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!

More empties from me (and ds).

The average cleanser js his choice. He tried the blue one and hated it. He has vv sensitive skin and possibly some form.if rossacea although its almost infection like and he finds this the most comfortable. I think he should try a balm cleanser but hed 15... hes not listening to me!

The aussieconditioner is our ad hoc go to for gym bags, overnights etc. It does the job on our family's thick dry hair and I like the smell but I dont think its the best. I prefer my old l'oreal or the revlon products we use routinely.

The medi8 crystal 6 is great. I am.actually going up a level to the 10 after this so will see if i get a new boost. I am a bit nervous as my skin is definitely sensitive to retinol products but will be super slow and cautious and will buy more of the Simple hyaluronic acid to use underneath to start.

I’ve had both the REN and the Ordinary on the go for well over a year. They are mahoosive bottles (and I’m super inconsistent with toner, can never quite work out where it fits in my routine or if it adds any value to the process), but I do feel like they are both ganging up on me and give me the side eye together. I’ll be very glad when I finally get to the end of one, let alone both. If ever.

27/100

I need to up my progress and actually finish up the dregs of open products.

Neutrogena deep moisture body oil - it’s a great product, sprays upside down, it’s accurate and effective. Neural clean smell. Will repurchase when I get through current oil.

MZ Skin the rich moisturiser - already bought two full size at tk maxx. This is fantastic for my skin.

Innisfree moisturiser- light texture, weird smell

Kate Somerville goats milk moisturiser - it’s a good lighter moisturiser, not my fave of her products as I need something richer.

I agree with comments below, this is a lovely thread.

@wheresmyshoe agree about the MZ rich cream. I wish I’d bought many more than two off TK Maxc but worried about the expiry date. I need a thread just for people to list their bargain MZ rich cream bargains.

Every time I think I've run out of near-empties a few more things run out. A weekend away and last week's skin barrier crisis has helped somewhat too!!
46.
Biossance squalane and vit c rose face oil - I really loved this initially but towards the end of the bottle it wasn't cutting the mustard - not because it had degraded or anything, it's just that this is a light oil and the challenging combination of winter and a damaged skin barrier meant it wasn't enough.
47.
Emma Lewisham Skin Reset serum -
Already had a bottle of this, meh, left my skin feeling under-nourished but it was part of a liberty edit I loved so much I bought it twice ( the one with the Chantecaille rose skin tint 🥰 ) so I just slogged through this second pot just to confirm I don't really rate it.
48.
Inkey list bio active ceramide moisturiser - I really like this. Not as much as I like the Tatcha indigo one, but not a bad substitute considering it's 1/7th of the price. Will definitely repurchase. It has cocoa butter in though so not one I'd recommend for those prone to congested skin.
49.
Skin Laundry Sheet mask - my skin barrier disaster has actually made me rate sheet masks - or at least realise what part they could have in my skin care routine if I continue overdoing things 😂 This was pretty average and didn't have results like the numbuzin no 9 one, but the sheet aspect does trap all that moisture next to your skin, and that was what I needed. Tbf this mask was pretty old so it may give better results if not left in a drawer forever and a day.

I adore that Chantecaille rose skin tint @LightandBreezy what a great product. I’ve got a couple of weeks of intense work next month, sheet masks and eye patches are my hero products for scrubbed, dehydrated, stressed, crap diet skin.

I have that chantecaille rose tint as well but haven’t used it! Where does it fit in your routine and what does it do?

@TragicMuse it's a moisturiser/primer/highlighter. It has a pearlescent pigment in it but it's pretty subtle and doesn't settle into your face, you just look FRESH! You can wear it alone and skin looks more glowy or mix with tinted moisturiser/ foundation. My only quibble is it would be actually perfect if it had spf in it too. It does have a lot of good ingredients in it like matrixyl and peptides so it's a skincare/make up hybrid really.

Thanks @LightandBreezy that is most helpful! I shall get it going while it’s still in date!

My mum bought me the M&S beauty box for my birthday, on the one hand lots of lovely products to try 😁 but at this rate I’ll never empty my cupboard enough to select a product without having to half empty it first 🤦‍♀️

Empties from 1st March:

SDJ delicia drench shower oil from SNK ac - love this, the scent is gorgeous. Too expensive though and I've got plenty of shower gel in my stash so no plans to rp.

Vieve skin nova primer - gorgeous, glowy and goes on perfectly. I have a larger tube for now but will defo rp.

Decree eye mask - I have a ton of these thanks to the fairy on vinted, I also bought up a load more from others. I really like it, I think it makes my eyes look refreshed, less puffy etc.

Rodial pink diamond mask - I really like this mask, I think it's a great mid range one. I have seen these in tkmaxx for a box of them so I'll probably rp when I see them again in there.

No7 spf - nice, light weight, already have another 4 in my stash 🤭

The nue Co scalp serum - not really a big enough sample to properly assess, I didn't notice anything with it so won't rp.

Got2b styling spray - I've had this for so long now, I'm not sure if they even do it anymore. Anyway, it has a bit left but I don't and won't use it so it's getting binned. Not rp.

La mer moisturising cream - Love love love this! Already have purchased another for autumn / winter skin.

Davines all in one milk - I liked how soft it made my hair feel but I really didn't like the smell. So no rp.

Christophe robin scalp scrub - well after saying I wouldn't use this as I was scared of hair fall, I love it so much that I've rp it 🤭

Christophe robin hair mask - love it and have another lined up.

And finally, my beloved eve lom cleansing balm - my favourite, I just think it's the best and have a few more in my stash. I can't imagine not ever having another one lined up 🤣

Oops, forgot my picture

75. Biodance Hydro Cera-nol ampoule. I bought two of these from Boots for £3, from the bargain shelf. When I've finished the other, I don't think I will rebuy. It's a nice serum, doesn't leave you with a sticky face. I just think there is better out there.

76. Eylure Dybrow tint. Does the job. The pack lasts ages, as I probably tint them every 6 weeks or when I can be bothered! Already have another.

77. Revolution Bond Restore Treatment. I usually use these treatments overnight, but only when I have time. This time i had it in for a couple of hours, i dont think you get the same results. Not even sure you can buy this anymore.

78. Le Petit Marseillais shower gel. Great lather, I would pick it up if I were in France again. I wouldn't order it especially for them, though.

79. Kerastase Insta Gloss conditioner. I prefer the shampoo; I didn't reorder this when I ordered the shampoo. But closer to the time, I might give it a go again.

80. Cosrx Snail Mucin. A staple in my routine. Use after toner to prep for the rest of my skincare. I've used it for years, so I'm used to the texture which i know some people dont like. Really hydrating and i feel like its made a real difference to my skin. Using the Byoma version that isnt snail mucin, so will see how i get along.

@Francestein – oh wow! That’s some move! Never actually been to Tassy. I was just talking to my husband about us going to Aus for the Olympics in 2032. My sister lives in Brisbane. One of my nieces is currently in Canberra (although is hoping to be in Melbourne by 2032). I’ve also got various friends in Syndey, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin, so I’d like to do a big trip. I did it back in 1990/1991, but my husband has never been.

@SheilaFentiman – I love a Funde Grube, plus Aloe Plus Lanzarote and all the other pharmacies.

I had a relaxing break, but the weather was awful. It was also awful in January when we were there. We have not been lucky.

Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30 75ml RRP £5. I like this. This particular bottle was given to me when we were on holiday with a crowd last July and I lost a bottle (still haven’t found it). I really like a 75ml bottle. It gets used up quicker so that I don’t have 200ml bottles handing around for years. I have already RP’d.

Rodial Dragon's Blood hyaluronic drink 30ml RRP £18. This was fine, but I prefer my Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner. So wont RP.

Chantecaille Bio Lifting Cream 10ml RRP £30. Incredibly expensive and I didn’t really see any benefit. Will not RP.

Oskia Super C Capsules 7 capsules RRP £8.75 (£1.25 per capsule). I did like these. They were handy for travelling and my skin drank them up. That said, they are expensive, so I probably wont RP.

Nuxe Prodigiese Neroli Shower Gel 100ml RRP £7.50 and Nuxe Prodigiese Neroli Parfum 15ml RRP £14. Beautiful smelling products. This was a set that I bought along with a candle and body oil. I probably would RP.

Erborian Red Pepper Pulp Moisturiser 5ml RRP £5. Loved this. My skin loved it too. However I have more moisturisers than I can feasible use up anytime soon, so it would be very irresponsible to buy any more. I think I have 3 still in the stash.

