Empties #1

This should become a regular thing, as I started taking my skincare more seriously around April/May and am trying to finish the half-finished items I own before investing in any more. If you go back to my first post, I have had hyperpigmentation issues and major scarring, which has massively reduced since I began a proper regimen. My skincare overhaul included using natural products whilst avoiding things with sulphates and parabens, a feat which French brands always manage to excel at without breaking the bank. Many of these things have seriously helped to even out my complexion and prevent acne. Another post is coming on what I currently use, but these are my empties over the last few months.

Vichy Normaderm Solution Micellaire for Acne-Prone Skin -£10.50
After all the buzz over micellar waters I popped into Boots and gave this a whirl. At the time of purchase, I was wearing full coverage foundations and this made it effortless to remove. As the solution is essentially oil suspended in water, I was surprised to find it mattifying with no extra residue. Unfortunately I did find it a touch too drying around the eyes, especially when removing mascara. I am looking to purchase some bottles from other brands to see how they compare, but the Vichy range definitely deserves more attention.

L'Occitane Cleansing Gel with Organic Angelica Water and Essential Oil - £4 Travel Size
Before this, I would often be using whatever cleanser that was lurking in the family bathroom (often Simple or Neutragena Grapefruit Face wash)  without paying attention to parabens, silicones or any other nasties. This travel size bottle came free with the June issue of Glamour and having lasted 5months, I have since picked up another. L'Occitane is a well-known natural brand and this my first foray into their vast skincare range. This has really made a difference to my skin - it's now brighter and surprisingly less dry.  The essential oils in this cleanser help to maintain moisture in the skin, whilst the peppermint oil helps to ward off any breakouts.


La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - £13
Keeping with the French skincare theme, I got this after my skin reacted badly to another product. Perfect for those with oily skin that suffer from breakouts, this is sold as a moisturiser, but could easily double up as a primer as there silicones present in the formula. Personally, I found it more effective to use it on areas prone to breakouts (such as the chin) as it can be too drying.

La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I - £9.19
This formula is more creamy and is meant to target minimal blemishes and imperfections. Effaclar A.I. is more of a corrector for any scarring left after a breakout. For me, it worked best with a hydrating moisturiser underneath as the scars healed faster. I prefer this formula to Effaclar Duo, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Mask - £7 (£5.76 in old packaging from Amazon)
I bought this on a whim on Amazon, as I usually steer clear of clay masks because of the smell. But this one has a slight pomegranate scent and the clay helps to remove impurities. I put it on twice a week after exfoliating and the result is clearer skin, and the appearance of tighter pores. The only thing stopping me from repurchasing is the Origins minis currently on sale for a similar price point. I have yet to try any of their masks so I am curious, but I cannot recommend Korres enough as they are paraben, suphate and sls free.

Garnier CleanDetox Detoxifying Exfoliation Wash - £5.49
This was bought a long long time ago, and despite containing parabens, this is one of my favourite exfoliators. Containing green mint and Vitamin E, it is an invigorating scrub meant to purge the skin of any impurities. It can be a bit abrasive, so it would be best to use on wet skin. The directions on the tube say to use 'a hazelnut size blob', but I'd use much less! A little goes a long way with this one.

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment - £12
This product has been hyped up to the heavens! Some have used it twice on a spot and it disappeared within a day. I wanted to like this product so much, and despite having good results in terms of combating spots, I wouldn't repurchase this. It stings on application, and since I stopped using it, I have had less scarring on my face. I felt that I had to persevere with it as I didn't get instant results; and I suspect my skin had gotten used to it before the bottle was used up. To conclude this mini-review, don't write it off, it just didn't work for me.

REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream - £27 full size
Despite having the smallest of samples, this was the gift that just kept giving as I've been using it on and off for roughly 6 months. It contains an SPF and kept my skin hydrated whilst using the smallest amount. There is just one bad point and that was the texture. I can't put my finger on it, but despite it being a cream, the consistency was... slightly on the greasy side. Saying that, I am in the midst of trying the version for sensitive skins and I prefer it a lot more, the formula seems much creamier without leaving any residue on the face. I'll keep you posted.

So there are my empties over the last few months. Do you own any of the products above? Let me know if there are any similar products you recommend or if you've had a similar reaction