily absorbed daily moisturiser with a lovely gentle scent.  A nice teaser as above!

133) La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid SPF 50+ (3ml sample) - This facial sunscreen is suitable for oily and acne prone skin so I expected it to be more matte than it was.  A good product in terms of its high protection factor but be warned:  more powdering of the T-zone is necessary!

 

 

Hand and body care

 

134) The Body Shop Vanilla Bliss Hand Cream (30ml/1.0 Fl.oz) - I loved this little tube of rich, almost edible scented hand cream a little too much because I used it up so quickly, applying it at every opportunity.  Just how yummy does it smell?  Well, the deliciously sugary vanilla scent was so irresistible that my work colleague had to buy a tube too! The 30ml tube is the perfect handbag size so I would definitely repurchase this for moisturising my hands on the go.

 

135) OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover (120 ml/4 Fl.oz) - This remover promises "superior performance" and, well, it works - I'd have to do some kind of comparison trial to tell exactly how much better this is than the original!  Even though it is slightly more expensive than the original formula I'll be sticking with this now that I've discovered it because I feel it does a better job of dissolving nail polish with less wiping or rubbing necessary. 

 

136) Garnier Bodytonic Sugar Scrub (200ml) - This scrub is a repurchase after a long break.  It does a reasonable job of exfoliating and I like the citrus scent as a morning wake me up and the ease of application from the tube.  Also being a sugar scrub means it's easily rinsed off and doesn't leave any pesky granules in the shower.  Not a bad drugstore option so I can see I'll buy it again when the mood strikes. 

 

Fragrance

 

137) Tom Ford Café Rose EDP (1.5ml/.05fl.oz) - I have collected quite a few TF sample vials and I've been stupidly torn between hoarding them and using them - the problem being, what if I love a particular scent? And then of course it'll be prohibitively expensive and I'll be pining over it because I've used it all up.  Oh well, I've decided I'm just going to use them and risk that broken heart.  Café Rose was one to break my heart a little because I enjoyed how it was clearly rose but with a distinctly spicy, incense slant. The top notes are saffron, black pepper and may rose; middle notes are Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose and coffee; base notes are incense, amber (the note I come back to again and again), sandalwood and patchouli.

 

138) Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir EDP (50 ml/1.7 fl.oz) - Okay so this one has broken my heart to finish largely because it was a gift from my husband.  I'm considering holding onto the bottle as a keepsake for that reason and for its elegance.  This fragrance was a bit of a sleeper for me - initially I felt it was too straightforward floral jasmine but there is also a slight woodiness about it which gives it that little bit of interest.  The notes are:  lily of the valley, sambac jasmine, musky nougatine, vibrant wood.

 

 

So that's it for November's empties.  I was considering a video post too but it's been a little too hectic around here to coordinate! 







August's farewelled products (2013 edition)

Continuing with my voracious beauty consumption (and helped along by travel sizes and samples) I finished a heck of a lot of products in August! I hope you're not in a rush to get through this post.  Seriously, I was thinking of just going through all of the products with a quick yay or nay this time...

 

Skin care

75) & 76) Sasatinnie Rose Makeup Remover Wipes for Sensitive Skin (10 wipes) - Simply because of the small number of wipes in the packs I got through two packs in August. I haven't changed my mind about these wipes since last month - I still love them for their gentle effective makeup removal, the lovely rose scent and they way they leave my skin feeling lightly moisturised afterwards.  I have two packs left but I'm alternating with another brand at the moment.

77) BE Fresh Make-Up Remover Wipes With Cucumber (25 wipes) - This pack of wipes was hanging around open from before my overseas vacay so I only had a few left to finish off.   BE is a Priceline Australia skincare brand and the wipes are the first products I've tried in the line.  They're alcohol free, contain aloe and do the expected gentle but effective job of removing my makeup.  They have a good texture and feel wet enough to do a thorough job.  There are a few other varieties in the line so I think I'll take a further look.

78) Cyber Colors Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (59ml/2oz.) - I bought two bottles of this little dual-phase remover from Sasa in Hong Kong.  It's yet another dual-phase remover in an endless selection of the same - these removers are all interchangeable which is fine because I love them as long as the price is right! Would I buy it again? Sure because it was inexpensive and performs with the same effectiveness as the other brands I've tried in removing all kinds of makeup, including waterproof.

79) Biore Release Steam Activated Cleanser (147ml) - I got this mint-infused, 'steam activated', oil-free cleansing gel free with a local magazine.  The invigorating (overpowering) menthol and the steam activated cleansing beads are supposed to deeply penetrate and scream CLEAN! skin in the daily shower.  It did a good job of waking my skin up in the morning but I did find it a little too fresh and nasal-clearing for me.  This would be a better choice for those with oilier skin (and less sensitive nasal passages) than mine.

80) Skinlite Cucumber Essence Mask - I'm just getting into sheet masks and this mask was the first I tried from my Hong Kong bundle.  I don't know that I can effectively rate these yet because I am such a newbie so I'm not sure what my expectations should be!  This mask was enriched with Vitamin E, Phyto Collagen, and Cucumber extract and promised to soften skin texture and relax taut and dry skin after 15 to 20 minutes of use.  I found the mask's serum felt a little tacky on the skin even after I patted it into my face but I did wake up with soft skin the next day! These masks are an inexpensive fun way for a little enforced relaxation and a little extra skin pampering.  Next mask please!

81) YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum (30ml/1 fl.oz) - A rare skincare indulgence for me these days! I figure serum and moisturisers are a good area to splurge on quality ingredients if I'm going to indulge so...  This serum was quite a watery formula so it absorbed well and made my skin feel instantly refreshed.  It claims to make skin look more luminous, smoother, firmer and more plump, reducing the appearance of wrinkles - everything this little middle-aged duck needs really!  It certainly did make my skin feel smooth and plumped so I'd probably buy this serum again when my wallet can justify it. 

82) L'Oreal White Perfect Laser Anti-Spot Brightening Essence (5ml) - I think skincare essences are an alternative to serums because they are applied under moisturiser.  In any case this is the first essence I've tried.  5mls went a long way and I got a week's worth of use out of the tiny sample tube.  It was enough to pique my interest too because I loved how smooth it made my skin feel and any whitening product takes more prolonged use to see real results in reducing pigmentation.  Trouble is the White Perfect Laser range isn't available in Australia! Online shopping here I go?...

83) Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil Lotion SPF30 (50ml) - I was using this as my everyday moisturiser/sunscreen overseas and whilst it was okay - and definitely effective as SPF protection - I don't know that it felt light enough for me as my skin did appear a little slick, more so than dewy.  At the drugstore pay point I prefer my good old Neutrogena which I've reverted to using at the moment.

84) Natio Ageless Firming Night Cream (45g/1.5oz) - I don't wear night cream every night so this tub lasted a very long time.  The goodies in it are Vitamin C, organic rosehip and evening primrose and it definitely did make my skin feel firmer without feeling greasy.  Natio is a super affordable natural skincare option I enjoy using so I wouldn't hesitate to buy more in future.

85) La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP Lipid Repleneshing Body Balm (7ml/0.2 fl.oz.) - I turned to a stash of samples in desperation when I had a winter flare-up of eczema on my neck and wrists.  I used five of these anti-scratching balm sachets and the thick unscented balm instantly soothed my prickly itchy skin.  I've now bought a massive full sized pump bottle of the stuff for skincare emergencies.  'Nuff' said.

86) La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care (5ml) - This is meant to soothe and relieve dry facial skin but, yup, I used five samples of this on my limbs too! Naughty me! Means I can't tell you what this feels like on the face but it certainly felt wonderful on my body.  Soothing and very well absorbed and left my skin feeling silky.  I'll infer from that it would probably feel good on my face too if I needed extra moisture!

87) Avon Anew Platinum Night Cream (1g) - I used this sample for a single application between jars of night cream.  I remember it made my skin feel velvety soft and absorbed well but I can't say anything beyond that.  It's targeted at the more mature market with its claims of restoring the look of sagging skin.  Maybe if my jowls start driving me to distraction I might just buy a jar to really road test it, hmm?

