Click and Make-Up Beauty Blog: Beauty Empties

Monday

Beauty Empties | December 2012

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black - definite repurchase

This is a phenomenal drugstore/bargain mascara, and it's finally come to UK shores. The wand reminds me of Lancome Hypnose and the formula is almost as dark and sooty as Make Up Forever Smoky Lash, without the price tags of either of these. It's a fantastic all-round mascara which I use for both day and night - thickening, lengthening and holds a curl pretty well. Next time you're in Boots or Superdrug, you have to give this one a go.

Original Source Vanilla and Raspberry Shower - maybe repurchase

I forgot how delicious this smells until the empty bottle out to review and now it's been upgraded from a 'no repurchase' to a definite 'maybe'. It's a real treat to use but I found I got through it very quickly, but you can always get these on offer so it's not too sore on the purse. It's very moisturising and I prefer it to their more zingy shower gel offerings.

**Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Repair Serum* - maybe repurchase**

This is a really nice everyday serum. I have a fuller review of this and the accompanying night cream coming up, but I got through this serum first as I found myself reaching for it every single morning. It sinks in quickly and provided a great base for make up if I didn't feel like waiting for a cream to sink in. Naughty I know as it doesn't have SPF in it, but in a rush it did the trick. The blueberry smell is fresh and comforting. I'm seriously thinking about picking this up again.

Garnier Body Summerbody Moisturising Lotion - Light Sunkissed Look - definite repurchase

As much I loved this self-tanner, it took me an age to get through it. That had more to do with the fact that I'm very lazy with applying it and rock the Twilight look more than I should. I've tried countless gradual tanners and this is by far the best budget option. It has a fresh fruity smell with only minimal biscuity whiffyness compared to all your Dove, Nivea, Johnson's, etc offerings. It sinks in extremely quickly, does a good job at moisturising, doesn't streak and gives a really natural tanned glow, even to my ginger skin which can end up looking orange. If you are a tanaholic and haven't tried this one yet, you must.

YSL Touche Eclat - maybe repurchase

I don't even want to admit to you how long I've had this radiance wand, but between you and me, it began 'not smelling right'. That has more to do with me 'saving' it for special occasions rather than the longevity of the whopping 2.5mls of radiant liquid. Since it joined my collection there have been so many other dupes coming onto the market - Sleek MakeUP, Aldi, L'Oreal, Collection 2000 to name a few really budget versions. These give me pretty much the same effect as Touche Eclat. I can only see myself repurchasing this to have a pretty gold wand in my handbag make up bag for touch ups, which has more to do with style than substance.

**Yes to Cucumbers Daily Gentle Facial Cleanser* - maybe repurchase**

This was one of the nicest facial washes I used last here. For a full review click here. It smells divine - not as fresh as you would expect from a cucumber product but quite perfumed. This may be an issue for those with sensitive skin. Although it lathers up very well, it left my skin cleansed and soft, not tight. A really nice product which I'd definitely repurchase, particularly if it was easier to come by on the high street.

The Body Shop Banana Shampoo - definite repurchase

This is an old classic which I think was revived by The Body Shop, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, I'm glad it's back. I would compare it to Aussie Moisture Miracle Shampoo, both in scent, lathering and hair cleansing properties. I use Aussie so much I was getting a little bored and I think it's good to switch up your shampoo every so often - my hair is very oily and gets used to shampoos so quickly. The Body Shop Banana Shampoo smells lovely, evokes memories and does a good job of cleaning hair without stripping it, and leaving it shiny and easy to comb through.

I will be doing this 'Empties' series on a monthly basis. It seemed like whole months passed in 2012 without me finishing so much as one product. I'm not very loyal to products and flit between different skincare, makeup, hair products daily, but in 2013 I am going to be much more focused getting through my stash and I'll let you know each month how I get on. I did pretty well in December, with no 'no repurchases' come across, but I'm sure there'll be some in the future.