Empties : Skincare {May 2020 - March 2021}

My title is a mess but I hope you get the point.

So, what I'm about to do is basically review the skincare products that I'd been using up until March 2021. I'm talking about the absolute necessary and nothing more. I purchased these products nearly a year ago and had been using them every day, until I ran out.

It's down to the basics. Cleanser. Moisturizer. Sunscreen. Okay, and a little something-something extra.

CLEANSER

La Roche-Posay - Effaclar Gel Moussant Purifiant

400 ml

This was my cleanser for both day and night. When I double-cleansed because of wearing makeup, this was my second-step cleanser, as it isn't oil based. It's in clear gel form. You just put it on your palm, mix it with some water and work it in your hands for a few seconds before putting it on your face. It left my skin feeling clean, but not that squeaky-clean-and-kinda-pulling-my-face feeling. Overall it was a great gentle cleanser for me and my oily, acne prone skin. Did it do any wonders? No, but it was certainly nice.

TREATMENT

La Roche-Posay - Effaclar Duo (+)

40 ml

This was actually what I was searching for and then I got around to adding anything else to my cart. Basically, I was looking for a miracle and after hours of browsing, I thought that I found it. This is supposed to help fade scars and discolouration, which I very much needed. On La Roche-Posay's site it was recommended that I use this little cream along with the gel cleanser, so I was sold on that duo.

I've read multiple reviews describing this as a little miracle, but I unfortunately didn't get to experience it. It was back before my acne treatment, when I was at my worst, so I don't really think anything could have saved me at this point. I had so much going on my face, that I wasn't expecting it just to be gone in an instant. So, no, I'm not mad at this product. Quite the opposite, actually.

Since I put this all over my face, that was so distressed, I couldn't actually tell if there was any improvement or not. I remember having a new pimple scar on my forehead and I thought "This is it". I decided to keep track of only what it would do to that particular part of my face. And I did witness it fading out gradually in the next few days, so I guess it did exactly what it claimed. I would be interested to give it another chance, perhaps when my skin won't be so inflamed. (As you can see I desperately want it to work for me, still)

MOISTURIZER

CeraVe - Moisturizing Cream

177 ml

After all the fuss about CeraVe, I decided to kick off with this. Even though it's meant for dry to very dry skin, I purchased it under the influence of Hyram (if you don't know him and you're into skincare, you should check him out). I used it after I cleansed in the morning, perhaps 1-2 during the day when I felt extremely dry in some areas and at night. Sometimes, I used something else to moisturize during the night, which I felt was stronger (Bio Oil Gel, but we'll talk about it another time). I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. I felt a change from the very first times I used it. It is a pretty viscous cream, it feels rich and hydrating for the skin. You can definitely feel it doing something to it and it's also a plus that it gets absorbed pretty quickly as well. Would definitely buy again.

SUN SCREEN

FrezyDerm - Sun Screen Velvet Face SPF50+

50 ml

Paraben Free 

If this was sold as a primer, I'd thoroughly believe that claim. This is an amazing sunscreen, one you can barely feel on your skin. It's a clear, gel-like formula, which makes your skin feel texture-less,  resembling a light, matte veil on the skin, as it gets absorbed immediately, indeed feeling like velvet. I should mention that it is also available with colour in it, but I chose the clear one. I strongly believe it's a great primer underneath makeup, as you can barely feel any skin texture, adding to the fact that your skin is very much protected. It neither gets oily, runny not does it leave a whitecast on. Would recommend for all skin types and ages.

P.S. I have to point out that these products lasted me about 10 monts, apart from the Effaclar Duo (+). Unfortunately, I didn't keep track of when I ran out. In addition to that, I wasn't only using this particular sunscreen, so that's why it lasted so much. 

xox,

Eva

August 2020 Empties

So, after-summer-decluttering is surely a thing I tend to do and once again took place as soon as I came back from my summer vacation. I found a few things I'd like to share my view on.

FACE

bioten Skin Moisture 24hour Moisturizing Gel Cream Normal/Combination Skin 50ml

Vegan & Cruelty free

I actually purchased this moisturizing cream as I have combination skin (oily with some dry areas and acne prone as well). I loved the fact that it was a gel cream and it doesn't sit on the skin, but instead it absorbs really easily. It leaves the face feeling refreshed and has a cooling effect. The only con is that I think it may be too light for me. The dryness I have on my nose is at an extent that after my skin kind of "got used to" this cream (it happens with basically every product, so I don't blame the product itself), it stopped being "effective" on that area. Also, the quantity is okay, but it is a really affordable product so I shouldn't complain. I moisturize my face religiously, so it didn't take that long for me to run out of it. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to everyone not as dry (since it is meant for normal/combination skin).

AVON TRUE nutra effects Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover 200ml

I'm going to be honest and say that I used it all over the face and I absolutely loved it. It has an oily texture that removes pretty much anything without leaving the skin feeling oily. It breaks down every mascara and liquid lipstick I've ever put on without much of an effort. Once you rinse, the only thing there's left behind is your skin feeling soft. I actually avoided using cotton pads altogether with this. Instead, I poured it in my hands and gently removed my makeup with circular motions. 

*As of 2020 Avon is cruelty free and some of their products are vegan. Seeing as I bought this a while ago and just recently ran out of it (a little bit goes a long way!), I cannot find if this is a vegan and/or cruelty free formula.

BODY

Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance Mist 250ml

I got this one along with the corresponding lotion and I definitely saw a difference between the two. The mist had a great smell, really fruity, lightweight one that I loved. In my experience, I think the smell was stronger and more longwearing in the beginning than it was as I approached the bottom of the bottle. I noticed that, during higher temperatures, it wouldn't last half as much on the skin, especially without the lotion underneath. Although, I do have to state that I generally use more lotions than mists during the summer because I find that they last more on my skin and thus I prefer them. I'd definitely keep that for the winter months to give you that summery feeling.

Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance Lotion 236ml

Truth is I'm almost out of it, there's a bit left, but I decided to review it along with the mist. As I already mentioned, I prefer this one -love it, actually-, because there's absolutely nothing bad to say about it. The smell is exquisite, it lasts a long time without being too much, but is rather subtle and lovely. I find that it made the mist pop, truly moisturized and softened the skin and was honestly my go-to for such a long time. You don't need a lot but be prepared to be using it every day. It's definitely a must try, if you're browsing through the VS lotions and mists. 

Both of them have a special, sweet smell. Apart from amber, I can distinguish sandalwood (which I love), along with vanilla and sugar. 

b.u. Heartbeat Eau de Toilette 50ml

I'm not one to have a signature perfume, so I love trying out different scents here and there, especially light ones for every day use. This one is exactly it. It's ideal for everyday, it's not an overpowering scent that will fill your nostrils or be disturbing in any way. It has a powdery vanilla scent and I found that to be my go-to every morning.

ZARA Nuit Eau de Parfum 100ml

I believe the packaging has changed in this one, but don't mind me saying that I really liked the dark vibes it had that fit the scent idealy. I rarely found myself wearing it in the morning, since it has a strong smell that drives me to using during night-outs. In my opinion it's a wintery scent, for sure, since I was never drawn to wearing this in the summer. If anything, I believe it smells like amber along with vanilla and baby powder. It has a really dark, strong, sophisticated, feminine vibe that I adored.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that it went on for hours, since it was "just a ZARA perfume". Definitely going to be looking for more surprises like this one from now on!

I should also mention that every single product in this Empties article is on the affordable side. It's a pleasant surprise finding every day products at such low prices.