Empties: August 2015 – Part 1

This is the first time – but I just have to do it; this month’s empties will be split into 4 instead of the usual 2, because of the amount of products is so much more than normal, and my backlog at work is so huge so I don’t have the time to sit down and write a post on 20 items at one go. So I’m splitting them into something more manageable basis, and hopefully I can get them all out in a week because I don’t want to be writing about August empties in October either! I know reading empties post after empties post can be quite boring, so please bear with me – I personally love empties posts!

Unboxing: Naturisimo Travel Essentials Discovery Box

I’m not exactly an all-natural beauty products kinda girl – I just think that all those years and money into researching on chemicals and technology can’t be just to create something that’s worse off than what comes naturally right? But I’ve always been curious about natural products – if they are actually really that different as many claims, or if my skin will react to them. So when I saw this one-off beauty box from Naturisimo, a natural and organic beauty retailer, with 7 revealed items, for only £9.95, I had to get it! The theme is Travel Essentials – so everything is travel size.

Unboxing: LookFantastic Beauty Box June 2015

It’s been a while since I’ve put up a post! I truly apologise for the disappearance… between work and a broken computer, I just didn’t have enough energy to fix it on a regular basis only for it to fail again when the computer goes through another scheduled windows update. Meanwhile, I certainly haven’t stopped buying beauty products! I have tons of purchases just piling up on my bedroom floor waiting to be unboxed! Let’s start off with this LookFantastic Beauty Box for June 2015!

Empties #20: April 2015 – Part 1

April was… oh, actually I have no idea what this past April was like because I was so crazy busy that I can’t remember what happened! It’s really been an insane month – tons of work, wedding planning, lots of gym sessions so that I can fit into my gowns later; I was so shocked when I saw my empties bucket filled – I thought there was no way I could have used up so much stuff in such a short time, then I realised that it’s the end of the month already! Anyway, let’s take a peek at what’s in there!

Empties #18: February 2015 – Part 1

This is an insane month for empties; whenever I embark on some budget plan, I tend to end up with tons of empties because I have to force myself to use what I have, which is the whole point of having the budget plan so I guess the plan is working quite well so far!

Empties #6: February 2014

After the massive clearout of 26 items in January, this months’ empties look mighty small in comparison! But after counting them, I guess it’s still a healthy amount. Honestly I’m surprised that I still have empties after clearing out so many last month! Yay!

1. Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Conditioner
A rather thick hair conditioner; I think it’s pretty average – I can’t use it regularly as it makes my hair oily and weighs it down. Used twice a week only at the ends of my hair, my hair feels softer and more manageable, but anything more turns it into an oily mess.

2. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
My favourite makeup setting spray! This is the only makeup setting spray that really worked for me; I find that it really helps my makeup last through the day, even in Singapore heat! Will repurchase!

3. L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo
I actually really like Loreal’s shampoo but I don’t often buy them. Maybe they’re just not as visually attractive on the shelves. I really enjoyed this shampoo – I feel my hair is more manageable with less tangles after using it.

4. Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion in No21 Natural Beige
I really wanted to try this and was so excited when I received a sample, but was so disappointed; this did not stay put at all even on my very dry face – by mid day it was clearly gone, and messed up the rest of my makeup as it shifted around. If I powdered my face, I could see it clearly breaking down in patches as the BB cream “migrates”. Not pretty. Will not purchase.

5. Caudalie Eau De Beaute Beauty Elixir
Reviewed here. Not a fan; will not repurchase.

6. Loccitane Mom & Baby Balm
A rather thick and oily body balm; I’m neither a Mom nor a Baby, but because of my intensely dry skin I was recommended this. I do find that it soothes my skin when they are going through a “cracked and insanely dry” phase, but it’s also too heavy for regular use even for my dry skin.

7. Neogence Extremely Off-Heads Serum
Initially I did not like this because I didn’t think it made a difference. But I wanted to use it up so I’ve been using it every night for over 2 weeks. One day, my mum suddenly asked if I’ve had facial treatments because “your black heads are gone”. OMG. I haven’t used anything lately that’s targeted at black heads, so it must be this! I’ll be getting the full size to make sure.

8. Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum
I really adore the texture of this – it’s gel like, and feels cooling on the skin plus not sticky at all. Will look to purchase full size.

9. Lancome Visionaire Advanced Skin Corrector
I already own a full size bottle of this before receiving the sample – I would say, try to get a sample first before purchasing the full bottle, as this broke me out badly initially. I’ve learnt to prevent breakouts while using this – alternating this and never 2 consecutive days of using this.

