End of Year Empties Extravaganza

Regular readers might have noticed the absence of empties posts on my blog recently. While doing them in piles of ten products was less daunting than the monthly way I was doing it at the start of 2019 and before, I found I was getting through stuff so quickly, getting everything photographed and writing up my thoughts was becoming a challenge.

This post covers everything I used up at the end of 2019 so I can start fresh for 2020.

Skincare

L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water

I picked this up in the dry skin variety, which I don’t really have but it didn’t have any negative effects on my skin. I like gel moisturisers and I like the sleek glass bottle pump packaging but it wasn’t as hydrating on me as my favourite Clinique Moisture Surge.

Repurchase? Probably not

PS…Alex Steinherr Pore Balance Super Detox Clay Mousse Face Mask

This was a really good affordable clay detox mask from the skincare collab Primark launched with Alex Steinherr. I’m not sure if this is still available but it’s well worth picking up for a fiver if you need a detox mask. It doesn’t do much on spots but it does make the skin feel clean and prevents further breakouts.

Repurchase? Yes

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

I’ve travelled with this mini cleanser a few times and finally finished it up at the end of the year. I don’t like to use exfoliating cleansers all the time but this was a great option for a second cleanse when I did need that added exfoliation. I would buy the full size if it wasn’t so expensive!

Repurchase? No, but would use again

Revolution Niacinamide Tonic

I like that Revolution has launched a range of toners suitable for all skin concerns. I’ve found niacinamide to be good at clearing up acne scarring etc in other products so I was hoping this would do the same but I’m not sure it did much for me personally. My skin broke out horrendously since I finished it up though.

Repurchase? No, but want to try more from the range

Revolution Bakuchiol Serum

Another item from Revolution skincare is their bakuchiol serum. A natural alternative to retinol, I think this serum would be ideal if you have sensitive skin or you’re just new to retinoids and want to start out with something gentle. It wasn’t the best for my skin but I do have a habit of picking things up that I don’t need!

Repurchase? No

Lancome Energie De Vie Exfoliating Mask

Lancome is my favourite luxury brand and I think you do get a touch of luxury with this product. The heavy green glass packaging of the Energie De Vie range is stunning and the exfoliating mask is a good product that helps to clear and brighten skin. Do you need it? No, probably not but it’s worth a try if it’s in your budget.

Repurchase? Maybe

SVR Physiopure Micellar Water

I can’t rave about this micellar water enough. Sure, it is just micellar water and it probably isn’t going to change your life but this stuff just works for me at removing makeup and I love that it comes in a pump bottle.

Repurchase? Already have

TonyMoly Tomataox Massage Pack

This was my go-to mask for days when I didn’t really have any particular skin concerns but I just wanted something to boost my skin. I’m not sure if I still need a product like his in my collection but I did really love it.

Repurchase? Maybe when I’ve used up other masks

L’Oreal Pure Clay Bright Mask

I like the L’Oreal clay masks but this wasn’t my favourite as I think I have other masks that do a better job of brightening.

Repurchase? No

Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion

I wasn’t even aware Bare Minerals did skincare but I got a free sample of this serum with a Feel Unique order. It was a nice liquidy consistency that settled into the skin quickly but that’s honestly all I can report as a 7.5ml sample isn’t really enough to see results.

Repurchase? Probably not but would try again

Peter Thomas Roth Blue Marine Algae Intense Hydrating Mask

It’s rare I need intense hydration so this probably wasn’t the mask for me but I guess that’s the whole point of this mini mask set this came from. I love Peter Thomas Roth though and I did like this mask.

Repurchase? Probably not

Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner Moisture

This is one of those products where I was confused what it was at first but I think it’s like a post-cleanse toner. It’s very hydrating and gentle and I do generally enjoy Laneige products.

Repurchase? Maybe, if I find it cheap enough

PS…Cosmic Galaxy Metallic Peel Off Mask

This is the purple one with retinol. I picked this up reduced in Primark so it was okay for the price but I remember it being such a nightmare to remove that my poor skin was just red from scrubbing and I couldn’t really tell how effective it was.

Repurchase? Nope

Makeup

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

I love this stuff and hate to be without it so I’ve already been through a couple of bottles this year. If you haven’t tried it yet, I also talked more about it in my best product discoveries of 2019 post.

Repurchase? Already have

Urban Decay Primer Potion Original

I’m glad I got to try this in sample form. I can see why everyone loved this a few years back as I think it was one of the first tacky eye bases on the market but I think there are cheaper alternatives out there now.

Repurchase? No

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara

This is my favourite mascara and one I’m already missing as I try and use up others. I do think mascara is one product where you can easily find an affordable option but what Lancome Monsieur Big does is last and perform on the lashes from the day you open the tube until you’re down to the last dregs, so you do fully get your money’s worth IMO.

