July empties 2021
Dear Diary,
For the month of July I didn't have any particular goals in mind with regards to how I worked through my beauty products apart from actually going back into my inventory from last year and seeing if there was any products that I have had in my collection for longer than 12 months and if so, to try and incorporate them into my routine. I think what sparked this was the whole 'Christmas in July' words flying around everywhere which made me realise, 'it will be advent calendar season before we know it', which of course expands your beauty stash (especially if your like me and like to get more than one, whoops, lol). This month I managed to empty 28 products and like my previous empties blog post, I have separated them into categories to make it easier for you, or if you just want to skip to certain categories. Grab your favourite beverage and lets get to the reviews. Enjoy.
Love Becky. Xxx
P.S. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Skincare:
Oh K! Illuminating serum (30ml): Famous for their sheet masks, Oh K! have recently released their own line of skincare products ranging from face cream, to serums and masks. When latest in beauty had this as part of one of their line ups a few months back, I couldn't resist the chance to try this product out. Priced at £15 you could say this is a mid-range item which claims to retain moisture, plump the skin and give you an illuminating glow due to it containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3. The serum is a thicker, cloudy consistency within a pipette style bottle (which I personally like), and only around 2-3 drops is needed to cover the entire face and neck area. Although it spread quite nicely on the face, I wouldn't say I look illuminated or extra hydrated when using this product, and just felt like a pretty standard serum in all honesty. I personally would not pay full price for this item or particularly go out of my way to get it again.
Collosol eau de lait water milk (15ml): Purchased as part of the Feel Unique pick 'n' mix service, this was one product I had my eye on for a while, and finally decided to bite the bullet and pick it up. I've heard from a few people on my Instagram account and from beauty vloggers on YouTube, that using a cleansing milk instead of a water was actually more beneficial for dry/sensitive skin like mine, as it doesn't strip too many oils for your face and puts hydration back in after use. This is exactly what this product did and I was so happy every time I used this product. My face felt clean, yet hydrated and plump after use. For £26.50 you can pick up a 500ml bundle up on Feel Unique or £8 for 100ml on Amazon UK. It definitely isn't cheap in comparison to Garnier's milky cleansing water for £6.99 for 400ml, but it's completely down to personal choice with this item, and if I'm feeling boujee enough one month I may buy a bundle of this item, or just keep picking them up on the Feel Unique sample service, lol.
Beauty Pro rejuvenating sheet mask with seaweed and green tea: Beauty Pro is an award winning British brand who has made a name for themselves particularly when it comes to their sheet masks. You will see them featured a lot in beauty subscription boxes (which is where I discovered them), and you can bet you will try at least one from them if your getting into skincare. While I will admit to not being a fan of all of their sheet mask range, there are a few that I do like from them, including this one in particular. This sheet mask aims to rebalance oily t-zones and hydrate any dry areas, and tackle any acne breakout with witch hazel infused into the mask. This sheet mask targeted my problem areas exactly how I wanted it too, and I always find green tea such a calming aroma. This sheet mask also contains natural ingredients and is cruelty free, so it's a thumbs up from me.
Sence - essentials cat sheet mask: Another sheet mask which I picked up in Home Bargains (because I'm such a cat lady) this mask is enriched with refreshing orange extract helping you to feel refreshed and hydrated. I will admit that this was a very comfortable sheet mask to wear and fitted around my face quite well which can be hard to do with some as they can be either too small or rather quite large. Injecting that moisture back into my skin that I needed and having a bit of a giggle when wearing it, this is one I would pick back up again the next time I'm in Home Bargain. It's a thumbs up from me.
Poundland's under eye masks from their #6 range (1 pair): This product has been reviewed on my previous empties post, which you can find here:
Four sigmatic superfood face mask with Reishi (1 sachet): I picked this up as part of my latest in beauty subscription and I was very interested to try it, as I've never used a face mask before which I have to make up myself. As part of a box of 10 sachets, you take one of the packets and mix the powder in with a tea spoon of water and leave on the face for 10 minutes to help draw out any impurities on the skin. I thought this mask smelled like chocolate coffee and it was one of those mask you could feel on the face which may have been down to the bentonite clay within it. It did do a good job of clearing my face but I wouldn't say it has been my favourites and was a little messy to use. I'll finish using the box up but I won't be rushing to get it again. This face mask is also cruelty free, gluten free and suitable for vegans to use.
