Another month, another batch of empties! Here's what I used up!
Bottoms Up: April Empties
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Category Archives: Bottoms Up
March Empties!
Hello! It's been a good week into April and I apologise for the tardiness! :p March has been a pretty good month in terms of empties as I have used up quite a few products!
Before I move on to the post, I would like to point out that I have already come to the very last squeeze of my SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser but it did not make it to the group photo of empties as Mum popped it into the bin before I could say….
NNNOOOOOoOoOOO!!!
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Bottoms Up: October Empties!
I’m taking a break from my usual Trigger-Happy Thursdays column as it’s the 1st of November (already!?) and it has been a while since I last did an empties post. July empties anyone? 
It isn’t every month I come up with 3 empty bottles of sunscreen so let’s get started!
1. Sunplay SPF60+ PA+++ Water Kids Sunscreen
First of the empties! The hopping (or maybe not) chick caught my eye and I love the yellow packaging! This product is dispensed with a spout so it’s pretty mess-free and easy to use. Also, I have been picking up kids sunscreens because I feel that if it’s great for kids it must work well for adults too. The watery, fast-drying texture feels lovely on the skin.
2. Nivea Sun Kids Pocket Size Sunscreen SPF50
Another kids sunscreen! I purchased this back in the UK and enjoyed using it then. Back then, the texture was creamy but non-sticky but since using this at home, my skin felt a little uncomfortable and sticky after application and it took a while for the sunscreen to sink in. Definitely not one for humid weather!
3. Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA+++
I have reviewed this here and this is my second empty bottle! This product is true love, true Holy Grail and the fact that I am coming very close to having 3 empty bottles of this is a testament to how amazing this product is. I doubt I will be straying for a very long time. =)
4. SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion
This is a deluxe-sized sample Mum handed over. My skin and I liked using it enough to use up a 30ml bottle over the last month. I see myself getting a full-sized bottle in the near future.
5. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
I have a teeny love-hate relationship going on with this product. Having tried it up for the first time a few years back my skin didn’t quite like it and I developed small bumps on my face after the second week of using it. Fast forward 6 years later, I find myself using this again and this time my skin seems to be taking it quite well. A 30ml sample bottle has been used up and I am going to take the plunge with a larger bottle again. At least the product wouldn’t go to waste should my skin reject this as Mum’s a fan!
6. SK-II Advance Eye Treatment Film
I spoke about it here but allow me to refresh your memory. I like the product for its light texture but due to aging (don’t you detest that word?) I’m now on the lookout for a new eye cream!
Pretty eventful month in terms of empties huh? What have you used up this month?
Bottoms Up: July Empties!
July saw the bottoms of some of my favourite skincare products pointing towards the sky!
I’m going to get down to them in no particular order! =D
1. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advance Face Serum
This product has been a staple for me for a good 3 years now! What it does is that it helps soothe sensitive and irritated skin and reduces redness! I have naturally red skin and this has helped tone down the redness quite a bit although I wish it would make the redness around my nose / chin area disappear completely. =D Am so glad I’ve got a back up of this thanks to Steph!
2. Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner
Another empty that I enjoyed using! I reviewed this here not long ago after re-discovering it when I came back to the UK!
3. Shiseido Brightening Balancing Softener w
I am in love with this product. So in love that I worry if I will not be able to bribe the boyfriend’s brother into lugging one (two if I’m lucky) bottles of this back for me. Now that the full-sized one has been used up I am onto the first of my two deluxe-sized samples. Do check out what I had to say about this product here!
4. Vichy Eau Thermal Spray
I used an average of one can a month. I am now looking into other alternatives as I know aerosol cans are damaging to the environment! Am trying to make a change, a baby step at a time! =D
5. Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA+++
Yet another Shiseido empty! I have been on a roll with Shiseido products of late, having discovered them when I was home in Malaysia over the last couple of months and I am falling hard for their products! This is my perfect sunscreen as it has such an incredibly light texture, goes on to a smooth, non-greasy finish and protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Do drop by my review of this product here if you are interested to find out more!
6. Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum
Another favourite that I was sad to see go! I compared this with Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Hydrating Serum here! Check it out to see who won the battle of the hydrating serums! =D
7. Biotherm Skinergetic Moisturiser
Used up a sample tub of the above moisturiser! I did not experience anything other than it keeping my skin nicely moisturised but I have to say I prefer Biotherm’s Aquasource moisturisers to this!
