Sweet baby Jesus, January is finally over! I genuinely thought that month would never end. But it’s now February and I have a lot of empties to get through. And for once, I actually have a mixture of good and bad products to chat about. Let’s get into it.
MECCA COSMETICA FRESH FACED HYDRO GEL SHEET MASK – $16.00ea.
A lot of sheet masks in my empties this month. It started off merely as a bid to try and use them up. But they quickly became essential to me when I absolutely obliterated my skin barrier last week. I love the hydro gel ones to lock in my barrier treatment.
MECCA COSMETICA LIT FROM WITHIN HYDRO GEL SHEET MASK – $16.00ea.
Honestly, see above.
LA ROCHE POSAY CICAPLAST B5 MASQUE – $13.99ea.
These, however, I used as a part of my healing treatment. So soothing. I definitely need more.
THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE 10% + ZINC 1% – $9.50*
I used to be a fan of this back in the day. But I’ve tried so many other Niacinamide serums that I like better than this one. Probably wouldn’t pick it up again
WISHFUL SKIN PILLOWGASM CHERRY GLOW SLEEPING MASK – $60.00
Best in Beauty 2023 winner. Such a fabulous sleeping mask. I would without question buy again.
SUMMER FRIDAYS SHADE DROPS TINTED BASE SPF 30 – $58.00
Remember how I mention that I cooked my skin barrier? I’m 90% sure this is the culprit. You see, I had this in my January stash. But I didn’t really get a chance to use it until last week (the Milk Hydro Grip has been my saviour over the summer). I used it last Wednesday and quickly noticed that my face, neck, and ears were beginning to itch. It’s been humid and the mosquitoes are out and about, I didn’t think much of it and reapplied at lunchtime. By the end of the day, my face was noticeably red, bumpy, and extremely sore. I knew it had to be the Shade Drops as it was the only new product that I had used that day. I saw it was also quickly approaching it’s use by date. So straight to the empties it went. Jury’s out as to whether it was a legit allergic reaction or if it was just on it’s way out. Either way, I’m too scared to buy it again.
REXONA CLINICAL PROTECTION ANTIPERSPIRANT – $14.00
Mount Isa has been above 40% humidity all month. This is an essential.
RARE BEAUTY ALWAYS AN OPTIMIST 4 in 1 MIST – $27.00
This didn’t make my Best in Beauty list. But it probably should have. I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. Pleasant herbal scent and it gave some serious staying power to my makeup. I’m keeping the bottle to use for other mists to make them travel size.
BIODERMA SENSIBIO MICELLER WATER – $12.00 for 100ml
Used this when I went to Sydney. It’s still a S-Tier micellar water. But I want to see what else is out there this year. So, I might be giving the Bioderma a break. Unless they want to hook a sister up?
KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL CREAM – $62.00
For an Ultra Facial Cream, the formula is so much lighter than I expected. That is a good thing. I legit want to buy this now.
ESSENCE SENSITIVE BUT WOW MASCARA – $6.50*
Easily my favourite of the Essence mascaras that I’ve tried. Loved the wand and how budge proof the formula is. A certain repurchase.
NATURIUM MULTI PEPTIDE MOISTURISER – $39.95
Love Love Love this! Still my favourite daytime moisturiser. But like the Bioderma, I might give this a break this year.
MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER – $22.95
The formula of this definitely turned on me while I was using it. It’s still one of my OG favourite concealers of all time.
MAYBELLINE THE FALSIES SURREAL EXTENSIONS MASCARA – $27.99
I had to revisit my review for this one. Which should tell you everything you need to know. I hope that Maybelline has another mascara launch soon.
GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW PINK DREAM BODY CREAM – $42.00
Quite possibly Glow Recipe’s most underrated product. Especially in the Watermelon Glow line. This is so nourishing and it smells absolutely incredible. I have also kept this bottle to rehouse some other body creams.
GARNIER MICELLER GENTLE PEELING WATER – $15.99
This is what inspired me to go on my micellar water journey. I picked it up kind of on a whim when I was out of Bioderma. And I really enjoyed it! Super gentle, but it leaves my skin feeling cleansed and lovely. Also, it had a very light fruity fragrance that I quite enjoyed.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY SUPER RADIANCE RESURFACING FACIAL – $99.00
I’ve tried other acid based exfoliating masks that I’ve liked more than this one. And they cost way less.
EVERYDAY BY FRANK BODY CLEARING BODY WASH – $14.00
Frank Body, if you ever discontinue this, I will be in your walls…
And that is a wrap on my empties for January. Before I finish up, a quick announcement. Readers who follow me on Instagram will know that I’m finally going on my long awaited honeymoon next week. During this time, I’ll also be taking two weeks off from the blog. Just so I can truly focus on my holiday. And not have to worry about anything going wrong while I’m away. I’ll still be active on my Instagram. But otherwise, I’ll be back February 20th. See you then!
Cheers and love
Emily xo