Hada Labo Tokyo moisturising sheet mask: Labelled as Japan's number 1 skin care line and exclusively launched at Superdrug UK last year, this was one brand that has been on my radar for quite a while. Containing 20ml of 'super' hyaluronic acid, this product aims to boost hydration and refresh the skin by acting as a moisture locking shield and help your skin to retain essential moisture it needs. I really put this to the test and applied to my skin after a long day of traveling in 30 degree heat to which my skin needed a good pamper. I don't know if I had too high of an expectation for this product as I was left feeling slightly disappointed by this mask. The sheet mask didn't feel like it had as much serum within it as claimed and the mask itself felt quite thick and heavy on my face. My skin felt moisturised to a point, but not near enough what I had hoped. I might try some other items from this range as I can't really form an opinion from trying just 1 sheet mask from them, but so far it's not a great start.
Yes to watermelon light hydration super fresh paper mask: Considering this sheet mask only claims to give a light hydration to your skin, this felt very moisturising and did a better job at hydrating my skin, compared to the Had Labo one. Made up of 99% natural ingredients, formulated without parabens or silicones and made of 100% natural cotton, this felt very comfortable, light and refreshing on the face. Plus the gorgeous watermelon smell made me want to keep it on my face longer than the recommended time, lol. I would definitely repurchase this item and check out more products from the Yes to range.
Simply When firm up sheet mask: This item has already been reviewed in my previous empties post which you can read by clicking the button below:
Beautaniq beauty gold angel eye gels (1 pair): These were such beautiful eye patches to use! I was so surprised when I used these and bonus, they didn't slide down my face like some eye gels do. Shaped in gold angel wings and infused with cucumber, rose extract, green tea and hyaluronic acid these eye gels are ideal for tired and over worked eyes, jet lag, and prepping the skin prior to an event. I noticed such a difference when using these as it made my eye area look brighter, hydrated and reduced my dark circles. I would look to buy more packs of these and they are great to use when traveling, plus they are cruelty free, Bonus!
Wander Beauty baggage claim gold eye masks (1 pair): Sticking to the theme of eye masks, I got these around Christmas time in a Glossybox, and I actually took these with me on my summer holiday. Feeling quite thin under the eye area, they still provided my eyes with enough hydration to make them look and feel more refreshed. I wouldn't say they wowed me as much as the gold angel ones, but I still liked the way they felt on my eyes and I wouldn't mind if I got these again in another subscription box.
Mario Badescu botanical exfoliating scrub (14ml): This exfoliant aims to banish dullness, and reveal a more smoother, radiant looking complexion. The finely ground seeds within the formula are made from the Ecuadorian ivory palm tree to provide effective, yet gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and help prevent pore congestion. I mix a little bit of this in with my soap bar when cleansing my face in the morning and feels so soothing, and leaves my face feeling so clean and fresh. This is very similar to the Huda Beauty Yo Glo Enzyme scrub but has a slightly thicker consistency in the paste. Really lovely product and I would look at purchasing this full size.
Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, cucumber and green tea (236ml): I know this is a controversial brand as it's known for containing ingredients that aren't the best for your skin however, this product really works wonders for my skin. The overall aim of this product is to invigorate dull and tired skin with an infusion of nutrient-rich botanicals and cucumber essential water. The fine facial mist really does deliver that cooling boost of hydration that I need which is what I want (especially in the morning). The green tea provides powerful antioxidant protection leaving your skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. This facial mist is cruelty free and paraben free. A repeat repurchase form me and going nowhere anytime soon.