That’s it for skincare! Now onto the two body products I used up this month:
8. E45 Moisturising Hand Cream
I’ve had this for ages! I remember buying this sometime last year at St. Pancras International’s Boots during winter as my hands were so dry I could feel the pull of my skin when I tried to move my fingers. Yup it was that bad. I resorted to quickly purchasing this (thank you, Advantage points) and I wouldn’t say it’s the most moisturising hand cream I’ve used but it does the job of keeping your hands moisturised until the next wash and it’s unscented and non-greasy!
9. The Body Shop’s Almond Body Butter
Took me a while to use it up as the sweet almond scent proved to be a little too much for me but I eventually got used to it and I really like how it does soften your skin really well and does not leave my skin feeling as sticky / greasy as I do when using my favourite Astral cream. =)
July’s been quite a good empties month, hasn’t it? =D What have you used up this month?
Bottoms Up: June Empties!
As I sat here watermarking photos for future blog posts, it got me wondering: where on earth did all the time go!? It’s July now and before you know it it’s Christmas. Steph are you reading this? Best we put our plan in action!
I used up quite a few products last month and as usual, here they are!
1. The Body Shop’s Papaya Shower Gel
As mentioned in my Photo Meme, I only purchase TBS’ products during a sale and this Papaya scented shower gel reminded me of home…. And of all the papayas I used to eat. T__T
2. Vich Eau Thermale Spray
This product needs no introduction as I’ve used up many a can!
3. Pantene Repair and Protect Conditioner
This got used up rather quickly! :s Have since replaced it with a Paul Mitchell one that has turned my hair to straw. Need to get myself down to L’occitane and buy backups of my favourite conditioner!
Took me ages to use this up but I’m glad it’s empty now! Now to conquer the other scrubs sitting in the bathroom.
5. A mix of samples
I have an ever growing stash of samples as I love purchasing products only when there is a Gift With Purchase offer on it. =D Hands up if you do that too! But as I’m wary of using these moisturisers on my face I’ve resorted to using them as body lotions / hand creams where I pop one into my handbag and carry it out with me for ‘touch ups’ throughout the day. What do you do with your skincare samples?
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I have a random announcement to make. I was feeling bored last night and my fringe was getting in the way… So I grabbed a pair of scissors and snipped, snipped, snipped…… OOPS.
I have a shorter than short fringe now. Please allow me to grow it out before taking anymore FOTDs as I think I’m going to scare the living daylights out of everyone when I head to town later. =D
Have a good one!
Bottoms Up: It’s Deluxe-sized samples month!
Gosh, where did the first half of the year go? I spent almost the entire first half of the year at home and now it’s June! *pinches self in hopes of waking up from this awful realisation*
Anyway, I’ve put off blogging long enough and I can safely say that I’m finally back on track! First up, I have used up quite a few products since coming back to the UK as many of them were nearly empty before I left!
I’ve got quite a few products there, haven’t I? It’s a lovely month of finishing, and rediscovering long forgotten favourites!
1. The Body Shop’s Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel I do like The Body Shop’s Shower Gels and always pick them up during sales when they go really cheap. I remember picking this up for £1.50 along with a few body butters. =)
2. Shiseido’s Tsubaki Hair Spa Conditioner I really like this conditioner! I only need one pump for my shoulder-length hair and it made my hair soft, tangle-free and glossy. Very good product but it’s not likely I will repurchase as this range is not available in the UK.
3. Dead Sea Spa Magik Body Lotion Used up this deluxe sample rather quickly due to it’s watery texture but I feel this did not moisturise my dry skin enough so even though it would make a lovely summer body moisturiser I wouldn’t repurchase as I much rather have a product that will go the distance.
4. Doublebase Gel This is my lifesaver when I get KP breakouts. Calms the skin down in a jiffy!
5. Clinique’s Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream I happily slipped this sample-sized tube into my hand bag and found myself constantly reaching out for it as my hands have been peeling and I can’t seem to pinpoint the exact reason why!
6. Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel Another deluxe-sized sample I used up this month! I love Moisture Surge and always keep a tub with me as this pink gel never fails to rescue my dry, parched skin when I need it to!
7. Nivea’s Pure and Natural Hand Cream Had to force myself to use this up. I first purchased this when the range launched way back last year but I didn’t like how it left an oily film on my hands so I put it aside for the longest time ever but I’m glad I’ve finally used it up!
8. Vichy’s Aqua Thermal Cream (Light) Lovely, basic moisturiser!
9. Sana’s Hadanomy Collagen Mist Been using this as a lotion mask during my skin’s worst days and I’m so sad that I’ve finally run out! Sad times as again, this isn’t available locally. But fret not! I think I’ve found the European equivalent (okay it’s a lot better than Sana’s) in Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir which I will review in due time! =D
10. Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion I cannot use Clinique’s DDML as it broke me out and gave me oil seeds *gasp* so I used this deluxe-sized sample as a body lotion. =p
11. Eau Thermal Avene A staple in my daily routine!
12. Clarin’s UV Plus HP Dayscreen SPF40 Been meaning to review this but never had the chance to due to my tardiness. I like the texture but I still burned after spending only 45 minutes without being in direct contact with the sun (had a picnic with friends under a shady tree) and I do slap on tons of sunscreen so I’m still wondering why my skin reacted that way. Guess some mysteries will never be solved!
Phew! I’m really glad I used up so many products this month, so here’s to an eventful June! Here in the UK we are celebrating the Jubilee Weekend which comes with an extended Bank Holiday weekend (public holiday in Malaysian jargon) until Tuesday. I am thinking of heading to watch The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in London but am a little worried about the crowd.. What do you think? =)
Have a lovely weekend, everyone!
Bottoms Up: March Empties and Favourites!
I call March the moisturiser month seeing I’ve used up 3 different types of moisturisers! =p It’s been 4 months since I came home, and I did come home with quite a few moisturiser samples so I’m happy I’ve used some of them up!
(From Left – Right)
1. Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream
I’ve got sweaty underarms. This prevents me from getting sweat patches of epic sizes. I’ve gone through tubes of this and I have to say it’s the best anti-perspirant I’ve used this far. However, a recent outing with the boyfriend made me sway and I’ve purchased…. A man’s deodorant. Yup you read right. Review to come.
2. Sunplay SPF130 PA+++ Super Block
Took me ages to use this up because it dried me out so!
3. Clarins Hydra Quench Cream
This is a deluxe-sized sample (30ml!) came as a GWP from Clarins. I alternate between this and my Guerlain Issima Happylogy Glowing Overnight Treatment and it works a treat! May consider purchasing a full-sized tub of this once the Guerlain one runs out.
4. Kiehl’s Oil-Free Gel Cream
I finished a tub of this last month and here’s a new tub! Lol am only joking. I got this from the boyfriend who didn’t like the moisturiser so I’ve used yet another tub up! =D
5. Biotherm’s Aqua Source Gel Moisturiser
Non-greasy, light yet moisturising. The perfect gel moisturiser for hot, humid weather.
6. Estee Lauder’s Advance Night Repair Serum
Finally used this up after over a year! I only use 2-3 drops a time and I find it good value for money seeing I only use this once a day.
Also, I thought I’d just squeeze in some products I’ve enjoyed using in March!
1. Shiseido Perfect Defining Volume Mascara
The mascara that does not smudge nor irritate my sensitve eyes! Only downside? It’s a pain to remove! I think I’ve jumped onto the mascara-wearing bandwagon again, thanks to this!
2. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Had this for absolute ages (3-4 years?) but the poor curler did not get much loving from its owner as she never uses mascara! I foresee a lot of use with this baby seeing I’ve found a mascara that doesn’t turn me into a teary-eyed monster!
3. Make Up Forever HD Primer
Got this at the persistence of my best friend, KH. We were hanging out at The Gardens Mall when I dropped by MUFE’s island shop and got a makeover. He then gushed over how good primer made me look, prompting me to grab a bottle of this. I usually save this for evenings out but I’ve been using this quite a bit over the last couple of weeks.
4. Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA+++
This is fast becoming my new HG! I used to rave so much about Kose’s Sun Protector (which I must review before it runs out) but an ‘incident’ made me rethink purchasing stuff from the brand. That aside, this product spreads evenly, leaves me with no unsightly white patches / breakouts! One of my best buys of the year! (Okay, this and the Shiseido Mascara)
5. La Mer’s The Lip Balm
Been suffering from dry, chapped lips as I’ve been spending over 14 hours in an air-conditioned place. Every single day. I love being in a cool environment but my lips are paying the price! This really helps moisturise them and only a thin layer is needed!
6. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Shadow Creme in Golden Sands + Mochachino
The lovely Lily got me hooked onto using cream eyeshadows! These shadow cremes are proof that impulse purchases sometimes turn out for the better! I am really loving these two shades. So much that I’ve been using eyeshadow nearly everyday.
7. Guerlain Nuit d’Amour Rouge Automatique
I have been wearing this as a stain. Turns my lips into a pretty berry red when applied using a lip brush – with a very light hand!
8. MAC Tendertone in Hush, Hush
I never wear this alone even though it’s considered to be a moisturising lip balm / gloss hybrid. This has been a permanent fixture in my handbag and I think it’s going to stay in there until I use it up! As Guerlain’s Nuit d’Amour tends to settle into my lip lines, Hush, Hush gently evens those lines out and voila! Soft, plump lips at your service!
March has been an eventful month in terms of favourite products as I’ve discovered quite a few gems! Now bring it on, April!
Do share your March favourites with me! =)
Bottoms Up: February Empties!
Another month, another empties post!
First up, my HG hair conditioner – L’occitane’s 3 Essential Oils Repairing Conditioner!
This is the older version of the L’occitane Conditioner Stephanie reviewed which I managed to bag from Bicester Village’s L’occitane outlet last year! I buy my L’occitane hair products in bulk where I’ll head to Bicester Village twice a year (sometimes more) just to stock up on L’occitane and *cough* Cath Kidston *cough* hehehe!
Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Ultra Foam Cleanser
Aah… Another self-foaming cleanser! The Kose Softymo Airy Whip left such an impact on me that I just had to rush out to purchase another self-foaming cleanser! Sadly, the product did not live up to my expectations and I needed at least 3-4 pumps of the product for my face. The Deep Clean Cleanser is simply a very basic cleanser which does its job. However, the fact that it only took me slightly over a month to go through this makes me wonder if it’s actually worth the RM22.90 spent? Maybe it’s just me using too much product at a go but I found 2 pumps insufficient and my T-zone was still oily after my morning wash, which is why I had to use extra pumps of it to get my face thoroughly clean.
Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel
This has been in my skin care routine for years now! It’s a no-frills moisturiser that simply moisturises and gives you happy, soft skin! No anti-aging properties whatsoever. Just loads of moisture! Clinique recommends we use this on top of a regular moisturiser just to give our skin that extra oomph but I use this as a moisturiser and my combination skin’s happy with that! When I heard Glamour Magazine (UK edition) were giving out Clinique freebies some time last year, I went all over Canterbury and even in London just to dig out all the copies that had a 30ml deluxe-sized Moisture Surge Gel in them!! The magazine costs £2 and a usual 50ml tub of Moisture Surge Gel costs £30 in the UK. I managed to bag 6 tubes of this and this is the third tube I’ve used up!! +___+
Clarins Daily Energizer Wake-Up Booster
The Clarins Daily Energizer range is targeted at people in their 20s where anti-aging products aren’t a concern. I adore this range and I just wish they didn’t cost so much!! I mentioned this in one of my empties post where I used up the Daily Energizer cream and this toner came with the cream! I use this in the mornings when I need a quick pick-me-up as the texture of the toner is rather viscous (think Melvita’s Extraordinary Waters) and the slight citrus scent wakes me up a little, which is great! Sadly, this range is not available in Malaysia!
SK-II Advance Eye Treatment Film
I finally used up my tube of eye gel after 9 months…. Which means I am tardy when it comes to eye cream application!! I admit, I do not use my eye cream most mornings and I usually turn to Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Cream at night so the poor SK-II Eye Treatment just sits on my dresser table, waiting to be used! Mother has since replenished my stock with a new tube (it’s in White now) so let’s hope I’ll start using this religiously!
Have you used up many products this month? What’s your February Favourite?
