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

March 2021 Empties

HAIR

ORZENE Beer Everyday Care Shampoo (for normal hair) 750ml

Oh, to say I'm in love with this would be an understatement. Having fine and oily hair, this saved me. After using a certain shampoo each time for a long period of time, my strands tend to "get used to" the product and so it doesn't work all that well for me and I have to switch it up every now and then. But not with this shampoo. Admittedly, the formula is dry, sometimes even for me. I cannot get away without using a conditioner with this one, since I can feel the lack of moisture in my hair. You may want to opt for another version of this, more fitted to your needs, as it isn't a one-fits-all. Don't even get me started on the scent. It is right up my street and I have noticed that it is durable as well. I can even smell it the next day. I'm already almost halfway through my second bottle.

L'Oréal Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Conditioner 200ml

Tried this conditioner whilst using the Orzene Beer Shampoo and I have to say I like the combo. It doesn't grease my hair, I feel them nourished and I'd also like to say that it has a faint scent to it. Might be wrong, I just feel like it does. It's notable that the bottle is 100% made from recycled ingredients and is also 100% recyclable. The formule doesn't contain any animal derived ingredients, but the brand can't be considered cruelty free, because it's in mainland China's market.

BODY

Cera di Cupra Ricetta di Bellezza Plus Hand Cream 75ml

You know that watery/moist/sweaty feeling you get in your hands when you use a hand cream? The "I can't touch anything for the next 3 hours" feeling? Well, I don't, since I started using this one. It gets absorbed momentarily, leaving your hands moisturized but not moist, if that makes any sense. It contains beeswax and that's supposed to help with antiaging. It has a fresh, vanilla scent, which I love. Definitely a must-have, especially with all that hand sanitizer on our hands daily.

Byly Marine Brise Deodorant Cream 30ml

If you're like me, roll-on deodorants are just not your cup of tea and I respect that. Since I tried cream deodorants, I simply haven't looked back -except for rare occasions-. Don't be fooled by the looks of it, it lasts a long time. You need the tiniest amount. Seriously, don't overdo it. This specific deodorant creamm is odorless. It claims to be antiperspirant and I do feel like it's pretty good at it. It doesn't feel sticky, it doesn't slip and slide or generally do anything bad. You just put a bit on, spread it and it is immediately absorbed. This isn't the first time I've tried it, since I've been using it for years. I only recently found out that there are diffent versions of it, though. So I can only speak about the marine one. Definitely worth a shot.

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion 200ml

If you're looking for a body lotion with a gliding scent, this is for you. It's not one of those that just goes away in an instant. It's rich, moisturizing and strong but not to the point that's bothering the person wearing it. I was under the impression that it smelt like coconut, even though it's supposed to be cocoa butter. Whatever it is, I like it on me. It's only oily for a minute and then you can't feel it on your skin. I love how you can smell it the next day. I find that not many body lotions are that durable. Would purchase again.

Johnson's Body Wash Vita-Rich Smoothies with Yogurt, Peach & Coconut 750ml

The name might be a mouthful and the scent will fill your nostrils up, that's for sure. This fells rich, the texture is nice and smooth and the scent fills up the whole bathroom. It feels luxurious and moisturizing. It's intense and relaxing at the same time. I really do sniff my arms. Is that weird? Probably. But you can smell it the next day and as you have guessed, I'm a fan of that.

Once again, everything mentioned is on the affordable side, which makes the products all the more worthy. And I do mean on the really affordable side. It's basically a steal and you are basically forced to try them. No pressure.

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.