Haircare:
Happy Naturals plant keratin & plum heat protection spray (150ml): It's actually quite embarrassing how long I've had this product in my stash and I've only just got around to finishing it, lol. Nevertheless, I have finally emptied it and I can now move onto the next one. First off, I really liked the smell of this product. It's has such a rich plum scent and you can tell it's not an artificial smell either as 97% of it's ingredients are natural which are sustainably sourced and suitable for vegans. Infused with Keratin to help minimise breakage and lightweight plum oil, boosts shine and softness for a smooth, frizz free finish without leaving any residue in the hair. Plus, the nozzle on the bottle lets out the perfect amount of product into your hair. I would be happy to repurchase this item.
Sol de Janerio Brazilian Joia conditioner (sample size 10ml): I've talked previously about the shampoo in this range in my previous empties blog and I personally didn't like the conditioner as much as the shampoo. I felt like it was a little sticky and clinged to my hair a little bit which weighed it down, and made it hard to brush after showering. Although it smelled nice I wouldn't pick this sample up again or pick it up in a bigger size on Feel Unique.
Batiste dry shampoo (400ml) (original): This product has been reviewed in previous empties post which you can read by clicking the button below:
Moroccan oil colour depositing mask (shade: Cocoa): Designed to be a temporary colour for your hair while also acting as a deep conditioning treatment, this product is ideal for those who just want to give their hair a give tint in-between dyeing, or are completely new to colour treatments. This product is to be used after shampooing and conditioning your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse out before styling. I personally felt like this didn't do much for my hair in all honesty and I would have just been better off just dying my hair (except I was out at the time and I was going on my summer holidays the next day so wanted to give my hair a quick refresh). If you have any grey hairs to cover up, than I do not recommend this one bit, but if your someone like me and want to make your hair look a bit richer in colour than you could try this and leave it in your hair for longer than 10 minutes but even so, I would probably just look elsewhere in all honesty as any tint that was in my hair, all washed out the next time I washed my hair. I was very disappointed in this product and wouldn't repurchase. It's a thumbs down from me.
Make-up:
KVD Vegan tattoo liner; shade Trooper Black (travel size): I feel like this product needs no introduction as it must have made an entry into any beauty junkies stash at some point. The waterproof liquid liner, was designed with Japanese calligraphy in mind to achieve that precise wing liner look instantly regardless of your skill level. Long wearing and deeply pigmented this will go no where once placed on the eyes. I have already finished 2 of these liners and I will definitely be repurchasing this again at some point (after I have finished my never ending liner stash, lol).
Body care:
Nesti Dante Il Frutteto pomegranate and blackcurrant soap bar (250g): This product is something which I see absolutely no one talking about online and it definitely needs more recognition as it's such a beautiful product to use. Handmade in Italy since 1947, this large soap bar (also nicknamed 'greedy' soap because of it's size), contains accents of berries that contain nourishing properties of pomegranate and blackcurrant when activated with water, creates a creamy texture that leaves the skin feel awakened and pampered. Formulated with quality without compromise, only organic active ingredients and plant based oils are used from sustainable cultivation and made with solar energy, a clean source to help save our plant. Free from mineral oils, synthetic surfactants or aggressive ingredients, this naturally derived and botanically active product is also vegan friendly and comes wrapped in 100% recyclable packaging. Stunning, stunning product which I have purchased a few times from Look Fantastic and I will continue to purchase this in many more scents at an affordable price of £4 each.
Foam-o apple and star fruit shower steamer (shell shaped) (Bubble T brand): Designed to be used in the shower for those of us who do not own a bath (or only has showers), you pop this on the floor in the shower and when water splashes onto it, a refreshing aroma will be expelled from the steamer of apple, starfruit and orange essential oils. This definitely provided a pampered experience to my shower and I really enjoyed having this in the shower with me. I left the water running for a few seconds before getting in the shower and I could already smell the aromas swirling around. After around 10 minutes the steamer was fully dissolved and didn't leave any staining in the base of the shower. Beautiful item and I would be happy to get another one in a beauty subscription box, or even purchase one myself.