Bottoms Up: This month’s empties!
Here are more products I’ve used up since coming home!
1. Kose Softymo Airy Whip
I’ve already reviewed this product here and I’m sad I’ve used this up as the Neutrogena foaming cleanser I’ve bought to replace this does not work as well as this pink cutie! *sighs*
2. H2O’s Face Oasis Cleansing Water
My first cleansing water! Been using cleansing oils prior to this and this is notedly lighter than a cleansing oil! (duh) I find this enough to remove foundation / sunblock but this does not remove your eye make-up so you will need a separate eye make-up remover to ensure your entire face is properly cleansed. =) I got this product when I tried out H2O’s face moisturizer last year (or was it two years ago?) and I’ve only just finished this up as I left this home in Malaysia. =p
3. Kose’s Suncut UV Protect Milk in SPF50+ PA+++
Sunscreen, as you all know is a staple in my everyday routine so it’s no surprise that I’m going through these things at an astonishing rate since coming back to Malaysia. There’s more to come, I’m sure! I remember this being really cheap, around USD4 (RM12) but I’ve used it on my face a couple of times and my skin didn’t react to it nor burn so I may repurchase this in the future if I can get my hands on one in local drugstores. =)
4. Lush’s Breath of Fresh Air Toner
I’ve never featured this product even though I’ve gone through at least 3 full bottles of this stuff! I’ve used this since 2007 and this doubles up as a basic toner as well as a refreshing facial spray. This was a skin care staple for me prior to discovering Thermal Sprays and this reminds me I need to get another bottle of this when I get back, haha!
The weather’s been terrible since the start of Chinese New Year with the high heat and humidity and this is something I cannot cope with very well T__T any ladies care to share their heat-busting secrets pretty please? Other than staying in air-conditioned areas of course +__+ but it’s just been so very hot!
Also, there’s been a flu bug going round the house over the last couple of days and I think it has finally hit me. I’m already having the blocked / runny nose syndrome and I’m really hoping this does not turn into a full-blown flu.
Have you gone through any beauty products over the last month yourself?
Bottoms Up! Items I used up before leaving Canterbury.
I haven’t posted this up since…. August! Please pardon my tardiness but I’m definitely trying to get back into the routine of blogging properly now that I’m technically on holiday and should have more time to blog.
So these are the items I finished using prior to leaving the UK. I suffered from a particularly itchy / painful bout of KP (due to the change in weather, methinks) so I used up my Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion in a jiffy.
I’ve been using Kose’s Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil for over a year now and it did not break me out a single bit and it gets all the grime off my face, minus eye make-up as I prefer using a separate eye make-up remover as I don’t like the idea of rubbing cleansing oil all over my eyes.
The Avene Thermal Spring Water has saved me many a time and I am really glad I made this purchase! This is the second can I’ve used up since making my first purchase back in June.
The Juju Aquamoist toner has also lasted me quite a while but I do not think this is something I will repurchase (got this as a gift) as I want to try so many other products out there!
I have never reviewed the Clarins Daily Energizer cream as I got really caught up with work and other things in life but this is a really, really good moisturiser! There are 3 different moisturisers in the Daily Energizer range (targeted at young skin) – Cream, Gel-Cream and Lotion. I purchased the cream which came with deluxe sizes of the Daily Energizer cleanser and toner and I really enjoyed using these products! One thing to note though… Clarins’ products are rather heavily-fragranced which isn’t quite my cup of tea but the products work well for me so I’m willing to overlook that!
The cream isn’t as thick / oily as one would think and I really think this is worth looking into if you are in your 20s and are looking for a good skin care range.
Next up is the Ahava mineral body lotion that came with August’s Glossybox. There’s nothing much to shout about this product other than it has a fresh fragrance but the lotion’s consistency was a little too thin and runny for my liking.
The final item in the photo is L’occitane’s Shea Butter Body Lotion which came as a gift with purchase some time ago. I love L’occitane’s products, especially their Shea Butter ones but their prices are rather steep so I try to look out for more affordable body lotions as I go through them really quickly.
I enjoy writing my Bottoms Up posts as it helps me keep track of what I have been using! It also allows me to reconfirm, or even rebuke my opinions of the product when I first review them. Haha!
I hope you are having a lovely day! =)
