Beauty addicts thread: share empties, chucks and mindful buying tips

[Experiment627]

Welcome back (or welcome in!) to our little corner of beauty bliss, where shelves are full, wish lists are longer than ever, and there’s always something new to try.
This thread has been around for ages (since at least 2015), and many of us have even tamed our beauty-buying habits thanks to the wisdom and support shared here. We post our empties and chucks, helping each other make smarter, more satisfying choices next time we shop.
All beauty product addicts welcome!

It's more lotion-y than a solid balm but it feels moisturising like a balm!

@LightandBreezy The Inkey List oat cleanser does a really good job at getting make up off and it makes my skin feel lovely and soft as well. It did separate in the tube a bit (happened with both the tubes I’ve had) but I believe they’ve just reformulated it so they’ve hopefully sorted that out.

My favourite cleansing balms are Banila Clean It Zero, Heimish All Clean and Farmacy Green Clean. They all get mascara off properly and wash off easily. The Beauty of Joseon cleansing balm is very good too.

The Farmacy Green Clean is my favourite. I have had the Cherry Elemis one and I agree, the scent isnt quite right although I did actually like it very much. Ditto the Elemis original one.

The Byoma and Elf ones are both good at the lower end of the price range, although scent is very light. I find the Body Shop Chamomile one and find it effective, but also, not much of a scent.

I loved the Kate Somerville Goat Milk the one time I had it, it smells nice and is very gentle.

I’m currently using Byoma Melting Balm and enjoying it very much. It feels quite oily at first and then emulsifies with water and isn’t oily at all!

I didn’t get on with the Inkey List, as @CorneliaStreet says, it separated in the tube and I found the tube really tough to squeeze - very hard plastic! It just made it that much more of a faff!

@CorneliaStreet the Neom one separated too, and it did mean I wasted a bit. I'd not tried anything from Inkey List until recently, then got the ceramide cream and the ectoin serum in edits and loved both so it's a brand I'm now a fan of. I've been meaning to try Beauty of Joseon too, so good to know their balm is well-rated. @MsMarch glad to hear you liked the cherry Elemis despite the scent, I probably should just use the one I have rather than faffing around selling it - I did used to love a cherry slush puppie anyway 😂I've actually had the Farmacy one too at some point ( a small sample tub) but it didn't make a huge impression at the time, however it's only due to the laser treatments I've done recently that have made me feel like I need a balm now so maybe I just didn't appreciate it at the time. Thanks also @TragicMuse for the Byoma recommendation - that's another newish (to me) brand I've not tried anything from as yet.

I quite like the No7 cleansing balm. Massive tub and only just over a tenner. Often on 3 for 2 as well. And not heavy. Gets make up and SPF off. Though much prefer a flannel to a muslin cloth to get it all off. But use a flannel for all cleansers. A RP for me quite regularly.

I have a massive stack of empties to report on but no time to write it all up tonight!

Popping on for the cleanser and balm talk to admit that I have been using the KS Goat Milk cleanser as a face wash - and very nice it has been too, although a bit less foamy than I usually like. Although if I’m supposed to use it as a balm, that would explain a lot 🤣

I’m also working my way through what feels like it will be never ending massive tube of Liz Earle polish balm. It’s the first proper balm I’ve tried (see above - I’m a big fan of foaming cleansers!) so I don’t know if it’s a good example of this type of product? It’s not offensive, but I really don’t think it does much.

On the other hand, I love the Cerave salicylic acid face wash, which is the 3rd or 4th I’ve worked through, although I won’t rp right away as I have a range of other products in my stash, including a Numbuzin and a Caudalie Vinohydra, which I’m keen to try.

@mdinbc I “accidentally” bought the newest EA Green Tea fragrance. It‘s strawberry & basil and delicious. Also lasts a bit longer than the other ones I have had. Perfect fresh fragrance for work.

@mdinbc & @Francestein hard agree on EA green tea! Makes me happy on a wfh day when I can just spritz it around. EA sunflowers was my go-to 27 years ago when I met DH, and it’s still the perfume he most associates with me (otherwise I would have totally ditched it years ago but I have to keep a bottle on the go as it makes him smile!). Although I wish it was something a bit “posher” and more expensive 😂😂😂

@Fillybuster Sunflowers is also lovely. It’s funny that despite the name, I immediately picture pink lotuses and boats instead. I wore this when I was travelling in Vietnam in 1999 - pre husband and kids. It was a great bottle for travelling because it was solid and flattish, and not so expensive that it was too risky to bring in my bag. Such a happy scent.

A few empties;
Moncho Moreno bond j'aime bond, it leaves hair feeling smooth and soft but I'm not a fan of the smell. Won't rp.

Skin1004 centella mask, not my favourite mask but it was ok, very hydrating. Will probably repurchase if I need to bump up an order 🤣

Caudalie shower gel, nice but not worth the price. Won't rp.

Cle de peau UV protective cream, really like this, it's my favourite SPF, it's so lightweight, doesn't leave me with break outs and it just melts into the skin with no casting. It's expensive so I've just picked up another from vinted.

Tatcha dewy skin mist, another like, it's so hydrating, I've been using it over makeup and I'm quite sad to see that it's empty now. Will deffo repurchase the fs.

Ysl last clash, didn't like this mascara, it's clumpy and flakey.

Charlotte Tilbury magic cream sachet, nice, lightweight, leaves the skin glowy. I'm happy to say that I have a 30ml somewhere 🙂

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, really like this, it's not my favourite night cream but for the price, I think it's brilliant. I have already RP.

@LightandBreezy the Tatcha Cleansing balm is probably my very favourite but it's too expensive for too little product to purchase regularly. Second place and better value are the Banila balms.

@JoRaRaRa I love the smell of that leave in conditioner. I'm using it at the moment.

@OvaHere Sounds like I might be better off not trying the Indigo balm at all in case I like it too much, I've really liked everything I've tried from Tatcha so far, so it feels inevitable. And right on cue Tatcha has just sent me an email about the benefits of indigo as an ingredient, with a code for a gift of a lip mask and case with a £120 spend. I absolutely do not need this but it's very cute and I WANT IT.

I'll go and google Banila balms to distract myself...😅

I think the Tatcha balm is worth picking up occasionally as a treat when it stacks with an offer. I bought one when they had the January goody bag event. I'll probably get one next January too.

Clearly I'm going to have to look into the Tatcha balm. I have a vague memory of trying their vitamin C in a Space NK I think (does that sound right) and loving it, but nearly passing out at the price.

Empties:

Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil - 200ml. Nice and lightweight but still did a good job on make up. I prefer cleansing balms but oils last much longer so probably work out better value.

Youth to the People Superfood Air Whip Moisture Cream - 15ml. Pretty good, but probably not a RP.

Haruharu Wonder Centella Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream - 30ml. Too thick and heavy for my skin, but would probably be great for someone with dry skin.

Simple Mattifying UV Fluid - 40ml. Didn’t get on with this at all. It didn’t absorb properly so pilled badly and also made me look really shiny, even though it is supposed to be mattifying.

Laneige Sweet Candy Lip Glowy Balm. I like these, though not quite as good as the lip sleeping mask.

Perfume samples - Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush, Kayali Plush Pear, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia.

Next Cashmere EDP - 30ml. I think this is a dupe of Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude. It’s a bit powdery for me, but it’s nice as a bedtime scent.

Future Primitive Sunwise body cream - 50g. Used as hand cream. Lovely citrus scent.

Daise Coconut Glow body scrub - 510g. Ok, nothing amazing. Prefer Tree Hut scrubs.

Lush Mother of Dragons shower gel - 110g. Love Lush shower gels. This one was super strongly scented, could still smell it in the house hours after my shower.

Korres Olive Honey Pear body cream - 200ml. I like these Korres body lotions (get them cheap from TK Maxx or Notino). Not my favourite scent but it was ok.

Ample:N 2x Peptide serum gone. It’s a great product but I loathe glass bottles and droppers. I struggled with this one as a result. It was also 100ml. I have been using it up on my chest and neck as well just to finish it.

Mini Beauty of Joseon eye cream done. Love it. Suspect I need more retinol these days. I’m going down kicking and screaming.

Mini peach iced tea Laneige lip balm - divine

Espresso & Iced Coffee Balm.com binned. Did not like these at all. Very artificial scent, horrible colour and texture.

I was brutal with two Natasha Denona palettes. I didn’t keep any “Just in case” ones. Ruthlessly binned 15 eyeshadows and now only have one Frankenpalette.

Mini Mont Blanc Signature bottle of EDP finished. I really liked this one, but it’s not necessarily a RP.

2nd bottle of Treecell Day Collagen Shampoo. I love this. I think I have said already that this is the most deliciously tea-scented shampoo in the universe.

Travel-Sized Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Protein Treatment. Totally lives up to the hype. Great product. Will buy again when I run out of other treatments.

Binned a heap of mystery travel products. Not even sure they’re mine.

Binned Balea Mango shower gel. Horrid texture, dried my skin and the scent was more akin to rotting fruit in an enclosed, humid house.

Empties

Body Shop camomile cleansing balm. This was a travel purchase when I forgot a cleanser and I didn’t like it much. No smell and the lid came off so it got onto my other toiletries.

Lumene Shampoo and Conditioner Nordic C Strength and Shine - from my badvent calendar. I liked both of these and might RP if I feel like fancy shampoo (tend to use Aussie or Pantene)

Kate Somerville Goat Milk cleanser - love this, great smell and feel. I have too many cleansers to RP at the moment but it’s high on the list when I do.

Empties
Nivea Pearl shower gel 50ml - has been in my drawer for ages, on a mission to use up all small sizes first. Won't rp

Elizabeth Arden cermide night cream 15ml - liked this, purchased a few more from Direct Cosmetics - This lasted me around 3 weeks

Decleor Night Balm 15ml - liked this, may repurchase - Direct Cosmetics have this sample size for £1 - it lasted me around a week

Dove cucumber roll on - have a few in stock, only antiperspirant that suits my menopausal body

Elizabeth Arden White Tea perfume sample -
Liked this but need to get thru what I have before I buy anything else

Donated to charity Shop :
Baylis and Harding Tropical Bath Foam, Shower Gel and Body Lotion - skin doesn't like it

My plan this afternoon is to sort out my boxes so I know what I have once I have grouped same type of products together. I will be ruthless with stuff that is open and smells a bit off

I’ve fallen by the wayside!

@MsMarch – I am your people! Sometimes I think I am too tired to do my face, but it doesn’t matter how tired or how drunk I am, the face gets done

@LightandBreezy – a couple of cleansing balm recommendations at different prices points for you. Weleda Skin Food Cleansing Balm 75ml RRP £12.95 Holland and Barratt. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. You can get a 30g for £14.40 (from £18) in Marks or keep an eye out in TK Maxx. I got a cleanser and a moisturiser (travel sizes for £7.99). Both smell amazing.

I personally didn’t like the Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm. Like everyone else, it split and was a nightmare to use it.

My latest list. Sorry its so long!

Trilogy Rosehip Oil 5ml £4.99. This was in the H&B 2024 AC. Did not like the smell. Would not RP.

Dr Paw Paw 4 in 1 Face Serum 5ml £5. Fine for travel. I may need to RP as I couldnt find a travel sizes serum to take away with me on Thursday!

Beauty Pro Eye Therapy Under Eye Patches £2. I liked these. Pack of 3, so two more to use up first. Will RP once these and the stash has cleared.

Beauty Pro Hand therapy - hand mask £6. Very moisturising and my hands looked good afterwards. Will defo RP.

L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream 10ml £3. This is fabulous. Love it. Would RP, but I have loads of hand cream.

Revolution Pro Prime & Hydrate Primer 30ml £6. It was OK. Probably wouldn’t RP Better options available.

Patchology Rejuvenating Eye Gels £4. Far too fiddly and far too much plastic. Definitely wouldn’t RP

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml £12. My HG. Love it.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti Wrinkle Serum 50ml £21.98. Hmmm, I liked this, but I think that there are better options out there.

Oskia Super R Capsules 7 capsules £27. Very expensive. Probably wouldn’t RP.

That’s my April closed off. 18 items at the cost of £293.

Gatineau Age Benefit Night Renewal Cream 50ml £115. Really not happy about this. It only lasted 6 weeks and I was on holiday for one of those weeks!

Scentsy Hand Cream 80ml £12. Love the smells of Scentsy and this hand cream is lovely. Would RP but still have loads.

Lacura Almond Gentle Shower Oil 200ml £5. L’Occitane dupe. I didn’t hate this as much as some on this thread, but I wont be RP’ing.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Primer 7.5ml £12. Lovely stuff, but I honestly cannot tell the difference between this and the Aldi dupe. I’ve just opened a 30ml primer and still have a 15ml in the stash, so I don’t need to worry just yet.

