Beauty Empties | January 2013

You may have already seen my special review post on perfumes I've 'emptied' recently, but as promised here are the other bits and bobs I've powered through in January.  Many of these have been hanging around my dressing table and bathroom cabinet for too long and I'm glad to see the back of them and create space for new exciting things!  

...Yes, I really do need to get out more.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Make Up Remover: Refreshing Oil-Free Cleansing Lotion - no repurchase 

I bought this off the back of a recommendation from Laura's (Lollipop26 now buynowbloglater) blog many moons ago and while it was an 'okay' make up remover it's definitely not an all rounder and didn't do very well with waterproof mascara, or any mascara for that matter despite the claims.  

There are so many other efficient all-in-one cleansers on the market now like hot cloth cream cleansers and very liquid solutions like Bioderma that you'd be better off investing in rather than having to use multiple products in your cleansing regime.  

However, if you don't tend to use eye make up and like the old lotion and a cotton pad routine, this is a nice option as it is refreshing and doesn't leave too much of a nasty residue, although you do get the urge to wash and/or tone afterwards.

L'Oreal Elvive Re-Nutrition Replenishing Masque - definite repurchase  

Elvive make many a hair masque, but none smell as delicious as their Re-Nutrition range.  

It's great for those days you feel your hair needs more than a standard bottle conditioner but you don't have the time to put in a Kerastase masque.  When I 'Kerastase' my hair I always leave it on at least 20 minutes 'cos that stuff ain't cheap and I want to make sure I get my money's worth!

Even if your hair doesn't need conditioning, just buy this for the heavenly scent!

Organic Surge Eye Gel* - no repurchase

I honestly can't remember if I got this free with a magazine or if it was sent to me, so I've included a disclosing little asterisk just in case.  It sat around for ages as I was never one to tend to eyecare in my morning routine, but the ravages of age kicked in and now I wouldn't dream of ditching my routine. 

I've moved over to using a more moisturising undereye cream in the morning but gel was a nice little introduction.  

It's refreshing and sinks in fast and was a treat for sleep-wearing eyes.  However at this stage in my life I really need something more anti-aging for that area and so won't be repurchasing.

No7 Protect & Protect Intense Beauty Serum - no repurchase

Note that this is the INTENSE serum.  

I absolutely adore the regular version of Protect & Perfect Serum and thought that the Intense one would ramp it's amazing properties up a notch.  It certainly does, but for once, my skin is too young for this product.

Every time I used it (and as you can see I carried onto the bitter end determined not be be defeated!) my skin felt overloaded and I woke up the next morning with the beginnings of spots. 

I am not spot prone at all which God is his almighty wisdom chose to spare me from, so if you are then this serum would go Rambo on your face.

Essentially this heavy serum is aimed at mature/parched skin - at least 45+ - so if you're under this, stick with the original version which is a few quid cheaper anyway.

Aussie Aussome Volume Shampoo - no repurchase

I'm a huge fan of their Miracle Moisture shampoo which is a treat for frazzled hair, but if used all the time translates into lank hair, for me anyway.

It's always handy to have a volumising shampoo around for days your hair feels like it needs a REALLY good clean.  Essentially what they do is strip out the product buildup, and some of your hair's natural oils in a bid to counteract lankness and therefore promote volume.

This Aussie shampoo did a good job and I did repurchase several times, but this will be my last bottle as I've since discovered Bumble & Bumble's Sunday Shampoo which is harsh but very good at removing buildup.  I have super greasy hair mind, so it might be too harsh for normal/dry hair types. 

I also wasn't keen on the scent of this Aussie shampoo, odd because their known for great smelling products. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel - no repurchase

This was part of a Clinique skincare set so I didn't feel massively let down when it didn't live up to it's claims.  Simply put, it didn't make my skin 'dramatically different'.

The major drawback is no SPF - in something designed to be your main daily facial skincare product, it's just not on.

I do have oily skin so the gel formula worked well and created a good base for applying foundation over, but I don't feel it brought any benefit to my skin.

Obviously this Clinique range is aimed at problem skin, so I can see where this lotion might be a good option for someone looking to get some moisture into their skin without overloading it and exacerbating break outs.

Nice to try as it's one of those raved about products, but I can't see a repurchase on the horizon.

Boots Teatree + Witchhazel Cleansing and Toning Lotion - maybe repurchase

I can't even tell you how long I've had this toner but let's just say it's been through a repackaging and doubled in price!

This toner isn't for the faint hearted.  It STRIPS yours skin.  But I'm such a greasey monkey I sometimes feel I need it.

I've been through the most extensive cleansing routine, been 100% sure every scrap of make up is removed and then swiped a bit of this on a cotton pad only to be horrified.  No pictorial evidence as there might be minors reading this!

If you like Clinique Clarifying Lotion which is equally as eye-watering harsh, it's a fab budget alternative.  

The more I think about it's amazing grime removing properties, the more I want a full bottle in my skincare arsenal again.  

Have you tried anything from this motley crew? Anything you would definitely repurchase?

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