Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Beauty addicts anonymous! A wonderful community of hoarders!

999 replies

Experiment627 · 07/09/2021 19:27

New thread!!!!

Sorry I did not see the other thread getting full!!! Really hope you guys will find this new thread!!!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
119
Caggie09 · 31/12/2021 13:56

Happy new year everyone!

I know every year i tell myself ill be doing a no buy, low buy or budget myself, but i never stick to it. But, im really going to curb my spending in 2022, i also want to move, so dont want the extra stuff to take with me, so will concentrate on getting this shit used!

Ill still be paying for my Liberty beauty drop box, and the money will go towards future beauty buys i want, but i dont intend to purchase anything until mid April, which is my birthday.. So with that in mind, im going to set myself the challange of using up 100 products before then.

I had my last spend up on Boxing day, and the truth is, the stuff i bought last year is still sitting here unused.. So, with anotyer year of this thread, im sure i can do my 100 products!

Justilou1 · 01/01/2022 02:24

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!! I have been having a fabulous time! Of course have been powering though the samples because the climate here is so very different to where I live. Much higher, much less humid and of course it’s directly under the hole in the ozone layer also. Guess who’s using litres of sunscreen every day? We are currently experiencing a heatwave so heading up into the mountains most days to escape the heat. Also traveling with two teenaged daughters who are availing themselves of the samples as well. I have been carrying the La Mer ones in my handbag and slopping it about as though it were Nivea (basically is Nivea) and feeling so pretentious. It does smell lovely though. Same with the Caudalie lotion. Lovely, but I’d never spend that much and it’s so low-tech that I honestly don’t think it does much. Anyhow, heading home in a couple of days and what is left I’ll be leaving behind.

Justilou1 · 01/01/2022 02:25

Oooh! I even used a sheet mask finally. Still think they’re slimy!!!

LivingDeadGirlUK · 01/01/2022 12:01

Happy new year! Finished this frim the M&S calander. Did not like it, too greasy and strongly fragranced.

Beauty addicts anonymous! A wonderful community of hoarders!
CherryMargo · 01/01/2022 18:26

Happy New Year, everyone! 🎆🥂🍾

I’ve been on a replacement-only no-buy for one year and seven months (since May 26th, 2020), and this is what I am carrying over into 2022: 231 full-size products, 56 deluxe samples and 67 foil sachets. My beauty tools & accessories stash includes 213 items. My fragrance stash currently consists of 5 full-size perfume bottles and 16 samples.

I’ve also made the annual update to my product usage calculator with regard to my makeup products. The results are as follows: if I continue to apply a full face of makeup only once a week, then my foundation stash will last me eight (!) years, and the same goes for my eyeshadows stash. As for the lipstick stash, I own enough to cover… 70 years of use 🤦

My primary goal for 2022 is to use up 50% of my foil sachets, and to reduce the total number of my problematic categories. By ‘problematic’ I mean categories in which I have more than 3 full-size products, with the exception of the following categories: sheet masks, nose strips, lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes. Currently I have 13 categories which are problematic.

daisyjgrey · 01/01/2022 21:48

Not an empty, but omg this is SO bad. It's priced at £35 but I got it as a GWP before Christmas.

The only redeeming feature is the little balls in the applicator which feel nice when you're rollering it onto your face, probably in blissful ignorance at how god awful the serum will be.

The texture is weird, and it pills ALL DAY LONG. Doesn't matter if you don't put anything on top of it, if you leave it 30 mins between that and spf or anything else, it appears to have been designed with the exclusive purpose of leaving your face in 1 million tiny grey lumps of goo. I made the mistake of putting concealer on after I had used this and the make up literally balled up and rolled right off my face.

I want to finish it because it feels like a horrendous waste but I think I'll end up having some kind of breakdown if I have to use it all.

Beauty addicts anonymous! A wonderful community of hoarders!
WellTidy · 01/01/2022 22:15

I’ve used up a 30ml body shop moringa shower gel. Forgot to include this in my list of products.

I’m also one use away from using uk a body shop 75ml/g Himalayan mud mask pot, so I’m planning on using that tomorrow. I am going to try and do a mask (either gave or eye) every Sunday whilst DS is having his long bath. Also made a new year resolution of sorts to file my nails and apply clear polish during his Sunday bath time.

Wouldnt RP either product due to so many similar others in the stash.

I’ve made a list of ten achievable targets for January, so I should be ten products lighter by the 31st! There are 120 odd products in there stash, but I will never finish them by the end of the year as so many are full sized. I am aiming not to buy any products until the summer but that will be hard to keep to.

Caggie09 · 01/01/2022 22:41

My first 10/100!

  • Baby oil. A staple for when im shaving. Already had one in back up.
  • Body Shop vanilla pumpkin shower gel. I think this is more creamy than a regular gel. I love it though, and is a HG scent🧡
  • Margaret Dabbs foot cream. Got this around Oct 2020. Its a good foot cream, but i rarely use them, and i dont think you need a pricey foot cream.. If i need to urgently purchase a foot cream i will, but im sure this is the only one i had in my stash.
  • 6 Random perfume minis. I still have more to go, but next week im focusing on using a bottle of Tommy Girl up, and some other minis. Feels good getting through these✌
  • Deviant cleansing concentrate. I didnt enjoy this balm, the earthy nutty smell wasnt for me. If did a good job of removing all traces of makeup, but it didnt give me that spa like feeling that ive had with other balms. So far this brand has underwhelmed me!

Also going to try and do a pamper day every Sunday, so that should get rid of some masks, body bits and bath stuff.

Beauty addicts anonymous! A wonderful community of hoarders!
Lennon80 · 01/01/2022 23:24

Omg just reading this thread - I do so many of the things people here do! I have boxes and boxes of stuff unopened to use and probably got enough creams etc to last me three years! Having combination skin doesn’t help as I need loads out as need different things various times of the month. Currently have six serums, four toners, 3 face washes, 4 night creams and five day creams all on the go at once!!

SlatternIsMyMiddleName · 02/01/2022 00:46

@Lennon80 this is the place for you

Justilou1 · 02/01/2022 00:56

@Ponks- been there, done that, Re: DH.. it’s awful. So sorry to hear this for you both. Just letting you know that if you want to offload some of your unwanted cosmetics, perfume and skincare, you can sell it on Depop if it’s in good nick. Big hugs.

latedecember1963 · 02/01/2022 09:52

Happy New Year everyone! ❇
4 empties and 1 discard to report.
The Olay cleanser did it's job and I would rebuy when I need a new cleanser.
The shower gel is nicer than the lemongrass version and I might rebuy if it was on offer.
The BS deodourant was ok but I prefer the White Musk version.
The Prai serum was nice enough to use and seemed to last ages but I wouldn't rush to buy it specially. ( It was in the M and S Advent calendar.) Normally I really like Prai.
The Alpha H is a discard after a few tries as I really don't like it. I think it is a bit of a marmite product from what I've read on other threads. It was from the M and S Advent calendar so I haven't paid full price for it.
Good luck to your DH with his job hunt, Ponks. We've also been there, but the timing just before Christmas is rough.

Beauty addicts anonymous! A wonderful community of hoarders!
LivingDeadGirlUK · 02/01/2022 16:25

That Alpha H stuff has a silly price tag, may be worth putting it on Vinted!

PomRuns · 02/01/2022 18:28

These are from mainly from December so I can’t count in this years use up tally.

apothecary body wash from M&S AC. Wasn’t keen, did not lather well, fragrance wasn’t quite nondescript.
ollo hand balm, loved it. Lovely fragrance plus effective.
Venn all in one - fine, nothing special.
Prai hand cream. Not great, didn’t seem to do much.
Elemis marine cream. I liked it a lot apart from the over powering fragrance, which would put me off purchasing again.
loccitane almond milk sachet. Loved it, fragrance too strong though for daytime.

@LivingDeadGirlUK I’ve two of those alphas - I don’t think I’ve the energy to sell though.

