I hope you’re sitting tight, for this is a BIG one! May’s empties number a record 29 full and sample sized products!
I’ve come to the conclusion that I am getting through so many beauty products each month because of my new gym training regime! I re-apply all my skincare and makeup after every workout, and I’ve recently upped my sessions from three to four days/week. Combine that with my regular day and night routines, and that’s a lot of face and body prepping going on each week!
Skincare
Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask. I rarely throw a product away before I finish it, but this was one of occasion where I did. I had my doubts about this mask when I first reviewed it. The sticky residue it leaves on my face has just become too irritating. Review.
Nourish Argan Skin Renew With Frankincense And Rose Of Jericho*. One of my fave moisturisers. Rich and creamy, so perfect too as a night cream. Review.
Nuxe Miracle Mask. Blimey, I’ve had this exfoliating mask (it contains natural AHAs and rice beads) for yonks. It’s remained active though, right to the end. £19 for 75ml (offer price) at Space NK here.
Glycolix Elite Sunscreen 30SPF. A belts and braces sunscreen recommended by my derm – I suffer from melasma (a hormonal imbalance). This is extremely thick and looks VERY white on the face but it does the job! Imported from the US.
Salvere Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid. A superb dupe of the Skinceuticals formula. It costs £14.47 for 30ml on Amazon, as against £90 for its much lauded rival.
SkinPep Ultra Retinol 0.5% Pure Retinol*. Using retinol is an anti-ageing essential once you reach 30 (it boosts cell turnover). Not overly keen on the smell. More on SkinPep here.
Skinpep Hydra-Sun Defence SPF 30*. A very good mineral sunscreen that’s not as thick or chalky as the Elite. Still requires a lot of blending though.
SkinPep Hydra Boost*. Pure hyaluronic acid serum. A previous tube featured in last month’s empties too here.
Skinpep Super C-15. A stabilised vitamin C serum*. I found this absorbed before I had time to properly spread it across my face.
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. I really didn’t like this well-loved classic when I first tried it. But it’s grown on me. I have the hydrating version at the gym, which suits my dry skin better. £29 for 50ml at Space NK here http://uk.spacenk.com/foundation-primer/MUK113930009.html.
Tesco Pro Formula Q10 Anti-Age Cleansing Wipes (gym empty). Bought in an emergency. I wouldn’t recommend!
Radical Skincare Eye Revive Crème. My first Radical product. Features a light yet nourishing texture. Impressed. Pricey though - £80 for 15ml here.
REN V-Cense Youth Vitality Day Cream. Gifted to me by Sandra at Beauty Balm. Surprisingly nourishing. Review.
Hair
Phyto Paris Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray. I got this as part of a Space NK ‘gift with purchase’. Impressed with Phyto. This made my hair feel soft and nourished. £18.50 for 150ml here.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Miracle Recovery Crème Serum. Love this! Review.
L’Occitane 5 Essential Oils Volumising Conditioner. I’ve yet to find a L’Occitane shampoo and conditioner I don’t like! £17 for 250ml here.
Batiste Dry Shampoo, Pretty & Opulent Oriental. Lovely fragrance and still the best dry shampoo for the money. £2.99 for 200ml here.
Makeup
By Terry Touche-Expert Advanced concealer. I thought this couldn’t be beaten. But I’ve just discovered something better – the latest By Terry Densillis concealer (costs an additional £12 but you get 4.5ml more). The Touche-Expert is £32 for 2.5ml here.
Body
Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion. Does the job but nothing special. £26 for 400ml here.
Xen-Tan Transform Luxe Daily Self Tan. A daily use product from my favourite self-tanning brand. Gorgeous. £24.99 for 236ml here.
Champneys Spa Indulgence Mediterranean Bliss Shimmering Body Oil. ‘Ey up’! You know Summer’s coming – second month in a row that I’ve used up a bottle of this! Review.
Vita Liberata Gradual Build Self Tan. I promise I’m not OD’ing on self-tanning products! I tend to have several on the go at once, and they’re all running empty simultaneously! This, though, is not a patch on the two aforementioned. £15 for 200ml here.
Kiehl’s Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit Body Cleanser. My
Dr Organic Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Breast Firming Cream. Featured in a previous empties – it’s a staple of mine. Love it! £15.99 for 100ml here.
Molton Brown Eucalyptus Body Wash. Another wake-me-up fragrance, so again a perfect post-workout body washer. £18 for 300ml here.
Acqua Di Parma Magnolia Nobile. Ooh, now we’re talking. Sumptuous. One of my all-time fave fragrances. Another staple. £72 for 50ml here.
L’Occitane Delightful Rose Hand Cream. It’s rose, so need I say more? Gorgeous scent, creamy texture and super hydrating. Review.
Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength. I could rave about these miniature AA bath and shower oils all day long! But rather than bore you with my extolling, here’s a pithy review.
Favourites
Nourish - Argan Skin Renew With Frankincense And Rose Of Jericho
Glycolix - Elite Sunscreen 30SPF
Salvere - Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid
John Frieda - Frizz Ease Miracle Recovery Crème Serum
L’Occitane - 5 Essential Oils Volumising Conditioner
Batiste - Dry Shampoo, Pretty & Opulent Oriental
Xen-Tan - Transform Luxe Daily Self Tan
Champneys - Spa Indulgence Mediterranean Bliss Shimmering Body Oil
Dr Organics - Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Breast Firming Cream
Acqua Di Parma - Magnolia Nobile
L’Occitane - Delightful Rose Hand Cream
Aromatherapy Associates - Inner Strength
*PR Sample