10. Watsons Nail Polish Remover
Another bottle down! I’ve lost count of how many of these that I’ve used up. Affordable and works just like any other more expensive brands.

11. Bausch + Lomb Renu Fresh Multipurpose Solution
Not empty but expired. I don’t wear lenses daily, so I rarely finish a full bottle of solution before they expire.

12. Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge
I used to love this and stocked up before I discovered the Make Up Store Brush Cleaning Soap; then I realised that this was stripping out my brush hairs, making them really dry and scratchy. I’ve since stopped using this for my brushes with natural bristles. Will not purchase after I finish my stash.

13. The Face Shop The Rice Ceramide Lasting Moisturizer
Did not finish this item actually; but it has expired so it’s time to throw out. Was way too watery and not moisturizing enough for my liking.

14. Caudalie Makeup Remover Cleansing Water
Reviewed here. Not a favourite.

15. Beauty Buffet Charcoal & Cyress Facial Mask
16. My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask
17. Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch
I use facial cloth masks regularly but never remember to keep the packaging. I did remember with these 3 this month, though I definitely use lots more in a month. I find that cloth masks dont really differ between brands in terms of efficacy, so I usually just opt for the cheapest. I really like the Leaders Eye Patch; slimy in texture and feels really good and soothing.

Again, not many makeup related items. I’ve been clearing out my stash in other ways lately – by giving and selling some makeup away. I’m really happy at how my stash is shrinking to a more reasonable amount as the months go by – I no longer have 5 bottles of creams that will expire in 2 months, nor a stock of 10 face washes. It’s still a huge amount and way more than an average person, but they’re getting more manageable.

I’ve found writing on empties so therapeutic – because of my wanting to write these posts, I feel less of an urge to buy and hoard new products. I don’t know if anyone can understand this, but this is how I feel. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post as much as I’ve loved writing it!

Review: Caudalie Makeup Remover Cleansing Water

I seem to be running through quite a lot of makeup cleansing waters – but just as well, since I use so much makeup anyway! I’m always on the lookout for cleansing waters that can remove makeup a) even more easily, b) affordably and 3) does not dry out my skin. The Caudalie Makeup Remover Cleansing Water is a meant to be a “soap-free cleansing water that effectively removes makeup while cleansing and toning the skin”. It’s also free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates – but not that I know what difference that makes, but I guess it’s good!

Claims from website:
This gentle formula removes makeup from the face and eyes as it soothes, moisturizes, and softens skin. There’s no need to rub for a thorough clean— a gentle cleansing base washes without stripping. The improved formula is now more natural, more effective, and gentler on skin.

The texture and consistency is just like water. The packaging is simple, with a screw on cap and no pump, so to get the product out, just open the cap and turn it upside down. Unlike most micellar waters though, this is rather heavily scented – I did like fresh scent, but I would recommend giving it a sniff before purchase if you’re sensitive to smells.

In terms of performance, I don’t think that it does that great a job. This takes quite a lot of a) product and b) cotton pads to remove a full face of makeup. Without help of other cleansers, it takes 3-4 goes across the same area to properly remove most traces of makeup. Like most cleansing waters, this failed at removing waterproof eye makeup. That said, it did not irritate my skin despite it being heavily scented, nor does it dry out my skin. I actually feel quite refreshed, and my skin rather soothed, after using it!

I can’t remember how much this cost, as I got mine with points I had on a website, but a quick google shows that a 6.7oz/200ml will cost US$28 in the US or €14.40 in Europe. That’s pretty pricey for me, as there are a lot of affordable Japanese brands of cleansing waters available here in Singapore that does a better job, so I won’t be repurchasing this.

Rating: 3.5/5

Empties #3: November 2013

Another month has gone by so quickly. After I stopped buying so many new products to try out every month, I find that I have been accumulating empties at a much faster rate. You know you’re an addict when you feel a sense of happiness as another bottle bites the dust!

1. Bifesta Brightup Cleansing Lotion
Reviewed here. Will definitely repurchase!

2. Tsubaki Damage Care Shampoo with Natural Tsubaki Oil
A great shampoo; I find it makes my skin very nice and smooth, without making my hair greasy despite the “oil” in its name. Will repurchase.

3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting
A good sized sample that I received from one of the beauty boxes but after using it for a couple of weeks, I didn’t find that my complexion was any better. It’s quite light in texture and absorbs quite quickly. Won’t repurchase.

4. The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Day Cream
Received this free with a magazine. It’s quite light in texture, which is expected as it’s a day cream, but I find that it breaks down my face makeup way too fast in the usually hot Singapore climate, even for my very dry skin, and there is no SPF. However, it’s also not moisturizing enough for me to use as a night cream. Won’t repurchase.

5. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector
Reviewed here. A really lovely tinted moisturiser.

6. Revlon ColorStay Lipliner in Rose
I’ve had this for a while and finally finished it. I like it; it’s a nice rosy hue, kind of like my lips but better. It’s very pigmented, glides on easily and affordable. It’s quite soft though, so it tends to break easily.

7. Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder
One of my favourite face powders; it smells amazing, like some sweet fruit similar to its other Healthy Mix foundations. It’s quite light, and does not look powdery or cake-y on the skin. This is actually the second one that I have run through, and will definitely be repurchasing.

9 & 10. 2 x Eucerin DermoPurifyer Active Concentrate
Bought this, 1 for the bf and 1 for myself, at about S$30 each, after a blogger raved about it. I totally regret it – I later realised that the blogger raves about everything sent to her1 This was an utterly useless product; didn’t do anything for my dry skin or my bf’s acne-prone oily skin.

8. Garnier Clean Sensitive Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes
9 & 10. 2 x Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Whitening Water
Some useful gym skincare items. Used up another packet of Garnier cleansing wipes, which I really enjoy for its convenience and removes makeup easily. I also bring along little samples tubes of the Sulwhasoo Whitening Water which I use as a hydrating toner; I love the smell and it seems to bring back some moisture to my skin post a hot bath after gym.

11. Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O
Not really a fan; I feel like the texture is a bit too heavy – like I have to rub extra hard to spread it over my face. It makes my eyes blur up for a few seconds – it does clear up but I don’t like that feeling. It does remove my makeup very easily, even waterproof ones. I won’t be repurchasing this one but I’m looking forward to trying out the Ultime8 version.

12. Nuxe Gentle Toning Lotion
I really liked this toner – it smells amazing; the rose scent is quite obvious but not overpowering. It feels rather refreshing but does not dry out my skin. Don’t see any skincare benefits but feels great. Will repurchase!

13. Essence Colour & Go Quick Drying Nail Polish in 47 Red-dy to go
14. Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeliner
I’ve had the Revlon eyeliner for so long that I didn’t even realize that I still had it; I must have loved it because it’s quite used up, but decided to trash it since its so old. The Essence Nail Polish also dried out so I had to throw it.

15. PureDKNY Perfume Vial
I’m not usually a perfume wearer but I really enjoyed this! It’s quite a light scent, and does not choke me like most perfumes do. I’m not good at talking about scents but I like how ‘clean’ and fresh it smells.

16. Too Faced Perfect Eyeliner
Blogged about here. I loved this and will repurchase.

And that’s it for another month of empties! It’s quite surprising to me that I have averaged more than 10 empties per month over the last 3 months. I hope you have enjoyed looking through my empties as much as I love reading other people’s empties post!

Review: Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I picked up the Caudalie Beauty Elixir sometime back after watching a video from Lisa Eldridge, one of my favourite youtube personnels who is also a celebrity makeup artist in real life. I love her videos and often run out to buy what she recommends; she mentioned this product in the video about her beauty regime on long haul flights and suddenly I needed it.

From the Sephora website, this is described as part toner, part serum mist of essential oils. The product comes in a lovely glass bottle; it makes me feel a little glamorous just carrying it around but it’s not exactly travel friendly. It’s quite expensive for something that’s essentially mostly water; I bought the smaller 30ml at around S$24 from Sephora.

Ingredients:
Aqua, Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water, Parfum, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Potassium Alum, Glycerin, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Benzyl Benzoate, Eugenol.

The first time I used this, I did it the way Lisa used hers in the video – spraying a good amount on the palm and pressing it onto the face and breathing in. Unfortunately, I am not a mint-scent person; I almost choked in the very strong scent and it lingers too long for my liking. For a skincare product, I’m not impressed that the scent was so overwhelming.

The mint also irritated my eyes, and as with most mint products, there was a cooling feeling on my skin but the tingle was a tad too much. For all that suffering, I don’t think it made my skin smoother, neither does it tighten my pores or gave an instant burst of radiance. It does make me feel refreshed and awake, but a punch in the face would have done the trick as well.

It’s very sad, but I am not a fan – though I have to say it’s really a matter of preference and skin sensitivity, so it’s really important to test something out, especially skincare, before purchasing. At the price, I will continue to use it; I’ve been spraying it onto my face from a further distance now to reduce that concentration of mint and tingling effect so it feels a little less uncomfortable, but I won’t be repurchasing it.

Rating: 2/5