Beauty addicts anonymous! A wonderful community of hoarders!
LivingDeadGirlUK · 02/01/2022 19:36

I've finished a strawberry chapstick! I usually loose them before I can finish lol

Experiment627 · 03/01/2022 10:05

@Justilou1 interesting how you day La Mer is the same as Nivea - La Mer makes me breakout... Nivea does not - but I rarely use face products from Nivea but their in shower body moisturiser is HG for me.

I love your goals @CherryMargo!
You go girl!!!

Welcome @Lennon80 you have found your sisterhood 💜

I have one empty to report:

  • Lush rosy cheeks fresh face mask (expired 1 December 2021) and the last couple of uses I could tell it was past its best. You really need to use up as quickly as possible after purchase. Anyhoo probably the best one of their fresh masks I have tried and I got free after returning empty pots so YAY!

In other news my face had gone to shit: my nose actually hurts with all the congestion underneath the skin and I have other areas of concern. Safe to say my trial of The Body Shop aloe range has not gone well! I have kept up other things like the Superdrug B. Glow mask and The Ordinary peel mask but the cleansing is just not right nor the creams. Cannot wait to switch out tomorrow and give all leftovers to my SIL

OP posts:
latedecember1963 · 03/01/2022 11:55

I've never tried selling or buying on ebay, vinted etc. My DiL loves ebay for purchases but I don't know if she's tried selling.
I did wonder about putting it on the staffroom table with a label saying free to a good home but as most of the staff are way younger than me they might think it's a bit odd. 😁
I know aloe vera is supposed to be soothing, Experiment627, but I have heard of some people finding it reactive.
I like the Body Shop Vit E range and devert back to it if I have a reaction to other brands. Hope your skin calms down soon.

latedecember1963 · 03/01/2022 11:56

Revert

Experiment627 · 03/01/2022 17:20

@latedecember1963 I love the Body Shop vitamin E range that is why I am so shocked with this reaction. My nose is still on 🔥 and twice its normal size and it ain't a small nose normally!!!!!

OP posts:
Experiment627 · 04/01/2022 07:36

Reporting an empty:

  • Ted Baker violet & bergamot body lotion: really nice consistency, smell ok but not a fave
OP posts:
declutteringmymind · 04/01/2022 09:18

Hi all! A few empties:

Rimmel exaggerate eyeliner. HG. I'm down to my last one so will RP another one when I resume travelling as I like to have a spare.

Body shop liquid peel. Will RP this as it's really good when my skin feels scaly and congested.

CT mini eye make up remover. It was ok but I prefer Lancôme BiFacil of which I have a few minis in the stash

My job this week is to gather any unused minis and take them to work for distribution.

Experiment627 · 04/01/2022 09:44

@declutteringmymind great username! I need to do this on a regular basis!
I WFH now but if someone brought in a load of beauty products to the office, for when I did work in one, I would love them forEVER!!!

OP posts:
Minnie123456 · 04/01/2022 23:37

I think i've found the thread for me, if you don't mind me joining? I could open my own shop with the amount of products I own- mostly gift boxes containing shower gels,creams etc and perfumes, so many perfumes, they're my guilty pleasure.

I'm not going to set a target yet as i'm not sure how much stuff I actually use in a month as it seems to take me forever to finish things.

I got a giftcard for Boots for Christmas, I was thinking about using it on skin care as I don't have much of that in my stash. Any recommendations? I don't really have a skincare routine usually just cleansing wipes, but i'm thinking it's time to start one as I'm a few years away from 40. My skin would be quite sensitive and prone to breakouts.

Justilou1 · 05/01/2022 00:31

@Experiment627 the inci lists for the original La Mer (Creme de La Mer - which is the one that developed it’s own mythology based on healing the burns of astronauts and playing music to it’s “Divine Broth” (seaweed goop) as though it were in utero being programmed by a Tiger Mum, a-La Baby Einstein being pumped through the bump. I digress… The inci lists bar for that and Nivea cream start off identically. It is only when the seaweed goop is added (low down, Obvs in v.low amounts!) the formula changes. Different fragrances, colour to make it that lovely mucus green and some v. low-tech emollients and preservatives. These are the things that will be breaking you out compared to Nivea. That and the price. For me, it’s the pseudoscience sold to people who clearly WANT to justify why they NEED to spend that kind of money on cream that makes me break out in hives! *I see you, Chanel Sublimage and your “Ephemeral Molecules of Vanille Planifolia that “come and go in nature” and are stable in this formula…” - It’s vanilla essence, and it smells nice. Probably doesn’t do anything remotely magical to anyone’s face, though. Could cause a lot of breakouts, though. Enjoy their money, Chanel. Gaaaah!