Miscellaneous:
Veet wax strips with easy gel (20 wax strips): A constant staple within my beauty stash, this is one product I have no intention of abandoning anytime soon. A set of small individual wax strips designed to be used on the face, each strip is infused with almond oil and cornflower (making them perfect for use on sensitive skin) are designed to grip even the shortest of hairs from the root for up to 28 days. The strips design allows for easy and precise application giving you the confidence to achieve your desired look, regardless of your skill level when it comes to using wax strips. I personally apply these wax strips on my eyebrows and upper lip and don't have to worry about my facial grooming for a good 4-6 weeks. Plus, I think these are one of the more gentler wax strips to use on your face so you won't feel too much pain.
Pretty Lovelies snap bar (Snow fairies): I've talked about this lovely small business in a blog post which highlights small Instagram businesses which deserve more recognition and I have so many wax melts from this business, that I've lost count as to how many I've purchased. lol.
This scent in particular is just absolutely divine. Inspired by the famous Snow Fairy fragrance by Lush which launched as part of their 2018 Christmas collection, it's made up of a sweet, fresh, uplifting scent of bubble-gum and candyfloss, this is definitely for those with a sweet tooth. If your new to wax melts, like sweet scents or are just starting out in the wax melts world, definitely pick this one up and you won't regret it.
Clinique make-up brush cleaner (236ml): This was purchased before I decided to transition to cruelty free cosmetics last year, and I used this as a spot cleaner on my make-up brushes in-between washing them. I would say this is a middle of the run cleaner and did nothing to wow me in all honesty. It cleaned my brushes to an extent but I have had better ones in the past at a cheaper price than this item; I think I paid around £16 for this on Look Fantastic? I was sucked in by the pink packaging, lol. It's great at removing powder from your brushes and you have to work a little bit harder when removing liquid products from your brushes with it. It doesn't leave any grease or residue on your brushes like some cleaners do and it does have a nice scent to it. I wouldn't repurchase as Clinique are not cruelty free and I think I can get cheaper ones that work a bit better than this one. I would give this an item a rating of 3 stars.
Strictly Professionals make-up brush cleaner (150ml): Another brush cleaner I've finished this month, this is actually a cheaper and more hardworking cleaner compared to the Clinique one mentioned above and used by many professional make-up artists. I was first introduced to this item back when I took a hair and beauty course at 19 years of age, and I have still continued to repurchase this 8 years later. I feel this is able to work harder at getting liquid products off your brushes a lot easier and is great at getting long wearing foundation out of the bristles. It does have a slight chemical smell to it and a little bit of a greasy residue is left on your brushes when first cleaning your brushes, but once they are dry, your brushes are fine to use again and didn't break me out in acne either. You can pick this up for around £5 on Amazon and lasts for quite a while even if used on a daily basis.
Tesco luxury sensitive soft flushable towelettes (40 wipes): I use these wipes when it's 'that time of the month' to give myself a quick freshen up to maintain cleanliness and freshness. These are really gentle to use on those intimate areas and leave you feeling really clean and fresh afterwards. The wipes are quite thick and don't rip easily which is what you want the most. Priced between 70p - £1 in Tesco, I always pick up a packet or two when stocking up on my sanitary products for the month.
Fred and Flo fragrance free wet wipes (64 wipes): Very quick and simple review of this item; I only use these to remove make-up from my hands when getting ready. I do not not use these on my face or for any other purpose. I get these purely because they are cheap and get the job done. Priced between 50p - 60p in Tesco stores.
Jessy's wax melts melon and apple wax pot: A small business which I discovered on Instagram, and I purchased a fruity selection box to test them out. I wasn't keen on a lot of the scents in this box and it wasn't something I was reaching for a lot and just used them up to get them out of my collection. Not for me unfortunately.
Vizulize intensive eye drops for dry eyes (10ml): I've been repurchasing this item for round about the last 12 months or so as I used to only use the ones supplied for my opticians but unfortunately they discontinued them. I was absolutely gutted as they were the only eye drops that worked for me as I have very dry, sensitive eyes. The ones I used to use were called Aqua Drops supplied from Specsavers and these ones are the closet to those ones. They hydrate my eyes very well, don't sting or irritate the eye area, keep my eyes lubricated really well and provide long lasting relief. They do have different strengths of these eye drops which are sold on Amazon for around £3-£4 and I will continue to repurchase them as I use these on a daily basis.
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