Empties #1

Since I started beauty blogging I've noticed that I have a tendency to hold on to empties longer than the average person would with the good intention of putting together a good old 'Empties' post at the end of the month. I currently average at holding on to empties for 3-5 months or so before I realise that it's either time to throw everything out or write the post. I chose to write the post. 

B. Energised Eye Cream: I liked this. It's a gel eye cream that feels cooling and after a few weeks of use I noticed that my under eye area seemed brighter, smooth and so much less puffy. It was a sad moment when I squeezed out the last drop as it's from Superdrug and they don't do international delivery. This was the eye cream that made me fall in love with using eye creams. Recommend.

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense Conditioning Spray: I used to be the type of person to scoff at the idea of 'you get what you pay for' until I learned the hard way with my skincare, and have also since realised that it's the same with hair care. After using this, leave-in conditioning sprays are one product I'll definitely be willing to splurge on. This smells gorgeous and leaves my hair super soft (and protected). Highly recommend.

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream (full review here); This has been my favourite hand cream to use to date, and I really need to pick up another tube. I loved the style of the tube (reminded me of Aesop), the cream itself was lightweight yet moisturising and I saw an improvement in the condition of both my hands and nails. I definitely had less hang nails thanks to this. Highly recommend.

Yves Rocher Cocoa & Orange Moisturising Hand Cream: I believe this is one of their signature winter scents, and I was expecting great things from the scent combination, but it just didn't deliver. The cream itself was quite thin and too lightweight to feel very moisturising. 

Yves Rocher Sébo Vegetal Purifying Cleansing Gel (full review of the entire range here): I really like the products from this range, and having used their cleansers from other ranges, I can tell you that Yves Rocher knows how to do gel cleansers. This keeps my oiliness under control and gives that nice "cleansed but not stripped" feeling all cleansers strive for. This was a repurchase, and the only reason I'm not currently going through another tube is because I fell for The Body Shop Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser instead. I can't resist the foam. Recommend. 

Evoluderm Rose Water Hydrating Toner: I like my toners to be natural - I use either rose or camomile toners (camomile more in the summer when my skin is freaking out that the sun has come out). This particular toner isn't quite as natural as I'd have liked it to be, but at 500ml it was great value for money and has lasted me absolute ages (I picked it up in October according to this post!)

Kiko Milano Make Up Fixer (full review here): I absolutely loved this product - I was quite sad when it gave its last spritz. This really showed me what a difference a setting spray can do to your make up (and that Youtubers aren't just trying to sell us Mac Prep + Prime Fix + for the lulz) and did the job nicely (and for a decent price too!). I do think that with some powder products it can give a bit of a cakey finish, but that could be my heavy-handed powdering and/or Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder not being as great as I think it is. Recommend. 

Sanex Natur Protect Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Before I switched from shaving to epilating, my underarms were really sensitive and reacted badly to most deodorants. This was the first one where they didn't, and it probably has to do with the fact that it's free from a lot of the chemical elements in deodorants that can irritate your skin. As great as it was for my sensitive skin, I wasn't entirely convinced by its capacity as a deodorant. It smells great though. 

Bourjois Extreme Protection Deodorant - Waterproof formula: I really enjoyed this. It has a nice fresh scent to it, and provided excellent protection. Not so great for sensitive pits but I really like the Bourjois range of deodorants in general. I'm currently using Bourjois Tenderness Deodorant which was formulated for sensitive skin and have had no problems with it so far. Recommend. 

Corine De Farme Micellar Purity Water: This was my first foray into micellar waters. I don't think it removed make up effectively and my skin most definitely was not a fan (surprising since it's aimed at people with sensitive skin). I really think I should just shell out for Bioderma, and if that doesn't work for me, accept that I'm not a micellar water kinda person. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream: I love this during the winter, even as a day cream, as I find it puts up a really good fight against the harsh winter weather. I usually prefer this as a night cream though alternating it with the Vitamin E oil when that gets a little too heavy for my skin. Recommend (especially in winter). 

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter: I liked this but I didn't like this. I think I enjoyed the act of using a cloth to remove my makeup rather than using the product its and I didn't feel it could tackle my eye make up (which The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil can). It just irritated them. Some people love this product, others don't. I'm in the second category. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil: I love this. This is my second bottle, and I'll be repurchasing. I have oily skin and I feel that this balances out the stripping effect of some of the mattifying products I use without clogging up my pores. I wake up with clear, smooth and surprisingly matte skin. Until I can afford to get my hands on the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery this will be my go-to oil. Highly recommend.

The Body Shop Vitamin E SP15 Moisture Lotion: This was the first SPF face cream that I used religiously and this is my third tube...? Would be on my fourth if I hadn't decided to try the Vitamin C SPF 30 one from The Body Shop. They say it's a good idea to use SPF all year round, and I feel like this is a product that can carry you through all the season as it's so lightweight yet deep moisturising. Definitely suitable for all skin tones. Highly recommend. 

Have you used any of these products? Did you have a different experience than I did?