July-December Empties

 

Hello beauties!!!

It's that time where I discuss all the products I've used up over the past year. I did a Empties blog post about 11 products I'd emptied in July and now I'm back with more empties! It really is super satisfying to collect all your empty bottles and jars and see how many you've used up. I love nothing more than finishing a product and opening up a shiny brand new one :) Most of these I've previously purchased and others I've only started trying this year. I'll try to put them in the order I started using them, starting with the most recent. So here is my brutally honest review of these products, how I'd rate them and whether I'd repurchase...

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (repurchased x1): This is a thick, syrup-like serum with a derivative of Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside). I originally tried this serum last year to help with hyperpigmentation and for it's antioxidant properties. Also everyone was raving about Vitamin C on YouTube and its skincare benefits. I have to admit that I didn't see much improvement in my acne scars but I enjoyed applying it in the evening as an extra step. However I wouldn't say it was value for money due to the lack of noticeable results and the amount of product you get (30ml). It also had a tackiness to it but it tends to go away after a few minutes (6/10, WNRP)

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA: I started using this in the middle of last year but had to take a break due to a damaged skin barrier. I started reintroducing it in February this year and had just under half a bottle left so I decided to finish it. This is a very gentle chemical exfoliant which exfoliates dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. I found it to be very effective when applied three times a week. It helped my skin stay clear for longer and I noticed that, when I had it, my acne disappeared quicker as well. However the formula was very watery so I had to dispense it onto a cotton pad and use it like a toner (8/10, MRP)

Purito Centella Unscented Serum (repurchased x3): I started using this in December 2020 but took a break from it and started using it again in February this year. This serum is very soothing and hydrating and comes in a pump bottle, which I like. It also helps to control my oil levels with centella extract. It includes peptides, ceramides and niacinamide which all help to strengthen the skin barrier. However, to begin with I wasn't a fan of the consistency as it's like a watery gel. It spreads reasonably well but you need a couple of pumps to cover both your face and neck. Overall the results are so good that I can overlook the texture (9/10, WRP)

Pixi Glow Tonic (repurchased x1): I've had this for a couple of years now and when I first tried it it irritated my skin so I stopped using it. However once I did some research into chemical exfoliants I found out how to properly introduce it into my routine. After about a month I saw some really noticeable results in how quickly my acne cleared up and how long my skin stayed clear for. I had a break, however, to try TO Lactic Acid instead as I'd heard good things about it. In April this year I finally decided to finish it up which took around 6 months. I really enjoyed this AHA toner as it's a low percentage of glycolic acid (5%) and I've noticed an improvement in my acne when used 3 times a week. Definitely my favourite exfoliating toner that I've used so far! (10/10, WRP)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sleeping Cream (repurchased x7): I absolutely adore this moisturiser! I've been using it since last summer and have repurchased it repeatedly ever since. It's a rich yet gel-based consistency which immediately melts into the skin and fills it with moisture. It feels so velvety on the skin and doesn't feel heavy or greasy at all. Love, love, love this product!! (10/10, WRP)

Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel (repurchased x2): This has a lovely lightweight lotion formula which absorbs nicely into the skin and leaves zero white-cast. It spreads really well and doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin. I love how soft my skin feels afterwards and I find it to be moisturising enough by itself. Especially if I don't have time to apply moisturiser before I leave the house. Although unfortunately it's been discontinued (9/10)

Scinic First Treatment Essence: This is basically a fancy toner which is very hydrating and soothing on the skin. It contains niacinamide which helps with strengthening the skin barrier and regulating sebum production. However it felt more hydrating than anything else. I really enjoyed the experience of applying this and liked how it made my skin feel afterwards. It absorbed really quickly and left it smooth and supple. However I think I could find an equally effective toner for a lot less (8/10, MRP)

Elf Superhydrate Moisturiser: This has a jelly type consistency which I've never experienced before. I used a spactula to get this out of the jar as it's such a unique texture. I found this to take a long time to absorb, however it felt nice and hydrating. It contains niacinamide, centella and squalane which are all barrier supportive ingredients. However, I felt like it wasn't very moisturising, which is fine for summer but not occlusive enough for the colder months. It also left a tacky finish on the skin after application (5/10, WNRP)

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (repurchased x2): I've been using this 473ml bottle since around January this year. I only just finished it 2 weeks ago which means that it's lasted me about 11 months. This is a very reliable cleanser and does what it says on the tin (or bottle). It's the perfect cleanser for the morning as it's super gentle and non-stripping. It also leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturised afterwards. However I find the formula a bit basic and it doesn't lather, which I enjoy with a cleanser. I'm currently using Rovectin Conditioning Cleanser but I might come back to this because it's affordable and lasts ages! (8/10, MRP)

Nivea Micellair Waterproof Cleansing Water: This is the most effective micellar water that I've ever used. It's a bi-phase product with dry oil which you shake up and apply to a cotton pad. I would then hold the pad over my eye for 30 seconds, then gently wipe away my eye makeup. I love how there's no pulling or tugging with this formula. It just melts off the mascara effortlessly and doesn't sting or irritate my eyes. I don't currently use waterproof mascara so I've purchased the regular version of this product (minus the dry oil). Hopefully it'll remove my makeup just as effectively (10/10, MRP)

I hope you enjoyed the second installment of my Empties series. I plan to try and do one every 6 months to see which products worked and which ones didn't. It also helps me to decide which products I want to keep in my routine as well! I'd love to hear which products you've been emptying and repurchasing, so feel free to leave a comment below :)

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare :)