Let’s Talk Trash: Product Empties

Generally, I’m pretty horrible with committing to finishing products I’ve opened, because I get too excited about things I buy or receive that I just want to open up and try everything I own! However recently, I’ve really challenged myself to completely use up products I have opened, and to only open another product when I need to. Of course, this isn’t true for EVERYTHING. It’s pretty much impossible to only use up one product in category, and being a beauty blogger I do receive quite a few products for editorial consideration so I have a responsibility to open and use up products to create my content – but I’m trying to as best I can. It’s what people called ‘shopping your stash’ or ‘shopping your beauty cupboard’. It’s money saving – because you don’t throw out products that go old because you don’t use them up – and it’s also a more economical way to live.

So as a result, I’ve worked hard and long into using up products that I have opened, and I’ve collected these ’empties’ to bring to you my first ever empties post! I’ll go over products from different categories, providing mini reviews and finally, whether I would consider re-purchasing them. Please join me in giving me an electronic pat on my back. I deserve it, really.

My empties!

Skincare

Cetaphil Cleansing Wipes

Cleansing/makeup removing wipes are a constant staple in my bathroom. I received these in a Bellabox and was super happy with them. They are gentle yet effective, removing makeup really well. They do the job. I haven’t tried them with waterproof mascara though. They are reasonably priced and accessible to everyone.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. I do prefer the Simple makeup wipes, but I’d be more tempted if I saw the Cetaphil ones on sale though!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

I looooooooove this moisturiser. Being an oil-skinned gal who is prone to congestion, gel textures are my favourite form of moisturiser. This moisturiser is so refreshing and light, for me it provides the perfect amount of hydration, although it may not be adequate for those with dry skin.

Would I repurchase? Definitely!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Face Mask

This mask was super helpful for clarifying my skin and helping to clear acne when my skin was quite bad. It’s a thick formula and super cooling on the skin. Almost numbing – not sure if I like that sensation though. And I’d prefer a tube to dispense this mask – being thick it can be quite of a nuisance to wash my hands after I’ve used it. Not to mention it’s not very hygienic. This is the older packaging though, I’m not sure if they have also reformulated it.

Would I repurchase? No, I definitely have found some new favourite face masks that now provide what my changing skin needs.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid

Liquid exfoliators are among my favourite exfoliators nowadays. There is quite a lot of hype about this product, so I just had to try it. I used this like a toner – right after I cleansed. It was super comfortable and easy to use. At first I loved what it was doing to my skin but after a while I didn’t see any of those benefits anymore, perhaps my skin was becoming immune to it. It also left a little bit of a film that I didn’t like, and also affected how my other skin care products then layered over the top of it.

Would I repurchase? No. I’m loving Skinstitut’s liquid and glycolic exfoliators and I feel that the Paula’s Choice isn’t on par.

Dr Hauschka Facial Toner*

I received this at an event in a skincare travel pack and I DAMN WELL WISH I RECEIVED THE FULL SIZE! I love this spray on toner – it smells incredible. It’s filled with beautiful natural and organic products and Dr Hauschka is an ethical company too. It works wonderfully to not only refresh my skin but to provide it with a kick of hydration.

Would I repurchase? Yes, would definitely purchase the full size. I loved this little baby.

Body Care

Essano Body Oil*

My love for body oils started with this little gem. Oh my gosh it smells so incredible – I can’t even handle. It has rosehip and pomegranate oil in it so it’s packed with antioxidants. It’s so lightweight and literally melts into my skin. It’s not an oil that leaves any residue at all and makes my skin so soft. I replaced all my massgae oils with this guy.

Would I repurchase? Yep! I love Essano products!

Rexona Motion Sense anti-perspirant

Suffering from mild hyperhydrosis (although it is much better than what it used to be) ‘deodorants’ don’t cut it for me. I need a hardcore antiperspirant, not just a deodorant and this one really helped to keep my sweat at bay. It’s got a thicker pasty texture to it but these are the formulas I like the most, sprays do nothing for me. This is cheap, trusted, effective.

Would I repurchase? Sure, it does the job really well for me.

The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream

This smells heavenly – I love pretty much every shower gel from The Body Shop. I’m also obsessed with anything coconut at the moment. This is a rich, creamy shower gel that doesn’t strip the skin but leaves me feeling really clean and refreshed.

