I'm going to kick things off with the first of two mascaras. I picked up the Rimmel Wonder'full Mascara (£7.99) shortly after its launch, and it almost immediately went into my disappointing products pile. I'd been using really lashy mascaras like Benefit's They're Real and L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic, and this just didn't give any volume or length to my lashes in comparison. However when I started working, I came back to this for a super-natural look. It definitely wasn't my favourite mascara ever, but its argan-enriched formula left my lashes feeling really nourished.
The other mascara I used up was Benefit Roller Lash (£19.50 full size). When this came out, I got one free with Elle Magazine and reviewed it here. The brush is loosely based on the idea of hair rollers, with little spikes to grab each lash and coat it with mascara. Roller Lash gives me amazingly long lashes, which I love, and is great for separation. I felt like the mini dried up and flaked quite quickly, which was disappointing. I got another mini with a Birchbox which I'm currently using, but I haven't 100% decided if I'll buy the full size when that runs out.
A product that I haven't stopped using since I first discovered it last year is The Body Shop Instablur Universal Primer (£14). This is heavily silicone based, which a lot of people dislike, but it really works to keep my oily skin matte. I much prefer this to the Porefessional and it is much cheaper too. I cut open the tube to scrape out every last bit of product and have already repurchased as I couldn't be without it.
I've literally made reference to Benefit in every single paragraph, and I promise this is going to be the last time I mention them. I got a mini of their High Beam highlighter (£19.50) in a gift set a while back, and used it on and off but was never truly obsessed. I recently rediscovered High Beam when strobing became a thing, and I loved using it all the way from my cheekbone up to my brow bone, and then topping it with a powder highlight for an intense look. When my mini dried up, I was all set to purchase a full size, however I was recommended Technic High Lights, which is such a brilliant dupe and about a tenth of the price.
I have two products left on the beauty front and the first is the 2True Silver Glitter Eyeliner. I've had this for way too long, and just didn't reach for it enough. I used to wear a subtle line of this close to the upper lash line when doing a smoky eye to add a bit of sparkle and brighten things up. My final product is the Primark Egg Sponge (£1.50), their answer to the Beauty Blender. I really like this, especially used damp to pat in my concealer. I later tried the realTechniques sponge, and it is a lot softer compared to this. I feel like the density in this one really gives you control and allows you to bop it on the face to blend. I have already repurchased another two of these.
You're probably sick of hearing about my Lush boxing day haul, but I was so slow to use them up that I still have a few products lurking in the sidelines. Does it stop me from buying more? No it doesn't... The Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb (£3.95) is a brilliantly coloured bath fizzer that turns your water bright pink. It shares its tonka, vanilla and benzoin scent with Twilight, which I used recently and ADORED, and I think I'd pick up another in the future.
I feel like I've absolutely banged on about the CoLab Sheer Invisible Dry Shampoo (£3.49) ever since I reviewed the range last year, but I'm still obsessed with the London scent. I use it most days to either refresh my hair or add a bit of volume to the roots. I've actually been struggling to get my hands on it in my local Superdrug stores recently, so when I finally saw some in stock, I may have bought five. And yes, I'm 100% certain the sales assistant thought I was a tramp that doesn't wash her hair...
Another one that I feature in just about every empties post is Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (from £6 for 30ml plus a muslin cloth). I think this the last of my minis that I had stashed in various drawers around my home, and I have since moved on to a full size tube. This is such a fail safe cream cleanser. It gently removes all traces of makeup without stripping the skin, and has a beautiful eucalyptus scent. I will always come back to this cleanser when my skin is in need of something soothing.
A product that I haven't stopped using since I first discovered it last year is The Body Shop Instablur Universal Primer (£14). This is heavily silicone based, which a lot of people dislike, but it really works to keep my oily skin matte. I much prefer this to the Porefessional and it is much cheaper too. I cut open the tube to scrape out every last bit of product and have already repurchased as I couldn't be without it.
I've literally made reference to Benefit in every single paragraph, and I promise this is going to be the last time I mention them. I got a mini of their High Beam highlighter (£19.50) in a gift set a while back, and used it on and off but was never truly obsessed. I recently rediscovered High Beam when strobing became a thing, and I loved using it all the way from my cheekbone up to my brow bone, and then topping it with a powder highlight for an intense look. When my mini dried up, I was all set to purchase a full size, however I was recommended Technic High Lights, which is such a brilliant dupe and about a tenth of the price.
I have two products left on the beauty front and the first is the 2True Silver Glitter Eyeliner. I've had this for way too long, and just didn't reach for it enough. I used to wear a subtle line of this close to the upper lash line when doing a smoky eye to add a bit of sparkle and brighten things up. My final product is the Primark Egg Sponge (£1.50), their answer to the Beauty Blender. I really like this, especially used damp to pat in my concealer. I later tried the realTechniques sponge, and it is a lot softer compared to this. I feel like the density in this one really gives you control and allows you to bop it on the face to blend. I have already repurchased another two of these.
Moving onto body care and something I had a real moment for a few months back was the foot pack. The Tea Tree & Peppermint Foot Packs (around 79p in Savers, Home Bargains, B&M etc) are so cooling on the tootsies, and I loved using them as a treat after a long day or night spent dancing then hobbling home, heels in hand. These also add a bit more moisture than your regular foot cream, although they are probably the most unglamorous things ever to grace my toe area. I have happily repurchased many of these.
I got so many of these L'Occitane Milk Concentrate Body Lotion (£38 full size) sachets from a magazine promotion. There was an offer to pick up a free mini tub, but my local store had run out so gave me tons of sachets instead. This lightweight body lotion smelt absolutely beautiful and was nicely moisturising, although it is way out of my price range to repurchase. Thankfully I have a few sachets left, which will be strictly rationed.
I got so many of these L'Occitane Milk Concentrate Body Lotion (£38 full size) sachets from a magazine promotion. There was an offer to pick up a free mini tub, but my local store had run out so gave me tons of sachets instead. This lightweight body lotion smelt absolutely beautiful and was nicely moisturising, although it is way out of my price range to repurchase. Thankfully I have a few sachets left, which will be strictly rationed.
You're probably sick of hearing about my Lush boxing day haul, but I was so slow to use them up that I still have a few products lurking in the sidelines. Does it stop me from buying more? No it doesn't... The Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb (£3.95) is a brilliantly coloured bath fizzer that turns your water bright pink. It shares its tonka, vanilla and benzoin scent with Twilight, which I used recently and ADORED, and I think I'd pick up another in the future.
Another one that I feature in just about every empties post is Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (from £6 for 30ml plus a muslin cloth). I think this the last of my minis that I had stashed in various drawers around my home, and I have since moved on to a full size tube. This is such a fail safe cream cleanser. It gently removes all traces of makeup without stripping the skin, and has a beautiful eucalyptus scent. I will always come back to this cleanser when my skin is in need of something soothing.
Last but not least (that phrase kinda makes me want to vom) is The Cool Fix Targeted Gel Lotion (£25 full size) from Shaveworks. I got this in a Birchbox and absolutely loved it. The Cool Fix is an aloe vera-based gel, made to soothe itchy post-shaven skin, and prevent ingrown hairs. I particularly like to use it on my underarms as they feel like they need a bit of nourishment, as well as on my legs after epilating to take away some of the sting and calm the redness. I have repurchased as this has become a bathroom staple.
Which products have you almost used up?
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