Now, I might have said summer
moisturisers but honestly these five are great all year round, it just happens
to be the end of summer! I'll also preface this by saying my skin is combo/oily!
The Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream
RRP £45 for 50ml* is a creamy but lightweight moisturiser and acts as a
great base for my makeup as well as hydrating my skin throughout the day but also
works well overnight! It is patented with Active Hydramesh Technology to give
skin 48 hour’s worth of hydration and also protects against environmental
stressors. I haven’t gone a full 48 hours without doing my skincare routine but
the biggest indicator this works for me is how plump my skin still looks after
a full day of work and activities! Full review here!
Sticking with Dermalogica and their Biolumin-C
Gel Moisturizer RRP £65* became a firm favourite last summer! It’s a
lightweight gel moisturiser and my skin looks instantly brighter when I use it.
As well as Vitamin C, it contains five types of hyaluronic acid and squalane so
keeps my skin hydrated, barrier protected and leaves a glowy finish! I love
using this in the morning as my makeup sits so well underneath and it’s got a
subtle citrusy scent that doesn’t last on the skin! Love this formula and it’s
become one of my favourite Dermalogica products! Full review here!
Something a little more budget friendly this
time but equally as good is The Inkey List Omega Water Cream RRP $14.99*. Out
of the Inkey List moisturisers I have tried this is by far my favourite they
have! It’s a water-based gel that contains three omegas to help prevent water
loss as well as glycerin to hydrate and niacinamide to control oil and brighten
skin. It sinks in quickly and works well under makeup and leaves my skin feeling
hydrated all day long! Full review here!
Next up, the Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel RRP £65* is another favourite. It’s oil-free, lightweight and
instantly hydrates, plumps and locks in moisture. It’s made up of five vitamins
(B3, 5, 6, 9 and E), five minerals (silicon, iron, zinc, copper and magnesium)
and five peptides to smooth skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve
tone and texture and restore the skins barrier. A little goes a long way with
this one and like it promises, my skin feels and looks plump, smooth and
hydrated, fine lines are less visible and it provides a lovely base for makeup,
working well SPF as well! Full review here!
Lastly, probably my most repurchased moisturiser
ever, the Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream RRP $65! This one feels like more of a
balm than a standard moisturising cream but never leaves my skin feeling
greasy. It’s packed full of five different ceramides, glycerin and panthenol and
locks hydration in all day. It sits well under makeup and a tube lasts a long
time taking me right into the winter season where it works just as well for my
skin! It’s both lightweight enough for daytime but also rich enough for overnight
and my skin drinks this stuff up and I always go back to it! It’s hydrating,
soothing and restoring! A must have! Full review here!
I seem to be back on a roll with finishing
my products so long may it continue! I would say something else like long time
no see, but, I feel like every blog post I write recently says that so I am
just accepting the sporadic inspiration to post!
Bodycare
Vaseline Dry Skin Repair
Love this, smells to fresh and clean and
moisturises my body well. I got a jumbo pack in Costco so I have another one to
get through, but I will repurchase in the future as well!
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream
One of my faves! Smells amazing and makes
my skin so soft and smooth! Already have a back up!
Lush Snow Fairy
A yearly treat to myself and this lasts a
long time! I love the scent but I know it’s very sweet and sickly to others but
I will repurchase at Christmas again!
Nivea Smooth Hands & Nail Care
Love this hand cream, very lightly
scented and sinks in straight away leaving my hands smooth and hydrated! Will
repurchase!
Haircare
TRESemme Volume Clean Dry Shampoo
Works really well to give me an extra day
out of my hair on a budget! Already repurchased!
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Works really well to give me 2-3 days
extra out of my hair! As well as volume and a bit more life. It’s a bit pricier
but worth it in my opinion! Full review here! Already repurchased!
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder
Enjoyed this but a bit of a faff so I’ve
had it for ages. Worked well to add some volume into my hair but I usually used
it alongside a normal dry shampoo as it’s a powder and I didn’t want to put it
on my main parting! Not a repurchase!
Skincare
CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Love this! Works well to smooth my skin
but I use it mostly as a spray on the backs of my arms as it helps KP and makes
my arms t-shirt ready for summer! Full review here! Will repurchase!
Nivea Express Eye Makeup Remover
A constant in my empties, this stuff is
incredible at removing waterproof eye makeup and I can’t be without it! I have
4 backups in my stash as my mum recently came to visit and it’s a lot cheaper
in the UK! Full review here! Forever repurchased!
EVY Daily Defence Face Mousse SPF 50
Really enjoyed this though I found it
quite messy even when I rubbed it in my hands before spreading on my face like
the brand said! I’ll forgive it though as it sinks in quickly, doesn’t dry out
my skin and sits so well under makeup while protecting my skin! Will repurchase
in the future!
Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream
Another long term fave! This is possibly
my favourite moisturiser as it’s so nourishing and hydrating yet lightweight
enough for during the day! It sits perfectly under makeup and is a staple in my
skincare stash! Full review here! Already repurchased!
Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
I was pleasantly surprised by this after
initially finding it a bit boring/basic! It’s a lovely creamy overnight
moisturiser that contains shea butter, squalane, panthenol and glycerin and it feels
rich and soothing and nourishes my skin leaving it plump the next morning! Will
repurchase when I finish a few other overnight moisturisers!
Biotherm Cera Repair Barrier Cream*
Loved this for daytime use as it sat so
well under makeup. It contains Biotherm’s famous life plankton to trigger skin’s
self-regeneration as well as bioceramides to strengthen and repair the skins
barrier. My skin felt soft and soothed and even though it feels like a thick formula
it sinks in straight away and I found I wasn’t getting flaky around my nose by
midday like with some other moisturisers! The only negative for me was that I went
through it so quickly as this was a 30ml and it’s on the pricier side! Would repurchase
on offer!
Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel*
Another great moisturiser, this one feels
more lightweight so I saved it for summer! It’s made up of vitamins and minerals
(silicon, iron, zinc, copper and magnesium) and peptides to smooth skin, reduce
the appearance of fine lines, improve tone and texture and restore the skins
barrier. A little goes a long way with this one and like it promises, my skin
feels and looks plump, smooth and hydrated, fine lines are less visible and it
provides a lovely base for makeup, working well with any SPF I put over top! Full review here! Would repurchase on offer!
NIOD Survival 0*
This one needs no introduction and I have
featured it a few times on the blog over the years! It’s an antioxidant,
reparative serum targeting damage caused by environmental stressors like
pollution, smog and blue light. The formula is lightweight, and it’s an orange-y
colour that absorbs easily and has a faint herbal scent (I use at night).
Overtime, this reduces photo damage and I have noticed my skin tone is
healthier overall. It also feels hydrating (includes glycerin and squalane) and
layers well with other skincare! Already have a back up! Full review here!
Theramid Derma-Peptides*
A trio of Niche Beauty Lab must haves
next, starting with the Derma-Peptides! This is a multi-peptide serum
containing a mix of Matrixyl’s and bio peptides to improve visual signs of
aging, boost collagen and elastin, reduce fine lines and encourage smoother
looking skin. The results are subtle but very much worth adding to your
routine, I think peptides are so underrated! My skin feels smooth and supported
with consistent use! Would repurchase!
Theramid Ceramide Treatment*
My go to on retinal nights as this contains
ceramide, ectoin and cica and keeps my barrier supported! It’s a thick serum
that feels more like a lightweight moisturiser and it works so well to keep my
skin hydrated and protected. I absolutely love this product, and if you ever
suffer from a compromised skin barrier, it's a must-have.
Transparent Lab Protect + Correct Serum*
This is an antioxidant serum containing
Vitamin A, C, E, Ferulic Acid and Resveratrol. It aims to improve the overall
appearance of the skin while helping to prevent the appearance of new wrinkles.
I am a big fan of antioxidants and while you can’t always see their effects
straight away, I am confident they are working in the background and protecting
my skin! With consistent use my skin looks and feels more even! Would repurchase!
Full review of all three products plus one I haven’t finished yet here!
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
This was a lovely creamy moisturiser I used
during the day as it sank in so well and didn’t cause pilling with my SPF. I
find Tatcha on the pricy side so not a repurchase for me but I do have another mini
of this to enjoy!
Barry M Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Loved this! I am gutted as I think they have
discontinued their lip scrubs or at least in the flavours I liked but this was
so affordable and “scrubby” yet gentle so perfect for me to exfoliate my lips
with every day! Would repurchase!
Institute Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic
Nice but such a tiny sample I can’t say
much! Not a repurchase!
Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer
This is the second one of these I have
been through and I love it! So hydrating and smoothing on my lips, leaving them
glossy and nourished for a long time. Will repurchase!
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
My go to affordable lip balm! Hydrated
and smoothing and so handy to have in my pocket or bag! Already repurchased!
Clarins Lip Oil in Honey
Love this, so glossy and hydrating! I have
found it’s not as long lasting on my lips in Canada as it’s so dry where I live
compared to when I first tried it at home but I still love it even though I
have to reapply more often! Would repurchase but I already have a full size to get
through! Full review here!
Dr Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel
Love these! So smoothing yet hydrating and
they really help even my skin tone and make it look more radiant! Again, a
little pricey so not a repurchase for me when I have other products that do a
similar job but I love when I get these as samples!
Makeup
Revlon Colourstay Foundation for
Oily/Combo skin in Buff
My favourite drugstore foundation! Full
coverage and long lasting, I have a full review here! Already repurchased!
Miscellaneous
Purely Inspired Collagen Peptides x3
Affordable and effective, I love these
for helping my joints and I hope they make my skin look better too!
Yay! You made it to the end! Let me know if
you have tried any of the products I’ve mentioned and what you thought!
It’s just over two months since my last empties post so slower progress than I would have liked but let’s get into the
mini reviews!
Haircare
OUAI Super Dry Shampoo
I really dragged this out as it’s more
expensive than I usually go for, but I loved this! Gave me an extra day out of greasy
hair, no residue, added volume and smells incredible – also has my favourite
Melrose Place scent! Would repurchase on a good offer.
Olaplex No.3
A staple in my haircare routine, I love this,
and you can read more here! My hair feels stronger and it’s harder for me to
find split ends after use/between haircuts. Already repurchased and using the
supersize version!
Sol de Janeiro Hair Repair Treatment
I love SDJ’s body care offerings and I
love this mask too! It smells the same as the body cream and looks the same too
so be careful you don’t mix them up! This is thick and creamy but isn’t hard to
wash out and makes my hair so soft and swishy and the smell lingers too!
Already have a backup along with the shampoo and conditioner to try from a
Christmas set!
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair
Density
I love this! I notice much less hair fall
when I use it consistently so hopefully that is contributing to my hair looking
thicker! While you can definitely tell there is something on your scalp it
doesn’t necessarily look greasy but at the same time, I am glad I have been
working from home and can get away a few extra days not washing! 100% worth a
try if you suffer hair loss or thinning hair as it’s so affordable! Will
repurchase and spoke about it more here!
Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath and Pure
Inspiration Conditioner
Loved the orange scent and these felt
super gentle, but nothing compares to my OUAI shampoo and conditioner so not a
repurchase for me!
Virtue 6-in-1 Styler
Another one I really enjoyed the scent
of! This is lightweight so worked well for me on dry hair when I wanted to tame
frizz without weighing my hair down! Would repurchase but I just have too much
haircare right now!
Skincare
Huxley Secret of Sahara Sleep Mask
This is a beautiful, cooling, gel like
formula that contains Pricky pear seed oil, hyaluronic acid and centella
asiatica. For an overnight mask, it feels super lightweight and absorbs
quickly! I initially thought this wouldn't be hydrating enough but I was wrong! My skin feels nourished, and I wake
up with calm, hydrated, smooth and plump skin! Full review here and I will repurchase in the future!
Mario Badescu Facial Spray
I’ve lost count how many bottles I’ve
went through of this and it’s great to have by my desk throughout the day which
is how I use it as opposed to a skincare step. I actually have a large bottle
of this in my back up stash but to be honest I am sick of it so will use up
some of my other mists before opening! Read more here!
Gutted to be finished this serum as I
absolutely loved it! It hydrates, firms, brightens and soothes depending on
what you skin needs. It contains glycerin and niacinamide and instantly calms
skin and makes it feel soft and supported! What I don’t love is the price haha
at £129 it ain’t cheap and right now I can’t justify repurchasing but in the
future I definitely will! More on this serum here!
A quick google tells me this has been
discontinued now which I was surprised by! This was a nice lightweight, calming
oil with futuristic packaging (you push the bottom to dispense!) I generally
prefer my oils to be fattier so this wouldn’t have been a repurchase for me!
I first started using this serum prior to
going on Roaccutane and my skin was so bad nothing was really working for me
unfortunately! My skin has been clear since coming off it so I used this up on
my neck and chest and overall it’s a nice gentle serum that doesn’t dry the
skin out but does help with recovery time. Not a repurchase for me but you can
read more here!
Really enjoyed this cream and surprised
myself by getting through it so quickly (for me!). It’s a hydrating gel-cream that
locks in moisture, smooths and targets fine lines and prevents dehydration. It
felt cooling and soothing and was my go-to night cream. I woke up to plump,
hydrated skin and I loved the subtle marshmallow-y scent! This formula didn’t
work for me during the day as it caused pilling but for night-time it was
lovely and I love the packaging too! Not a repurchase for me right now but
would consider in the future! Read my full review here!
Fenty Skin Fat Water
Really enjoyed this mini, my skin looked
more even, and it reduced my oiliness. I loved the texture as it’s a hybrid
toner/serum and I just patted in with my palms so perfect for travelling and I
plan to pick up the full size in the future!
Origins Mega Mushroom Relief &
Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion
I’ve been through quite a lot of minis of
this too and it lasts forever! It’s a watery formula and feels calming on the
skin and helps with redness while hydrating. Will repurchase in the future!
Emma Hardie Protect and Prime SPF 30
I wasn’t expecting to love this one as
much as I did but it’s amazing! It’s a creamy formula but ribs in easily
leaving no white cast and a lovely glow behind! It sits so well under makeup
and doesn’t pill with other products and the only thing that could make it
better would be if it was SPF 50! I took this on a trip to Prague with me and
my skin felt protected, and my makeup looked really good over the top if I do
say so myself! Will repurchase in the future once I get through a few other
SPF’s!
Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream
Another favourite and long-term staple in
my skincare stash! This contains five ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and it
manages to be both lightweight (so perfect under makeup) as well as rich enough
for overnight! My skin drinks this up and I always go back to it! It’s
hydrating, soothing and restoring and you need to try it! I also took this with
me on my trip but I already have a full size back up! Read more about it here!
Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum
I’ve been through few minis of these now,
but I think because it’s so small I never get the full benefit of the dark spot
correction! I know so many people are a fan of this so I might need the bite
the bullet and buy a full size at some point as the consistency etc is lovely! Might
repurchase!
Farmacy Green Clean cleanser
Really nice cleanser, not quite as luxurious
as something like the Emma Hardie Moringa balm but this works well to break
down makeup! Would repurchase!
Bodycare
Nivea Body Moisturising Mousse
I actually thought this was a shower
mousse not a moisturiser when I first got it! It’s a really fun texture, has my
favourite Nivea scent and felt moisturising even though it’s not as thick as
their usual creams. I felt I did get through it quite quickly though so would
probably repurchase their standard creams over this again!
Everyone should have a product like this
in their stash! Perfect for sensitive or eczema prone skin and it works a treat
on random dry patches I get on my legs! It’s soothing and lasts overnight,
keeping the area moisturised and stopping me from itching! As well as on the
body this can be used on your face and its really lightweight but powerful! Can’t
recommend enough if you need a do it all body/face cream for any emergency skin
situations! Read more here!
Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus and
Spearmint Stress Relief Body Lotion
This on the other hand I loved! This is a
lightweight moisturiser that really does smell so stress relieving to me though
the scent isn’t the most long lasting. The packaging is lovely but it’s
difficult to get out once it gets near the end I also have the body cream in
this scent in the squeezy tube so I might repurchase this again but will
probably stick to the cream! Read more here!
Necessaire The Body Serum
I have a full post on these Necessaire products here but overall, I was quite disappointed with them based on the
hype/price. I really like the brands ethos, and this was my favourite product
out of the four I had. It’s a Hyaluronic Acid treatment that’s a gel formula
and it absorbs into the body quickly and it helped with extra hydration. While
it feels more luxurious than the hyaluronic acid I usually use on my chest, I
don’t see a massive difference in result with them, so this won’t be a
repurchase!
Necessaire The Body Lotion
This is unscented so I found it a little
boring/basic. It has a thick formula and takes some rubbing in before it’s
fully absorbed and left my skin hydrated. Same with the serum though, I didn’t
notice any massive benefit to using this than my normal more affordable
lotions! Not a repurchase.
Necessaire The Body Exfoliator
I am surprised how quickly I went through
this as it normally takes me a bit longer with exfoliators but again, it was a
bit of a disappointment to me. Not “scrubby enough” for me personally and the
scent wasn’t strong enough either. I’ll stick to my Frank Body coffee
scrub/exfoliating gloves in future! Not a repurchase!
Neutrogena Hand Cream
Really nice intensive hand cream, I used
this overnight, and a tiny bit goes a long way. Sinks in quickly and made my
hands soft. Would repurchase!
Makeup
Revlon Colorstay for Combination/Oily
Skin in 150 Buff
My favourite drugstore foundation!
Affordable, long lasting and full coverage! Already have a couple of backups as
I stock up when it’s on 3 for 2! Read more about it here!
Clarins SOS Primer
Really liked this both for mixing in with
foundation and as an illuminating primer. I don’t think it helps with staying
power but it gives a nice lit from within look! Could be a contender for my
beloved discontinued Becca Backlight Priming Filter! Might repurchase!
Miscellaneous
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and
Marine Collagen
I didn’t notice a massive difference
between the two of these so won’t bother with the Marine Collagen again as it’s
more expensive, but I love the Collagen Peptides. I hope it’s working on my
skin/hair, but I notice it most on my joints which aren’t painful going down
stairs etc anymore! I’ve been taking this for about a year now and have already
repurchased!
Also not pictured because it’s so ratty
is my old wet brush which I have finally binned/decluttered since repurchasing last month! It has more bristles missing that remaining but served me well over
the last 5/6 years!
So that’s it for this edition! Do you see
any of your favourites or anything you’d like to try?
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