December has, as with the rest of 2018, flown by! Empties posts show throughout the year the products that I have used up fully along with a mini review and details on whether or not I would repurchase. So, what have I finished in December?

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Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser

As a fan of the Pixi Glow Tonic, I thought I would try the Glow Mud Cleanser. It’s highly likely that this was a #carolinehironsmademedoit purchase! I use it in the evening as my second cleanse (skin cleanser after makeup removal). The texture as expected is a thick mud which applies smooth to the skin. I apply it to dry skin then remove with a warm wet flannel. Although this contains 5% glycolic for chemical exfoliation, it is super gentle and the aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and avocado oil help to plump and nourish whilst mud detoxifies the skin, leaving it super clean, fresh and hydrated. It can be used both AM and PM and as it’s an acid, SPF is even more vital during the day.

Would I repurchase?

I already have. I bought a new one of these before I ran out of this one as I absolutely love it! I use this pretty much every evening but have used it in the morning. I don’t tend to use it regularly in the mornings as I do prefer a lighter cleanser as my morning cleanse.

Prai Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme

This cream contains Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Vitamins A, E & F to help plump, hydrate and protect the skin.  It is said to also lift and tighten, improve elasticity in the skin, brighten and help deminish age spots and discolouration and rejuvenate the skin. I found it to be a lovely, rich cream that I used at night and it did leave my skin feeling soft.  It smells lovely too!  

Would I repurchase?

I have another pot of this thanks to the M&S beauty advent calendar but it’s not something I reach for regularly so I can’t say I’d repurchase it yet, however I would recommend it to anyone looking for a lovely rich cream for the neck and décolletage area. I am terrible for remembering to apply body creams despite being so obsessed with skincare for my face … which I know I’ll regret so I am trying to make more of a conscious effort to actually use these kind of products regularly!

Elsa’s Organic Natural Deoderant Stick

A favourite of mine is this natural deodorant stick by Elsa’s Organics.  I have mentioned this in a previous empties post (which is a clue to whether I’d repurchase!!).  I look for deodorants that do not contain aluminium or parabens and this fits that remit perfectly and smells lovely!  Bergamont and Lime is a mix of essential oil smells that I absolutely love!

Would I repurchase?

Absolutely! I’ve had a few of these and love it!

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

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I’ve had this compact for a couple of years now and it’s a firm favourite. The translucent powder is perfect for setting liquid foundation and for topping up during the day. It is invisible on the skin as it is so finely milled and contains Vitamin E and Glycerin helping to keep the skin from drying out. My skin has a soft finish to it when I’ve used this so I’m sad I’ve run out. I do have the loose version of this which is also great, but not so travel friendly!

Would I repurchase?

Definitely yes. I have tried a couple of other pressed powders and this is the best I’ve used so yes I will be looking to replace this one.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser

The gelée milk cleanser is a gel that when applied to the skin feels smooth and lightweight and can be applied and wiped away using cotton pads as it doesn’t need rinsing.   It contains Hyaluronic Acid which is actually quite high up on the list of ingredients.  It isn’t a cleanser I use all of the time but it is a nice, light, affordable one.  It is also pretty good for those times when I’m wearing a lot of heavy eye makeup (like after a dance competition) and I will gently swipe this over my eyes first before going in with my first cleanser.

Would I repurchase?

I’ve had this a few times now and even though I don’t use it often, it is a great one to have at home so I will buy it again.

Josh Wood Colour – Renewing Shampoo for Brunette Hair

I was sent some Josh Wood Colour Shampoo and Conditioner to review a few months back and as I really enjoyed using them, I then purchased them when they were on offer in Boots. As always, I’ve worked my way through the Shampoo ahead of the conditioner so I’m still using that but as for the shampoo, I really like it. I have had my hair coloured for the last few months and I felt this helps to keep my colour vibrant and my hair soft and clean.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, definitely. I would highly recommend Josh Wood hair products!

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

This is another product that I was sent to review but this time by Influenster … of which, you can read the full post here … Rimmel Match Perfection & Stay Matte. I liked the foundation when I tried it and I am a bit of a nightmare for getting bored of foundations and trying new ones but this year I’ve been trying to actually use what I have … ok that hasn’t worked all year and on everything but this foundation has been a firm staple in my day-to-day type of makeup. It gives a lovely natural finish with a light to medium coverage. It lasts really well and the shade match is perfect for me.

Would I repurchase?

Yes. I still have a couple of others that I am using up also as I have a few foundations open but I would definitely buy this again!

Glossier Boy Brow

I bought this brow product when I was in New York in 2017 and went to the Glossier showroom (I wanted to go again this year but the queue in the street was horrendous and after walking all day I wasn’t prepared to wait!!). I’d liken this to the Benefit Gimmebrow. A brunette (and I do have the clear one also), gel that fills in and thickens brows. It holds brows in place really well without feeling stiff. The tiny brush grooms brows into shape also.

Would I repurchase?

Yes. I’m sure I will buy this again – they now ship to the UK so along with their Jelly cleanser, this is one of my favourite products from them.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid

I’ve saved the best for last! Azelaic Acid is know for it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties but also known to help treat rosacea and help acne-prone skin. I don’t suffer from rosacea, perhaps a little redness from time to time, but I do suffer from hormonal cystic acne on my chin which can range from a spot or two, to a cluster of them. Since using Azelaic regularly however, I’ve barely had any spots at all. I believe this has also helped hugely with the overall texture of my skin. It’s said to help with pigmentation and again this is something I wouldn’t say I suffer much from however I did have two patches on my forehead on by my hairline which rarely show when I’m wearing makeup because I go around my hairline with bronzer but in a recent ‘no makeup’ selfie comparison, three months apart, I could see an improvement generally in my skin and also on those marks on my forehead. I’ve only shared this photo on my insta-stories so far as they disappear after 24 hours so here we go! Haha!  I will say that I think the difference in my skin is a combination of the Azelaic Acid but also an introduction of Vitamin C into my routine. I will document more on this in a further post but for the sake of the ‘Empties’ Azelaic, it’s a great product. I use it morning and/or evening. There’s mixed reviews I’ve noticed on this particular product because of the silicone which doesn’t suit everyone. Some people also say it can’t be used under moisturiser – I find it works absolutely fine underneath my Moisture Surge which is the order I prefer to use it in. It can be used either way so work out which works best for you!

Would I repurchase?

Absolutely! I already have and now that I’ve started my new tube, I think I best get ordering another!! Highly recommend this!

So those are my December empties and my final empties post of 2018! There’ll be plenty more where they came from in 2019!

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Disclaimer:  Any items that were sent to me for review are marked as such in the individual review.  All opinions expressed are my own and it was my choice to add links to any websites throughout this post.  Any links included are not affiliate links and I will not earn commission through you using any link in this post.