I do have a couple of purchases. Because the weather was so awful, I did that usual thing of lying in the sun all day when it did finally improve. My thighs got burnt. So I had a wee mooch into Aloe Plus Lanzarote and bought some Aloe Vera Gel and some Aloe Vera Cream. I’ve bought loads of times before and really rate these products. The actual shops smell amazing. If you’ve ever been to Lanzarote, you’ll know these shops and there is one at the Airport too.

I am so happy with my Superdrug haul - I bought a tonne of Monday haircare - actually really impressed! Sadly I have no empties to report... yet.

@Tarragon123 I love a trip too. I have no idea where we’ll be during the Olympics but would absolutely love to meet you if you had time.

Ooh I might try that Erborian Red Pulp @Tarragon123

Lots of empties to report which sadly still
doesn't outnumber the rate I’m buying them at. 🙈. I really must stop reading the other enabling beauty thread.

99..medi8 press and glow toner- love this as my night time toner. I love the way it dispenses too. I went a bit mad on one of the CB edit before Christmas that this was in so I still have 4 left to use but would rp.
100.. Fresh rose toner. Love this, smells divine, my skin feels soft. A great day time toner. It does leave tiny rose peters on your skin but now I’ve found a good use for essence to remove them. Already Rp. Although that this price point I wish I had purchased more of the Sephora edits that this was originally in because it’s quite pricey.
101.. A Bader the cream. I’m actually sad I’ve finished this because I really liked it but it’s too pricey to RP. Light, fresh and moisturising without being greasy.
102…IWNBeauty moisturiser. I actually really liked this but sadly it irritated my skin. I’m not sure if it’s the added vitamin c because I’m not sure vitamin c works well with my skin.
103..Exfolikate. Liked this would def rp for occasional use.
104..k s goat milk cleanser. I want expecting to like this as I don’t like cream cleansers but this is more of a lotion. Would RP.
105..laggom. Water cleanser. No idea where I got this from but it was fine as a cleanser. Nothing special but left my skin clean.
106..dermalogica cleansing gel. Fine. It worked but nothing special.
107.. clarins total eye lift. Ok seems to help but nothing special. Would reuse as I often get two with them in but wouldn’t rp.
108..Elemis pro collegen exfoliator. Fine but I prefer Tata harper so wouldn’t rp but would reuse.
109.. clarins Sakura lip oil. Binned. I persevered with this but I hated the glitter effect . I love clarins lip oils so was quite surprised I didn’t like this.
110.. Delilah blush. Binned. It just made me looked flushed def the wrong colour for me.
111.peter Thomas cucumber gel mask. Really nice soothing effect which helped after I reacted to the moisturiser from earlier. I would rp.
112…hydrakate- tiny sample from an edit but actually I really liked it. I would like. Bigger sample to try it for longer before I parted with my pennies but I will look out for edits containing it.
113..111skin eye mask- ok but not impressive which I would at that price point.
114.. 111 skin face mask- not keen on this but would reuse if one was lying around but not rp.
115…skin face mask. Really liked this.. noticeable difference after using it. I think I have a couple more in my stash.

To be continued in a new post for hair/body when I next have a few mins…

@Beautyfox
I have the medik 8 toner but scared to use it. My skins red and a touch grumpy atm. I went mad on the edits but sold all but one on vinted. I went a bit mad on everything 🤣🥰

Empties continued….