88) Benefit Triple Performing Sheer Oil-Free Facial Emulsion SPF 15 (sample) - This is triple performing because it "hydrates, protects and comforts..." the skin. I used this sample for a few days and really loved how it felt, and I also loved the non-greasy finish it left on my skin.  If only the SPF were higher I would snap this up for a summertime facial moisturizer.

Hand and body care

89) QV Flare Up Wash (150ml) - This is the second bottle I've finished recently as a hand wash. See my earlier empties review here.

 

90) Bandi Purity Nail Polish Remover (120ml) - I bought this Korean (Hello! It mentions Gangnam on the bottle!) green tea/jasmine scented polish remover from Bonjour in Hong Kong.  It did a good enough job of removing my nail polish, had a great spill-proof design, and I enjoyed the novelty of the scent! Gangnam style indeed!

 

91) Bath & BodyWorks Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel (59 ml/2 fl.oz.) - I was obsessed with this shower gel!  The vanilla scent was delicious without being overly sweet and the lather was so rich and soft.  Love it! LOVE IT!! If anyone wants to send me some more across the seas I will be eternally grateful - I'm already eternally grateful to Liz for introducing me to this shower delight!

 

92) OPI Avojuice Ginger Lily Hand & Body Lotion (30 ml/ 1 fl.oz.) - I've used these little bottles before and find the avocado oil formula to be incredibly moisturizing and well absorbed.  I used this as an overall body moisturizer.  The ginger lily scent was a little sweet for my taste but not overpowering.

 

93) OPI Avojuice Cran & Berry Hand & Body Lotion (30 ml/ 1 fl.oz.) - Ditto my last comment. Again the scent was a little sweet.

Hair care

 

 94) John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo (44 ml/1.5 fl.oz.) - I don't normally review shampoo and conditioner because I use the same salon line month in month out but these were free with a magazine and were going to transform my fine hair right?  I liked the colourless gel shampoo formula and this cleansed my hair without leaving it feeling matted as some more detergent-like shampoos can do.  Nice soft floral scent too.

 

95) John Frieda Luxurious Volume Conditioner (44 ml/1.5 fl.oz.) - This was a thick white cream conditioner which while rich, rinsed out well, and left my hair feeling conditioned without being weighed down or limp. 

96) John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blowout Spray (30ml) - I'm actually more keen on trying out John Frieda's Root Booster Blow-Dry Lotion from the Luxurious Volume line because it is meant to thicken the hair strands but this one was the freebie.  I sprayed a few pumps over towel-dried hair and combed it through.  I liked the lack of stickiness and it did keep my very relaxed blow-dry in place.  I'm not a huge one for elaborate styles (my emphasis is on drying more than styling!) so I still want to try the Root Booster just to get more volume and thickness out of my no-fuss hair. 

 

Cosmetics

 

97) Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick (240 Undressed) - I've raved about Rimmel's lipsticks before and Undressed is my perfect caramel-beige nude. The Lasting Finish lippies are very pigmented and long lasting and as a lipstick lover I highly recommend them.  Honestly, these lipsticks are such good value at under 10AUD! 

 

 



Fragrance

 

98) L'Occitane Voyage En Mediterranee - Labdanum (EDP 75ml) - I am so genuinely sad to have finished this LE fragrance.  Well - almost finished.  There's one or two applications left in the bottom of the bottle I can't quite get to.  I'm going to have my husband prise open the top of the bottle because I absolutely must have the last few drops. Notes: Citrus fruits and spices, Labdanum (a woody shrub with a warm amber scent), benzoin, vanilla.

 

99) Tom Ford Sahara Noir (EDP 5ml) - This is a strange one and I always knew it was going to polarize opinions.  I grew to like it but my husband strongly disliked the rather smoky scent.  I remember it was described as an ode to incense but it more closely reminds me of wood fire.  Top notes:  "Bitter orange, Levantine cypress and cistus essence Orpur®".  Middle notes:  "Frankincence essence Orpur®, cinnamon, cool papyrus extract, rose absolute from Morocco and Egyptian jasmin with honeyed and animalic shades of beeswax from Burma".  Base notes:  "Labdanum absolute and ambreinol (an intense natural labdanum fraction), cedar, frankincense resin, benzoin, vanilla, oud and balsams".

 



And that's all for this month folks!