Dec, Jan and Feb empties

This is one of those instances when, after 2 months, there aren’t enough empties and then they keep piling up. I probably misplaced few of them 😑.

1. Liz Earle moisturiser: I am usually skeptical of using any new face cream owing to my oily skin. This one is part of summer kit and got lighter moisturiser. Good thing is it didn’t break out my skin and it did provide light hydration. However, there isn’t much more than that. I might not be repurchasing it (the brand is not available to me anymore anyway).

2. Caudalie vinosource moisturising sorbet: this is travel size pack and I used it occasionally. It feels lightweight but extremely hydrating, thus making it unsuitable for tropical weather. Since most my travels are to warmer places recently, this isn’t make it to my travel kit. Finally I used it during winter. Especially after swimming, when my skin gets extremely dry, this one is very soothing. Even though I like it, I won’t purchase the full size pack - maybe travel kit when I make another trip to French pharmacy 🤩.

3. Neutragena Ultra Sheer sunblock: this is one of my long time favourites. It didn’t help much for my swimming (don’t think anything does), but for regular use, it is quite good.

4. Khadi soya protein herbal conditioner: I think there is only one product from Khadi which suits my hair. I keep trying different conditioners from the brand hoping to have an economical option and they all have same results-no hydration whatsoever. I guess I should stick with higher end conditioners 🤑.

5. Rene Furterer intense hair mask: this one is quite good. I alternate between shampoo and soap nuts and the latter leaves my hair quite dry. Since I don’t have access to hibiscus leaves (which is commonly mixed with soapnuts to add some conditioning), I was in need of a heavy moisturising after wash product. Knowing regular conditioners won’t get the job done, I bought this hair so and it didn’t disappoint. My only complaint is the packaging-the tube is hard to squeeze towards the end, leaving some product unusable 🙁. I bought Moroccan oil conditioner (expected to get a hair mask as complimentary gift to try out, but it was missed 😔) which is decent for regular washes but not fit heavy duty requirements after soap nuts 😶‍🌫️. 

6. Origins high potency night a mins: I got this as part of a kit. Since it has AHA I used it alternate days, sometimes left even longer intervals apart. Unlike other night creams, this one is not heavy and didn’t break out my skin. Initially I noticed slightly clearer skin, but the visible impact on skin slowly reduced (maybe because I had lesser marks ☺️). Despite good impression, I am switching back to Kiehls midnight recovery serum, as it gives better results for same price range (actually Kiehls is expensive but it lasts longer 😃).

7. Mac mascara: even though it is sample product, it lasted quite long-probably because I am using makeup quite less now. My main criteria for a mascara is not to lump up and this one retained its texture even with prolonged use. It is one of my 2 favourite mascaras, other one being Clinique😊.

8. Kesini hair oil: I bought it while browsing for another hair oil (I forgot which one I was looking for but remembered that it got very mixed reviews and this one popped in recommendation). My hair is in lot better condition now compared to last year and, though there are various other contributing factors, I strongly believe this oil is high on the list. I apply it 20-30 minutes before the wash and it makes my hair very soft (though the effect lasts only about a day or two 🤷🏻‍♀️). I am already in my second bottle and ordered third 😁.

9. Aveda texture tonic: another travel size product I got as part of a kit. I heard some good reviews about this product but it is not very suitable for my hair. It’s more of styling product and they don’t work well for me. I need some hydration in my hair products 💦.

10. Glam glow face mask: again part of kit. I don’t usually go for hydrating face packs as my skin is oily, but this one came in handy for those days when my skin felt stretchy on a chilly night further intensified by swimming.  I still wouldn’t need a full size product, but if it is part of a kit, it definitely tips the scales.

11. Mac lipstick creame in your coffee: the best for the last😍. This probably is the best lipstick I used till date. Usually, when I finish up a lipstick, I will be happy and sad. Happy because lipstick mostly lasts years and I could finally move on to new one. Sad because I most likely won’t purchase the same one again. However, this lipstick might be the first and only one I will repurchase 😄. I like everything about it - colour is like custom made for my skin tone and texture is so smooth and creamy. It doesn’t fade unevenly and doesn’t settle into the lines. It is so hydrating, I often skip lip balm 😃. I planned to get it as exchange for back to Mac products, but most probably will not wait until then 🫣.

Hmpf., that’s quite a list. Going to keep the next one for 2 months (maybe even one 🤞🏼).