Justilou1 · 05/01/2022 01:55

Empties to report! Full-size Sioris “Time is Running Out” Mist. I have been pootling slowly through this bottle, mostly using it as a setting spray. I chucked it in the car as we were leaving for holidays as a last-minute idea and I’m so glad I did. I drove for two whole days each way (although had an extra night’s detour to another town on way there, so three.) in an air-conditioned car, stepping outside into temps between 36’c & 42’c. Repeated sprays of this kept my skin on my face, cooled me down AND smelled fresh and clean without grossing out everyone else in the car. Apart from it’s name, I bloody love this! Usually I am of the opinion that mists don’t do much except feel nice and cool. This is a two-phase oil-in-water mist that you have to shake vigorously first and it DOES feel gorgeous, and it mists delightfully without leaving oily stains like spilled salad dressing on your clothes. It comes in two versions - yuzu, which I have, and green plum, depending on what time of year you purchase the product. I am ordering two travel-sized green plum ones as they are on special atm and cheaper than one full-size. One to keep in handbag. Who have I become?
Finally finished Melano C Gel Creme. Lovely but not moisturizing enough for me. I needed to mix in a couple of drops of rose hip or jojoba oil as well just to keep skin on face. It’s lovely on body though. Smells fresh.
Purchasing Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream to try. (Have heard nice things. I rely on my tretinoin and serums for active ingredients. I don’t need them from moisturizer. This one is basic, soothing, unfragranced moisturiser.). Or a collagen one because it feels sooooo nice. Dunno.
Also finished Neogen Lemon Peeling Pads. Love these. Soooo good. I have used them for years. I cut them in half because they’re huge. I won’t repurchase because I don’t want to use disposable items like that anymore. Will look at equivalent liquid exfoliator and report back. Considering Beauty of Joseon again. Gentle and moisturizing but effective. (I mainly want for neck and décolleté, so sounds good - and on special!)

Won’t bore you with the samples I used. Honestly pissed off with myself for keeping them for so long. There is never enough product to really get a feel for the efficacy, and it’s just more plastic. If I receive any more, they will be used ASAP or given away. (Moisturizers and oils shall be kept in work makeup bag for hands.)
I used another sheet mask while in a motel on way back. That’s two now! I am tempted to try one every day until they’re done, but am worried about reactions and also - who has that kind of time? Maybe once a week. This one was a Kanebo Rice Mask from Japan. To be fair, it was very soothing and very hydrating. I left it on for much longer than I normally would and maybe that’s why it actually did something.
Used up Sunscreens there are a few here!!!:- Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel spf 50++++in clear. This is great! Love! Haven’t found a makeup that doesn’t work with this. No white caste at all. COSRX Aloe SPF 50++++ Also great, but whiter and thicker. Disappears virtually immediately though. Stings my eyes a bit, which isn’t unusual. Roho Mentholatum (same company as Hada Labo) Skin Aqua Gold Spf50++++ 140ml pump. Great product. Moisturizing, effective, decent-sized bottle. Will buy again, but want to try some new ones. OMI Sun Bears Strong, Waterproof spf50++++. This was the surprise product of the year. Teeny, tiny bottle of one of the best and most effective sunscreens I’ve ever used in one of the nicest formulas!!! It’s cheap as dirt and am going to buy two backups. (Will have one in car and one in work bag.) This one can be rubbed onto backs of hands and you can drive straight away. Big fan! Also plays well under makeup. Absolutely needs oil to be broken down for removal.
That’s my empties…

Swipe left for the next trending thread