Time for a little round up this week of
what cleansers are currently on my bathroom shelf (aka the windowsill). It been
quite a few months since my last one where I had quite a lot and I have just
added a new one in this week too so that’s not here as I obviously need to use
it more but this is what’s been on rotation for the last few months!
safe to say mine doesn't look like this anymore!
I usually don’t include the same
cleansers from previous posts in the same series but I love this one so much it
gets another mention! The Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm RRP £47 is
probably one of my favourite cleansers of all time! I much prefer it as a
winter first cleanse than in summer though as it melts in the pot so much hence
why it’s still kicking about! Now it’s a bit cooler again this won’t last much
longer I’m sure! It’s a luxurious balm and it works beautifully to remove
makeup. I love the moringa scent and it really makes cleansing an experience! My
skin always feels clean, soft and hydrated after use and Look Fantastic always
have it on offer so I’ve never actually paid full price for it! I also talked about it more in this post!
Next up, the Venn Moisture-Balance All-in-One Face Cleanser* RRP £55 (via Face the Future) and let me tell you, this really does
what it says on the tin! It is the most gorgeous gel/oil/milk hybrid and
perfect for both a first cleanse as it easily removes makeup but I also love
using it as a second or morning cleanse as it’s so hydrating and doesn’t leave
behind a film! It contains niacinamide, panthenol, centella asiatica and PHA
and fruit enzymes to name a few ingredients so is gently exfoliating as well as
hydrating. I rub onto dry skin then add water to emulsify and either remove
makeup with a wash cloth or rinse of if using as a second/morning cleanse! Pricey
but it’s love and I want to try more from this K Beauty brand now!
Technically, this one is finished as it
featured in my last empties post but I also technically meant to have this post
up sooner than this so it’s here haha. The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser* RRP £10.99wasa staple for me all through the
summer as a second/morning cleanse and left my skin feeling soft and looking
more even. As well as fulvic acid to exfoliate, it has Kakadu plum extract
which contains Vitamin C to boost radiance, liquorice root to help deal with
hyperpigmentation and aloe vera to soothe skin. My skin always looks fresh and
bright after rinsing, it doesn’t feel dry or tight and it’s ready for my next
steps. The texture looks like it might be gritty but that isn’t the case at
all, it’s smooth! Can’t recommend this enough if you are looking for a budget
cleanser with brightening properties! Read more here!
Onto my minis now and the Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser RRP £12.50 (for full size) was on my radar
as I loved the OG hydrating cleanser so much (read more here). While I like
this, it isn’t a patch on the original for me! They both contain ceramides and
hyaluronic acid but I have to say I do prefer the non-foaming formula of the
hydrating cleanser and I think overall for me it feels more hydrating! Nice to
try the cream to foam but I will stick with the hydrating in the future!
The Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser RRP £15.50 (full size) is a long term favourite of mine
though it’s been quite a while since I’ve had it! I had a couple of little
overnight trips recently so finally opened this as it had been in my stash for
a while and I was reminded what a gem it is! A cream cleanser that smells of eucalyptus
– one of my favourite scents – it feels instantly relaxing and removes makeup
beautifully! It’s much more lightweight than say the Emma Hardie but still
manages to feel luxurious too!
A lightweight gel that lathers without
drying my skin out and makes my skin feel clean and not stripped at all. I love
this as a second or morning cleanse and it leaves my skin feeling calm and hydrated,
perfect for my next skincare steps and makeup. Read more here!
So that’s what’s currently open in my
collection! Let me know if you have tried any of these and what you thought of
them!
I’m back in a much more timely fashion
with my empties this time which I am super happy about! It’s only been about a
month since my last batch whereas I feel like the rest of this year it’s been
every two months which quite long for me! Anyway, onto the mini reviews!
Bodycare
Nivea Firming Body Lotion with Q10 and
Vitamin C
I’m a big fan of Nivea but I hadn’t tried
this one before, it has a lovely, lightweight, fresh scent and sinks in
quickly. It kept my skin hydrated and it’s difficult to say if it did a lot for
firming and fine lines but I will say that I really enjoyed it and will
repurchase in the future! Always on offer and super affordable too!
Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse Dark*
Really liked this tan from Bali Body! It
applies easily and has a guide colour so you can see if you have missed any
bits. It develops overnight into a very natural looking tan and doesn’t feel
drying at all. Smells pretty fresh for a tan too and wears off evenly. I
sometimes apply two coats as I like my tan to be quite dark so I would
repurchase the Ultra Dark version next time!
