Empties Post #8: Skincare

Today I'm showing you some of the skincare products that I've finished in recent months. I've since done a big clear-out, so I might need to start hoarding some more empties for upcoming posts...

Strangely enough there are no facial cleansers in this post, but I'll try and talk about the products per category (and in the steps that you would go about applying them). I won the Eucerin Dermo Purifyer toner as part of a competition, and when I started going to a reputable skincare salon before my wedding, my therapist told me to stop using it. Which I did, until about a year ago when my toner ran out and I only had this one left. Nothing bad happened to my skin, there were no breakouts or rashes, but I also couldn't really see any other changes either. I think this might be better suited to someone who is acne-prone, but all-in-all it's not a bad toner for the price. I might repurchase it in future, who knows. The Balm Balm Frankincense Hydrosol is a facial tonic that is the by-product that forms from the steam distillation of Frankincense essential oils. It's cooling, refreshing, and soothing at the same time. I've used this as both a toner and as a pick-me up during the day, and I can definitely recommend it.

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with eye creams: I love using them, but they almost always fail to do what I want them to do. Sadly it is also the case with the Clinique Even Better Eye Dark Circle Corrector. I do like the slanted metal tip that you apply the eye cream with, and the fact that it cools the skin upon application, but unfortunately I couldn't see any difference in the appearance of my under-eye area. I don't think I will be repurchasing this.

The Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil is light and strangely enough not greasy. It hydrates my skin and leaves it plump and smooth without breaking me out. Another oil product is the Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-oil. I love TBS's Vitamin E range and I love facial oils, so buying this was a no-brainer for me. The glass jar comes with a pipette so you can measure out your drops and not end up with a hand full of oil. The oil sinks into the skin quickly and leaves me with a subtle glow (non-greasy) and the next morning I wake up with plump, hydrated skin.

Sticking to serum-type things, the Sorbet Age Affect Power Serum drew me in with its classy packaging (white glass bottle with a pipette), as well as the fact that it is a "power serum". The serum is a thick clear gel-like consistency and smells absolutely delicious. It applies well and feels like it nourishes your skin, but that's where it stops for me. Even after using it every single day until I finished it, I couldn't see any difference in my skin and I don't think I will be repurchasing this. The final serum for this post is the Kiehl's Hyrdo-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate. I bought this when they had a promo last year and I think I got something like 20% off the price. The serum comes in a pump bottle, which makes using, and travelling with it, so easy. The texture of the serum is a velvety gel-cream that is immediately absorbed into the skin. I don't know if it ticks all the boxes mentioned by Kiehl's, but I do know that my skin looked great while using it. Depending on the price I might repurchase this.

I have mixed feelings about The Body Shop's Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet. I love the Vitamin E range, and I love the smell of the sorbet, but the texture is weird. I also don't like their body sorbets, so that's maybe why. The moisturiser does sink into my skin quickly, and I do feel hydrated, but I didn't love it nearly as much as the other products in the Vitamin E range and I don't think I'll be repurchasing this. On the other end of the texture-spectrum is the oh-so-silky Clarins Multi-active Day cream and Night cream. These are two of my absolute favourite face creams. It's expensive and a pain to travel with, but both make sure my skin gets what it needs. The texture of both creams is velvety and creamy but not too heavy. If it wasn't for the price these would be the only two face creams I use!

The last product for this post is the REN Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream (now called V-sense Revitalising Night Cream). I really love this night cream, especially in winter. It's very rich but it doesn't break me out. It soothes and nourishes my skin and I find the scent very comforting and soothing. I've since repurchased it (in the new packaging and with the new name), and it's still a goodie.

Which empty beauty products would you repurchase? Let me know in the comments section.

Until next time!

Hildegarde

xoxo