Well, that month flew by!  I seem to say it on all of these ‘Empties’ posts, possibly because I’m looking back at another month and thinking of all the things that have happened!

During May I danced at a regional competition and ended up being the only person on the floor in my Over 35 Gold event!  I’ve taken my Gold level Latin exams, I’ve been poorly (but still managed my exams despite struggling to breathe!) and I’ve been to Blackpool and back to see some of the World’s best Ballroom and Latin Dancers!

So in terms of products used up this month…

The Ordinary ‘Buffet’

This multi-peptide serum is part of a very affordable range from The Ordinary which is part of the Deciem company.  I have used this for over a year and it’s been featured on my Instagram and here on the blog a few times.  For more information on this, check out my previous post, The Ordinary…..a few months on…

Would I repurchase?

Yes, I have opened a new one already.  I do believe that over time, this has helped the fine lines mostly on my forehead but as this can be used around the eye area it is starting to help with lines there also.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%

Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is a mild chemical exfoliant aiming to help boost radiance and clarify the skin.  This version contains Tasmanian Pepperberry to help reduce irritation often associated with using AHAs.  I use this acid toner after cleansing and prior to a hydrating toner.  The instructions do say to use once a day, preferably in the evening (this is because AHAs can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun) however as I use stronger acids once a week, my skin tolerates this acid really well and I can use it AM and PM.  That said, I do make sure that my routine also contains plenty of hydration and I always use SPF at the end of my AM routine.   I will also have times where I do not use any acids at all on my skin for a few days.

Would I repurchase?

I already had another bottle of this in my draw so I have moved straight onto that.  I would repurchase this.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold 

I received this in the Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar in 2016 and as I use the previous mentioned Glycolic Acid on a regular basis, this was being used as a ‘treat’.  I am not sure what percentage this is however I tend to use this at the end of my routine but without moisturiser and allowing it to work overnight on it’s own.  My skin feels amazing the morning after using this!

Would I repurchase?

I would, but not at the moment.  I have a Rose Gold version of this from the Beauty Advent calendar in 2017 which I am yet to open!  Based on how my skin feels however I would buy this again.  Also just to note, the second ingredient in this is alcohol denat which could be irritating to some but for me, it was absolutely fine!

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

This has been on my Instagram stories a lot recently.  This has become my go-to cleanser for my AM routine.  It has vitamins A, C and E, Omega 6, Starflower oil, pumpkin enzymes, Chamomile and Rose.  It smells AMAZING and my skin feels soft and awake.  I apply this to dry skin, massage it in then add water to work it more, removing with a wet flannel.

Would I repurchase?

Definitely!  My only criticism with this is that I can’t tell when I am running out until it is empty.  I will be putting my order in as soon as I’ve finished this post as it actually ran out today!

January Labs Moisture Balancing Lotion

I got this as part of the Cult Beauty x Caroline Hirons collaboration box last year.  As I am quite set with my moisturiser in that I use Clinique Moisture Surge every day, I added this in randomly as and when I wanted to use it.  It is a lovely, light lotion that absorbs well into my skin, making it a perfect AM moisturiser.   Just look at this ingredient list … Squalane, Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Glycerin, Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Glyceryl Stearate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Goji Fruit Extract, Organic Cucumber Extract, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Argan Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Isopropyl Palmitate, Coconut oil, starflower Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Linseed Seed Oil, Cranberry Oil, Olive Oil, Lime Oil, Rose oil, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Water

Would I repurchase?

On the basis of how it works as a moisturiser and how it feels on the skin, yes, I absolutely would repurchase.  The only reason I won’t be at the moment is purely thanks to my addiction to Clinique Moisture Surge!

Lancome Hypnôse Mascara

 

I was super excited to try this mascara as it is well-hyped so when I saw it in the Duty Free shop on my way to Iceland, I couldn’t resist.   Enriched with Pro-vitamin B5, I expected this to be great!  Unfortunately I was left a little underwhelmed by it!  I am not sure whether the formula or the brush are to blame but I found this to be quite clumpy and dry.  The promise of leaving lashes supple was also a disappointment as I found this to dry my lashes and leave my eyes feeling quite uncomfortable.  When I used this over a lash primer it was a bit better but not much so to get to the end of it (I couldn’t just throw it away!!) I was pleased to move on!!

Would I repurchase?

I don’t say this too often because I tend to research products before I purchase them but this, I have to say will not be on my shopping list!  Hit me up with some of your favourite mascaras in the comments box please!!!

Nuxe Prodigieux Precious Scented Shower Oil

‘A mythical fragrance and a precious texture for a moment of pure pleasure’ M&S

Another M&S Beauty Advent Calendar goodie!  In 2016 the calendar contained the Nuxe body oil and 2017 was this scented shower oil.  Nuxe products smell absolutely amazing and this is no exception!  This 30ml size was the perfect size to take away for a 4 day trip last weekend.  Sulphate free, Paraben free and suitable for all skin types … love love love it!

Would I repurchase?

YES!  This is definitely on my shopping list!

This works – in transit camera close-up

This is a mask, moisturiser and primer in one.  I can only comment regarding the primer function as that is how I used it.  That said, it is very hydrating, especially in comparison to some primers so I can see why it would be good as a multi-use product.  My skin seems to love products containing Hyaluronic acid and I find using a primer that has this included in it’s ingredient list really helps my skin to feel hydrated for longer.  As a primer I felt this helped my makeup to go on smoothly.  It is SPF30 but for me, I use an SPF50 lotion so this isn’t a feature that would draw me to it.

Would I repurchase?

Yes!  I would as it is a lovely product and on the whole my skin liked it!  I won’t be buying it just yet given I have others to use up but I can recommend it!

So that’s all of my empties for May!  June is set to be another busy month, starting with another dance competition for me this Sunday!

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