Bali Body Self Tan Eraser*
I do think products like this are a bit
of a novelty but saying that, this did work well to remove tan after leaving on
skin for 5 minutes (along with a mitt). The pump broke on this with about 2/3
of the product left so I struggled getting the product out and to be honest, I
wouldn’t repurchase when I can just use a cheaper scrub or body wash as I need
to use a mitt with this anyway! Full review of both the tan and eraser here!
Pixi Rose Body Cleanser*
This has a different consistency to most
other shower gels/creams as it doesn’t lather and it really does feel like rubbing
a balm in. It leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated and the scent is
lightweight and doesn’t linger. Not a repurchase as I have other products I
prefer!
Pixi Rose Body Balm*
Lovely, lightweight formula that sinks in
easily and doesn’t smell too strong. Keeps my skin feeling soft and hydrated
but again not a repurchase as I have other body moisturisers I prefer that are
more affordable! Full review of both Pixi products here!
Nursem Caring Hand Cream
Love how this brand gives a month’s worth
of product to nursing and midwifery staff when you buy a product! Kept my hands
soothe and soft but I am not a fan of the citrus/grapefruit scent so I hope
they bring out more scents! My mum on the other hand loved it haha so I would
repurchase for her!
Skincare
Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine
Meltaway Cleanser
This is a lovely creamy cleanser that almost
feels like rubbing a moisturiser over makeup but removes it with ease. It’s
also got an enjoyable sweet marshmallow scent that adds to the experience and I
love the bright blue packaging! My skin feels plump and hydrated after using
and while I like this I don’t love it so probably won’t repurchase as its
pretty pricey! Full review here!
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water*
Fully get the hype with this one - the formula is so gentle and I was shocked at
how much makeup it removed! It leaves no residue or film behind either! It
struggles a little removing mascara but I don’t find it an issue as I go in
with the Nivea eye makeup remover for that. Will repurchase. Full review here!
Scientia Peachy Clean Milky Oil Cleanser*
This is a nice little milk to oil hybrid
cleanser that I found myself using more as a second cleanse as it’s so
lightweight though it’s fine for a first cleanse too! It feels nourishing and
removes dirt, makeup and impurities whilst softening, hydrating and soothing
skin. Would maybe pick this up on offer again but not a repurchase for now.
Full review of Scientia Beauty here!
The Inkey List Symbright Moisturiser*
I think this is a good one for
normal/oily skinned people as it’s quite lightweight. It contains symbright
produced through clary sage to brighten and Kakadu plum extract again to
increase radiance and luminosity. It sits well under makeup and I tended to
only use this in the AM as I prefer heavier creams and oils at night. I did
find depending on what other skincare I was using with it I had to work harder
to rub it in (almost like SPF) so this isn’t a repurchase for me as I have
other moisturisers I prefer! Good one if it suits your skin type and you are
looking for an affordable option though! Full review here!
Cerave PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
Another lightweight moisturiser! This
time for the PM and it contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so
though lightweight, it’s still nourishing. I think this would be perfect for
summer in particular and I used most of it while I was on Accutane by mixing it
with oil to give it a little extra boost. Love the airless pump too! Would
repurchase and I have a full review here!
NIOD Survival 0
A nightly antioxidant, reparative serum
targeting damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution, smog and
blue light. I have noticed my skin tone is healthier overall after using this
and it also feels hydrating (includes glycerin and squalane) and layers well
with other skincare! Will repurchase!
NIOD Modulating Glucosides
Lovely serum that supports the skin
barrier and targets sensitive, irritated skin encouraging a calmer complexion. It
is so comforting and if you struggle with sensitivity you need to try this! Another one I will repurchase and I have a full review of both NIOD products here!
Balance Me Pre and Probiotic Cleansing
Milk*
Really enjoyed this mini, it felt gentle
and hydrating and was perfect as a morning or second cleanse for me! Price is
pretty good too at £20 for a 180ml full size so would be one I will repurchase
in the future!
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream
Really enjoyed this mini, the cream was quite
thick but it didn’t feel greasy at all and sat well under makeup hydrating my
fine lines. A little on the pricey side but would consider a repurchase in the
future!
Milk Vegan Milk Moisturiser
Another thick one but this did feel a tad
greasy to me. Sat well under makeup like the IT Cosmetics but nothing to make
me want to repurchase!
Haircare
Soap and Glory The Rushower Dry Shampoo
Been through a few of these now and it’s
a nice enough dry shampoo that gives me an extra day out of greasy hair and I
enjoy the scent. Might repurchase in the future but there are others I prefer.