Would I repurchase? Yes, I would. I love the whole coconut range.

Makeup

Maybelline Lash Sensational

This is perhaps one of my favourite mascaras of all time. I absolutely ADORE it. The brush is designed fantastically. It coats all my lashes perfectly with it’s fanned out and tapered wand. It makes my lashes super black, thick and long. I get so many compliments on my lashes when I wear this mascara – I’ve had quite a few people ask if my lashes were real!

Would I repurchase? No… Just joking. Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer for me. Affordable and effective.

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal

Another mascara from Maybelline. I find Maybelline mascaras to be such good quality! This was wasn’t as good as Lash Sensational, it was more a volumising mascara than an allrounder. Nonetheless it was still such a good mascara.

Would I repurchase? Yeah – probably. Though if I was choosing between this one and the latter I would choose the Lash Sensational.

Benefit Cosmetics Rollerlash*

I received the mini version at an event when I already had the full size but I was still over the moon because this is perhaps my favourite mascara from both high end and ‘drug-store’ brands. I don’t know what it is about this mascara but it literally does everything I would want the perfect mascara to do. It lengthens like MAD, and it volumises – but mostly it lifts my lashes up to the sky! This gives the illusion of longer, thicker and more curly lashes. I absolutely love the doll-eyed effect it gives me.

Would I repurchase? It is a little more expensive than your average mascara, but for me the effects are worth it. So yes.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real

There is so much hype surrounded by this mascara but sad to say I feel it’s unsubstantiated. I did not like this mascara. At all. It was clumpy, it didn’t lengthen my lashes it just made them look stumpy because of the clumps. And it is the worst mascara to remove. Nope, just nope. Massive fail. I’m lucky it was a mini size.

Would I repurchase? What do you think?

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow

Another Benefit product that has had much hype this this brow fibre gel. I really do like this brow gel. It’s a thickener, has a great colour match and payoff and it keeps my hairs in place all day. However again, it’s a little more on the expensive side at $36.

Would I repurchase? Even though I love this – it’s a small bottle and expensive. I’ve found a cheaper alternative that does just as good a job (read my post here), so probably not.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Push Up Liner

And yet another Benefit product! However – this was just as much a fail as it’s sister mascara. It’s such a weird product and actually difficult to apply. It’s dry and crumbly and so hard to achieve a nice clean line. Yet again – happy it was a mini size. I tried and tried to make this work but I just couldn’t. I just ended up using it to smoke my eye out.

Would I repurchase? No, no, definitely not.

Haircare

GHD Remedy Cream Leave-in Treatment

I bought this right before it was discontinued. It’s okay. It does add hydration to my ends and leaves them feeling soft. But I don’t think it was worth the price tag. I’ve found much better treatments for a more affordable price.

Would I repurchase? No, but even if I wanted to I couldn’t anyway!

Goldwell Kerasilk Daily Intense Mask*

I was gifted this from a salon after I was given a Keratin treatment – it’s the perfect product to maintain your locks after they’ve been treated with keratin, because you are restricted in the types of shampoo and conditioner you can use. Even though it is a mask, I used it as a conditioner as normal. It was really good in keeping my hair smooth, silky and hydrated.

Would I repurchase? Now that my keratin treatment has worn off I don’t think I will require this anymore. So I probably wouldn’t. Plus it’s really expensive.

Davroe Clarfiying Shampoo

One of my favourite South Australian brands is Davroe. Their haircare products are so good!! I was given this at an event and instantly fell in love. It’s the perfect shampoo for when you need a really deep cleanse. I loved to use it after a week of my dry shampoo – just to get rid of every little drop of dust and really clean my scalp out.

Would I repurchase? Yes, all their products are incredible.

There you have it! My first empties post is wrapped up. 17 products in total. Although this is nothing compared to what I’ve seen other bloggers accomplish! I need to pick up my game.

Have you spotted any favourites? Or do you disagree with one of my reviews? Let me know in the comments!

In the meantime you can catch up with me on Instagram or on Facebook, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

Love,

Fel x

*This product was provided to me for editorial consideration. However, the generosity of the providing party has not influenced my views and opinions of the product. All opinions expressed are genuine and mine own. As always, I am no expert so please don’t substitute my opinions for professional advice.