116..davines purifying shampoo. It was ok. Not keen on the colour. I’m’m currently trying lots of different shampoos/conditioners to find the one and this isn’t it.
117.aveda hair mask- I use these as conditioners in the shower. Was ok and would reuse but not rp.
118..living proof triple bond complex. I liked this. My hair felt stronger but it’s quite a small bottle for the price and I have long hair so use a lot of product. I would rp if I don’t find anything better.
119..John freida conditioner. Comes with my hair dye. It’s fine, not amazing but I’m not even sure if this can be purchased without the hair dye.
120..dizziakk shampooo and conditioner. I liked this more than I expected. I have another set which I will try again before I decide if this is a rp as first time I used it my hair was quite heavy but the next time it was lovely so worth another go.
121…vanilla baby body oil. No! Binned. After spending 10 mins trying to get the stuff out of the bottle it’s very sticking like hair gel not oil consistency. I really don’t think this is worth the effort trying to get it out the bottle!
122.. clarins tonic body oil. Love it! Regularly rp and I’ve never found a better body oil.
123..body shop British rose exfoliator. Like this but I purchased it in the sale and I sadly think it’s been discontinued. Lovely smell but a bit runny so you use a lot.
124..omorozzeia body serum. Really like this. It’s the last sample I have of this and would rp if on offer and if I ever get through my current stash.
125..clarins tonic body balm. Nice smell, quite thick. Would reuse but I prefer a lighter body lotion that readily absorbs so would reuse but not rp.
126..sol de janerio body butter. I love this range but didn’t like this product. It’s too hard to absorb into the skin and too thick so you end up with large lumps of butter everywhere. I have another one of these in my stash and will retry it in the summer when it’s warmer to see if that is any better,
127…bamford jasmine body wash. I like this range but this is not my preferred sent would not rp.
128..moulton brown orange and bergamot shower gel. I wasn’t keen on the smell but I still have a few of these in my stash so will reuse but not repeat.
129…malin and gotez rum body wash. Fine but a bit runny so I used a lot. Would reuse but not RP.
130…diptique ilio. I love this as a summer fragrance. This one was left over from last year and I’m sad that I’ve finished it. I would rp but I think I have enough perfumes that I might need to include them in my will!
131….sana jardin sandalwood. Quite nice but very strong. This must have been included in lots of edits over the last year as I have somehow acquired 6 more bottles so I will def use them up but maybe not rp unless I learn to love it.
132…ouai perfume. Sweet but inoffensive. I would use as a light spritz. I still have another few samples of this to use.
133…vanilla powder. You know what you are getting with this! Smells like vanilla but not too sweet. I liked this but again I have many more bottles to get through as it must have been included in lots of sets.

It’s an exfoliating toner so although I don’t find it harsh I wouldn’t use it if you wouldn’t put an exfoliant on your skin at the moment. I tend to use this toner of a night which I then follow with serums and heavy moisturiser. The fresh rose toner sounds like it would be perfect for you. I loved how soft and strangely supported my skin felt using this. However the little bits of rose petals are annoying and could put people off but I didn’t mind them as the essence removes them.

@Beautyfox the clarins tonic range is one of my favourites but its all a bit heavy, i agree. There are times when thats what i want and the body wash/foaming gel is a real pick me up when I am tired in winter!

Jesus, Mary & Joseph @Beautyfox - that is a lot of empties! Well done!

A few empties including 2 make up empties which is particularly satisfying as it's hard to pan make up when you have a lot. 😁

Patchology eye patches Rose (and one in Ice I forgot to add to the photo) - Nice enough. I bought a box of 6 to take away as the single packets are easy for travel.

Elemis Vitality Eye Cream - I've had a full pot of this before. It's a bit overpriced but I do really like it. Feels very nourishing.

Elemis Rose Cleansing Balm - I like this size for travel as it lasts around a week using every day.

Numbuzin NAD Bio Serum - I like this and it feels very nice but I'm not sure it does anything beyond hydration. It makes a lot of claims but I'm on the fence with it. It's fairly in-expenisve though and I have one more to use up. Not sure I will RP beyond that.

Huda Easy Blur Primer - I really love this. I think it helps foundation stay in place well but isn't drying. I have a few more from edits.

Cover Girl Olay Simply Ageless Foundation - I panned this quite quickly and really love it. I think it's great for mature skin. It comes with a sponge but I use a brush. It wears really well coupled with the Huda Primer, has a subtle radiance and doesn't settle into or accentuate lines.

It's not easy to get outside the US. Some shades are on Amazon and some on iHerb. I bought a few backs up when they were on sale. I love this so much I actually wrote to Boots and asked them to consider stocking it. 😂

Trinny The Elevator. HG product - I’ve started the one in my stash and have re-stocked

Badedas bubble bath, 750ml. Totally adore the smell and always have. They better not discontinue it. I have some shower gels in the bathroom stash and will always rp. Love love love.

REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic - given to a fellow MNer who loves it!

L’Oreal Nutrilift 24hr body moisturiser. I’m not kidding when I say this has been lurking in the bathroom for 20 years. What can I say? I’ve always had good intentions but low action. Anyway, it’s so old the bottle plastic is shattering. But it’s done and I shall do better at using up. It’s nice texture, sinks in well, doesn’t smell horrid. Would rp, but I have no idea if they even make it anymore!

I have unfortunately added to my stash today but there we are!