Bleach London Reincarnation Mask
Really nice budget hair mask that left my
hair feeling soft and smooth. I do have others I prefer but would repurchase
again as its such a good price.
Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask
Speaking of hair masks I prefer, I love
this one! It contains jojoba oil and leaves my hair soft and manageable as well
as hydrated, shiny and healthy looking! It's concentrated so a little goes a
long way and it smells like coconuts. I leave it on for as long as possible and
my hair seems to drink it up! If your ends are as parched as mine are you need
to try this, they will thank you for it! Full review here and I will repurchase
once I finish off a few more masks!
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating
Scalp Treatment
Didn’t see any difference with this unfortunately!
Not a repurchase for me.
Miscellanous
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
I can’t say I have massive trouble sleeping
normally but this is a pleasant relaxing scent! Currently using a more
affordable one so this isn’t a repurchase for me!
Barry M Lip Scrub
Love this, cheaper than its Lush counterpart
and does just as good a job as keeping my lips dead skin free! Have already
repurchased!
So that’s it for today’s empties! I am
very close to finishing a couple of foundations and lip balms but they have a
couple more uses in them so I didn’t want to cheat! Really happy with my
progress and hopefully I have another post this time next month too! Do you see any of your favourites here?
I’m back with another empties today and I
am much more pleased with my progress this time around! I feel like over the
last couple of weeks everything has seemed to finish around the same time and I
also have some almost empties almost ready so hopefully my next post
won’t be so far away!
Haircare
Schwarzkopf got2b Dry Shampoo
I always enjoy these offerings from
Schwarzkopf! They smell good, leave no white cast or residue and let me get an extra
day out of greasy hair. Have already repurchased and am using the blue version!
I cannot rate this enough – it’s a leave
in, heat protectant treatment that doesn’t weigh my hair down at all, it
strengthens brittle hair and leaves it feeling soft and healthy! My split ends
are a lot less noticeable when I use this and I have already repurchased the
full size! It also featured in my best beauty discoveries of 2020!
Bodycare
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Wash
I was lucky enough to get this and the
cream on prescription throughout my course of Accutane. I didn’t repeat the
prescription of this as the bottle was huge and to be honest while I found it
gentle, I preferred my Bioderma shower oil which I will talk about later! Not a
repurchase for me as I generally prefer scented shower gels!
Aveeno Moisturising Cream
This has worked great for me during
Accutane, it hydrates my skin all day long and sinks in quickly! I have a
smaller back up that my aunt got me for Christmas but for now I have moved onto
some other moisturisers in my stash as to be honest, even though I like it, I
am bored of this one - unscented! Full review of the body wash and cream in my
Month Three Accutane diary here!
Obsessed with this, It feels luxurious,
not greasy at all, and creates a mild lather. My skin always felt soft and
nourished after using and this bottle lasted an age as a little goes a long
way. I have a tendency to get dry patches on my legs and this, coupled with
moisturiser, kept those at bay! It’s very lightly fragranced but no scent
lingers and I will be repurchasing once I get through some of my stash in time
for winter again! Full review of it and some other Bioderma products here!
Soap and Glory The Scrub of Your Life
I always enjoy this, Pulp Friction is my favourite
as it lathers more but I prefer the scent of this one. Perfect for getting tan
off and I usually use with an exfoliation mitt! I have two backups of this from
gift sets over the years so no need to repurchase. To be honest, by the time I
do have to repurchase it Soap and Glory will have probably discontinued it like
they did with Pulp Friction and several of my other S&G faves *upside down
smiley face*
Really like this, it’s a lovely,
lightweight cream that sinks in quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind! It’s
very lightly scented and perfect for moisturising my hands after copious
amounts of hand sanitizer while really helping some eczema patches on the back
of my hands! Would repurchase!
This is absolutely beautiful and I loved
the roller ball applicator! The oil is so lightweight and I wake up to soft,
supple skin. The bergamot and neroli scent is gorgeous and not overpowering at
all! The full size is pricey at £49 but I would repurchase this as I loved it!
Skincare
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
A super simple second/morning cleanser
that I absolutely get the hype with! It’s so gentle and hydrating and I talked
about it more in my best skincare discoveries of 2020! Will repurchase!
I’ll hold my hands up on this one and say
it’s out of date but I couldn’t bear to throw it out without finishing it up!