Repurchase? Already have

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal

This mini highlighter was part of my project pan for 2019 and I’m glad I managed to use it up. I love the tone and texture of BECCA Opal and I would consider getting the full-size if I didn’t already have 586587 highlighters in my collection…

Repurchase? Maybe

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

Benefit are renowned for their brow products but this pencil wasn’t my favourite. Mostly, the shade 5 is just a little too warm for me and you could see where I’d drawn my brows on, but I did also find this a little waxy towards the end of its life and it would rub off my face much quicker.

Repurchase? Probably not

thisworks In Transit Camera Close-up Mask, Moisturiser and Primer

I couldn’t stand the lemongrass-y scent of this so I wasn’t a fan of applying it but it was hydrating and I do like this type of priming product, I just couldn’t deal with the fragrance.

Repurchase? No

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions

I’ve been trying to use this up for long! This is a silicone pore-filling product that works a bit like Benefit Porefessional, only it doesn’t play as nicely with makeup. It’s fine for no makeup days where I just want to smooth out my skin a bit but I rarely have those days.

Repurchase? No

Freedom SFX Liquid Latex

This is an old tube of liquid latex that I bought cheap when the Freedom brand become Revolution Pro and finished up over Halloween.

Repurchase? I think I already have the Revolution Pro one

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow

I tried out this little sample sachet and it’s nice but I have products that do the same thing/it didn’t do anything amazing for the price.

Repurchase? No

Bath & Body

Asda Bubble Bath

This is a nice and cheap 1-litre bottle but it’s quite runny and I tend to use it up quickly.

Repurchase? Yes

Imperial Leather Marshmallow Bath Cream

This lasted a bit longer than normal bubble baths because it’s a cream consistency but I didn’t think the bubbles lasted as long.

Repurchase? Maybe

Asda Moisture Bath Soak Rose Extract

I picked this up when they didn’t have any from the cheaper range left. It was fine but I didn’t notice a significant difference between this and the budget one.

Repurchase? Probably if they don’t have the cheaper one

Champneys Exotic Retreat Bubble Heaven

Lovely product but the hard plastic packaging was infuriating and made it impossible to get the product out.

Repurchase? I can’t find this exact one 

Avon Naturals Pink Grapefruit & Mint Spritz

I always use these as room sprays but can’t say this scent was particularly memorable. I do recommend them in general though if you ever order from Avon.

Repurchase? Maybe

Haircare

PS…Super Blends Micellar Clarifying Shampoo & Manuka Honey & Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner

I liked these Primark shampoo and conditioners. The micellar shampoo made my hair look really clean and the conditioner was quite nourishing and overall better than I expected for the price.

Repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena T-Gel

My go-to scalp-clearing shampoo. I’ve spoken about this many times!

Repurchase? Already have

Cantu Thermal Shield

I got through this heat protector spray way faster than I do normally because I was straightening my hair more. Heat protectors all kind of do the same thing and this one worked as far as I can tell.

Repurchase? Yes, if on offer

Tools & Misc

wet brush

I was really disappointed at how quickly all the rubbery bristle protectors fell off. I got this in the 2018 Black Friday sales so it barely lasted a year before I had to toss it.

Repurchase? No

Star Gazer Brush Cleaner

This was good to use in my battery-powered brush cleaner but it became a bit of a faff to wash brushes that way. This is still usable though and also good on sponges.

Repurchase? I have another one to use but maybe

thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

I got a few of these minis to give as gifts and I like the lavender scent but I’m not convinced this helped me go to sleep.

Repurchase? Probably not

eos Lip Balm

I’ve always wanted to try one of these eos lip balms and this was cute and a nice pink tint but the packaging got very messy in the end.

Repurchase? No

Zoeva Travel Mirror

I accidentally snapped the folding mirror at the front so I couldn’t really use it anymore. This cute travel mirror has served me well for a few years so I didn’t mind picking up a new one.

Repurchase? Already have

PS…Hydrate Wipes & PS…Naturals Organic Cosmetic Pads

I’ve put these together because I’m amazed at how well I’m doing using fewer wipes and cotton pads. Normally, I’d go through a pack of each every month or so so I’m proud to be using less. I know it’s a long way off perfect but I’m a big believer of encouraging small changes everyone can make, and reusable cotton pads have been great for me.

Repurchase? I am cutting back but I do like both of these products, yes

Sorry this was so long! I’m not sure what the future of empties posts on my blog will be in 2020 but I hope I can find a way to keep sharing with you what I used up and what I would or wouldn’t repurchase.

Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Amber x