MUA ProBase Dewy Makeup Fixing Spray 70ml £4.50. This was frustrating. It was a good product when I could get it to spray, but it seemed like it had a dodgy spray from day one. I probably should have returned it, but CBA. Will not RP.

Beauty Pro Rejuvenating sheet mask £4.95. My favourite brand of masks. Will happily RP

Aliver Hand Repair Collagen infused glove £6.40. Not as good as the Beauty Pro ones and more expensive. Will not RP.

Voyager Hemp Hand Cream 50ml £8. Not keen on the smell, better products available. Would not RP.

I'm missing some of the face masks in my picture because I thought I'd already reviewed them.

I’ve also donated 20 items to a tombola for next week. I feel really bad, but these were all things that I was given for Christmas that I have no hope of using up any time soon. Plus the donators wont know.

More empties 😊. I'm doing well at not purchasing more things, I only bought a few things for my birthday.

76. Aveda Cherry Almond hand and body wash - absolutely love the smell of this. The shampoo gives me scalp dermatitis so this is a good way of getting a hit of the scent
77. Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Oil - really nice on face. I used it on the shower, would RP.
78. NO7 Protect and Perfect Advanced BB Facial Sun Protection. It was okay but went on a bit funny and I don't think I'd RP.
79. Garnier Vitamin C Glow UPF 50+ - really nice, went on my skin nicely. I need UPF everyday or I buuurnnn. Even my son used this on hot days 🤣
80. No7 Radiance Vitamin C Daily - this was okay, won't RP. Bit greasy.
81. Erborian CC correct - love this, the best red skin cover up. Need to RP!
82. Benetint Play Tint - I don't like this on lips, I use it as blusher.
83. No7 Under Eye Concealer - I'm learning to embrace the under eye circles sweetie, just embrace ...
84. OLIO CBD Hand cream - it was alright, didn't get me stoned unfortunately.

More empties:
85. Leighton Denny Nail Cream - CBA with this. I don't pay much attention to my nails, I have to keep them trimmed as I play guitar so no intensive gel nails etc... for me.
86. Clinique Super defense City Block SPF 50 - love this, will RP if they have any offers on at Clinique.
87. Erborian BB Creme - this was alright, might RP if on offer.
88. Dr Paw Paw - it's okay, not as good as Vaseline.
89. The Pore Professional x 2 - I really like this primer will RP if on offer as I have a few others to get through, and I don't wear full makeup regularly.
91. Estée Lauder Day Wear spf15 - already RP, I love this it sinks nicely into the skin.
92. Rimmel Stay Matte - binning as I don't like it.

Empties
Mint bath bombs x2- these where the last 2 out of a big box of bath bombs, had lost their scent.
Satin care shave gel- was ok, did the job
Beauty pro rejuvenating face mask- was ok, not sure if sheet masks actually do anything
Soap & Glory amazing foot cream- normally I like soap and glory products but I wasn't fussed on this. It had oil in it and I hate the feeling of oil on my skin.
PDRN Tx1 perfect fit eye cream- this was a sample, there wasn't alot in it so unable to say if it made a difference or not.
Garnier vitamin c brightening serum- I didn't notice a massive difference in my skin but it didn't break me out, I might rp in the future.
Batiste sensitive scalp dry shampoo- always a rp
Dove restoring care hand cream- this worked, I was surprised as it was quite a light lotion, didn't really like the scent though.

36/100

Empties

Perfume samples. Glossier You Fleur. Rare beauty. Already have a bottle.

100. Then I Met You Cleansing Tonic Water. This was pretty average, nothing special about it. I wouldn't say my skin felt refreshed after using this or that it was really hydrated. I don't think it's worth the price for a full size either.

101. Patchology Eye Want Cake eye patches. They're nice for a quick depuff, but they are not my favourite eye gels. I would use them again, though. I tend to add these to orders to bump up my spend for GWPs.

102. Hourglass caution extreme lash. They make great mascaras. I really liked this, i bought a full size last month on my Sephora shopping spree.

103. Dermalogica UltraCalming mist. I think this is expensive for a mist at £45, but I do really love it. I'm prone to eczema flare ups on my face, and this is so soothing and lovely on my skin. Anything that prevents a flare up is a winner for me. Will RP.

104. Rodial Vitamin C mask. Liked this, but wouldnt RP.

105. Lush Dream cream. Appears in my empties atleast once a month. Moved onto the backup.