It smells the same and the formulation is the same but I have been using it on
days I am staying in the house as I know the SPF rating has probably declined
because I have had it so long. I absolutely loved this, it rubs in so easily
leaving no whitecast and works so well under makeup too! I used this all summer
long when I got it and was travelling in America and Canada and it protected my
face so well. It’s expensive at £53 and in hindsight I could use a smaller tube
as I found it difficult to get it all used up as I have other SPF’s
to use too (this is a generous 91g). Anyway the smell makes me so nostalgic now
and I would repurchase tomorrow but I need to use up other said SPF’s first!
See it in this post too!
Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream
Another staple in my skincare collection.
This feels like more of a balm than a standard moisturising cream but never
leaves my skin feeling greasy. It’s packed full of ceramides and hyaluronic
acid and locks hydration in all day. It also sits really well under makeup, I
never have to bother with primer when I use this! The tube lasts forever and is
worth the price, have already repurchased! Full review here in this five things I’m loving post!
January Labs Restorative Tonic Mist
I AM DEVATATED THIS IS FINISHED. This has
been a staple in my skincare routine for the last five years and I have lost
count of how many bottles I have used up! It’s refreshing, hydrating and really
helps with blemishes! Cult Beauty have stopped stocking this and there are no
other UK sellers and I don’t fancy the customs charge so I won’t be
repurchasing right now but if you have access to it, get it! Full review here!
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
I absolutely loved this cleanser! It is
hydrating, makes quick work of removing makeup, turning from a cream to a
lightweight oil and is so affordable! Will repurchase the jumbo size once I
have finished up a few more cleansers! Read more about it in my current cleansers post!
This worked really well for me while on
Roaccutane, it feels lightweight but was hydrating enough for me while my skin
was dried out and worked well under makeup! Its designed especially for people
whose skin has been dried out due to dermatological treatments so this won’t be
a repurchase for me right now as I have finished my course! Full review here!
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This is the second bottle of this I have
been through now and I really like it! It’s a lightweight, watery serum that
feels cooling and instantly refreshes my under eye area, reducing puffiness and
dark circles. Will repurchase. Full review in this best budget skincare post!
Pixi Jasmine Oil Blend
I hate the smell of this so much I gave
up using it on my face and finished it on my body. I must have an aversion to jasmine
as I don’t love the scent of the limited edition elasticizer I talked about a
couple of weeks ago either! Anyway, it felt like a thick nourishing oil but
this definitely won’t be a repurchase for me!
Loved this! It hydrated and brightened my
undereye and contains ingredients to slow the appearance of aging! I loved
using it especially in the morning as it’s so cooling and helped with
puffiness! I also love the fun, bright packaging! Will repurchase! Full review in this favourites post!
Lanolips 101 Ointment
One of the most nourishing and longlasting
lip balms I have tried! This was a godsend while, you guessed it, on Roaccutane,
and really helped with my chapped lips leaving me with smooth, flake free lips!
Already repurchased and I also talked about it more in this Lanolips focus
post!
Makeup
Revlon ColourStay Foundation
I switched from my usual oily/combo
formula to the dry version and I have to say it just doesn’t quite hit the same! It
still offers full coverage, I just find it doesn’t last as well as I am used to
and I found better foundations to use while my skin was drier (read about my faves here). Won’t repurchase this but will get my oily/combo version in the
future again!
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder
Another favourite and one I have lost
count of how many I have gone through. It mattifies my skin without
drying it out or messing with my foundation, adds subtle extra coverage and a
pot lasts ages! Well worth its price tag but always worth shopping around for
an offer and I already have a backup! Longer review here!
Becca Backlight Priming Filter
This has been a constant in my makeup
collection for the last few years and I love it! I mix to my foundation to add
glow (not glitter) and blur imperfections. I am so sad about Becca ceasing
production and I already had a full size back up of this before they announced
it but I am tempted to pick up another one! Full review in this forever repurchased post here!
IT Cosmetics Brow Power
I am so glad this is finished! Don’t get
me wrong, it’s a great product, the colour match is perfect despite the fact
it's universal taupe (one shade fits all) but this just lasted so bloody long I
got bored and I prefer a thin nib wheras this is oval and thicker. Not a
repurchase for me!
GlamGlow Plumprageous Matte Lip Treatment
This was a lightweight matte “gloss”, not
sticky and had a pleasing mint scent. It tingled a bit but I didn’t notice any
discernible plumping! The packaging is fun but I wasn’t wowed by this and it didn’t
last long on my lips. Not a repurchase for me!
Miscellaneous
Cuticura Hand Sanitiser
Glad this one is finished too, not the
most drying I have tried but not the most hydrating either and I found the
little “pearls” in it didn’t always burst and get absorbed. Won’t repurchase!
Congratulations if you made it to the
end! Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you thought!
