All Topics, Beauty

Product Empties : Best and Worst

The closest thing I have to an addiction is the inability to stop buying and agreeing to test out new beauty products. I love opening fresh new makeup and trying out skincare that I’ve not used before. For this reason, my drawers are quite literally overflowing with products. There’s a reason you rarely see ‘product empties’ posts from me, and it’s because I never end up actually emptying anything!

This year I’ve being trying to tackle my slight commitment phobia which sees me pick up a different moisturiser every single evening. One of my new years resolutions was to try to use up some products, committing myself to certain ones and using them more than anything else with the goal of clearing out some space. So without further ado, here are the best and worst products of those that I’ve managed to use up recently.

Best Makeup and Skincare

Rimmel Stay Matte

An oldie but goodie, there’s not much to say other than it does the job well and you couldn’t ask for a fairer price. I’ve gotten through so many of these over the years and I think they’ll always be on my repurchase list.

Collection Sheer Loose Powder

Another powder that just does the job well. Loose powder and I have a very love hate relationship forged over powder spilt down many an outfit. Despite that, I love using this to ‘bake’ my makeup on when I need serious staying power. These pots usually last me a couple of months and for £3 I don’t think you can really go wrong.

Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Pink Clay Mask

I spoke about this a while ago in my February Highlights so I won’t go into too much depth. I still haven’t purchased the full size of this yet because I have so many masks! I’d really like to use up a couple more before trying to cram any more into the drawer, but it’s definitely one I’ll be looking to use again.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2

This toner is specifically designed for dry – combination skin but even if you’re not that, I’d really recommend visiting a Clinique counter. Ask them to assess your skin and they’ll show you which products would benefit you and explain why. Their customer service is impeccable and this toner has always worked really well for me; cleaning and brightening my skin. I had a small acne issue in high school and beginning a full Clinique routine is what I attribute to clearing it up.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Another oldie but goodie, I’ve gotten through a few of these and they’re just a really safe bet to clean, soft skin. I find the Cleanse and Polish a fair price for the product and it’s so gentle on the skin that every use is like a pamper.

No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Eye Cream

This is simply a good, moisturising eye cream. Boots charge just under £20 for it and I’m going to be honest, I think that’s a little pricey. I have quite a few eye creams at the minute but this is definitely one I’d keep in mind to repurchase when Boots roll out their £5 off No7 Skincare vouchers again. I wouldn’t repurchase it at full price because there are cheaper alternatives which I find just as good.

Worst  Makeup and Skincare

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

I love Clinique, I use a lot of their products and swear by their skincare. This moisturiser however, is definitely an anomaly and I really don’t rate it. To this day, Clinique’s moisture surge gel is the best moisturiser I’ve ever used, so why anyone would opt to use the dramatically different instead is beyond me. This is only very slightly too thick to feel comfortable on my skin, and it’s results aren’t worth its price point.

Sanctuary Spa Moisture Burst Facial Wash

This is the first Sanctuary facial skincare product that I’ve tried and I reckon it’s probably my last. I really like Sanctuary bathing products so this came as a disappointment. Personally, I couldn’t stand the scent of it which is really strong and like roses. Despite it being an okay product in terms of results, there are others of the same standard which smell nicer and come in at a lower price.

Best Hair and Body

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Shampoo

This is just a really nice shampoo. It’s always kept my hair moisturised but not greasy and it has a really pleasant scent. Honestly, there’s not much more to say…

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Lotion

Not only does this smell divine, it sinks nicely into the skin, isn’t too sticky and is a really fair price. I particularly love applying this to tan and find that it moisturises so well that it helps to maintain a naturally bronzed look for longer. It’s one of my absolute go-tos when it comes to body moisturiser.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

I feel like this is a product that needs no introduction. Despite slightly preferring Aussie’s dry shampoo, I always tend to pick up Batiste when I see it on offer as (if shaken well) it does the job well and comes in quite a bit cheaper.