I have another mix of empties, discards and pass-ons this month; so let’s dive in:
(I have posted reviews of some of these products on my blog already; to read full reviews please click on the product name)
Skincare
Cleansers
Then I Met You Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel
I didn’t like how this cleanser smells one bit and was disappointed that the cleansing result was the same as other cleansers that leave your skin feeling a bit dehydrated and dry after. Even if you have oily skin I wouldn’t recommend it to you mainly because it was definitely not worth the £34 I spent on it. Also, straight after peeling off the protective seal, I noticed strange white bits in the brown-coloured stretchy gel. I still used it thinking maybe it was supposed to be that way but then I decided to research other reviews and saw other swatches didn’t have those white bits. The white bits look sort of like bacteria growing in a petri dish. I contacted the brand who said they will investigate it with their product development team, and a few days later I received a follow-up email advising me to discontinue use as it is most likely a defective product based on the findings of their investigation, and that I should get a refund from the retailer I bought it from. I’m not sure if that also contributed to it smelling bad, because it was a confusing herbal earthy botanical but stale sort of smell, but I’ve read other reviewers describe it similarly and not like the smell either so maybe the bacterial growth is something separate.
Toners
By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
This was quite an enjoyable essence to use. Lightweight and never sticky on its own but fully hydrating. I sometimes used it in place of a toner and sometimes sandwiched it between a toner and serum then moisturiser as a boosting product. I mainly like this one on its own before moisturiser or paired with other very lightweight water-like texture products. While using this essence, I found that it did help prevent new breakouts over time and also gave my skin a plump and youthful appearance. This product was recently renamed and re-packaged but the formula is the same; the new name is Propolis Energy Boosting Essence, and I already purchased it because I want to see what the packaging is like in comparison but mainly because I like this essence and want to use it again. I did have a problem with the packaging of the original version that I’ve emptied, and that is although the glass bottle feels nice and high-end, the gold cap wouldn’t sit securely and always popped off which was annoying. I think the new packaging isn’t glass but the overall aesthetic seems minimal, clear and secure. I’ll update you on that in a separate post sometime.
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner (Travel Size)
This is a popular toner that I also adore. I find that it not only helps calm and reduce inflammation from pre-existing pimples but it also very quickly heals pimples that I scratched and prevents new breakouts from occurring. On top of that, it always leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished without an uncomfortable sticky residue, but I do wish it was a tiny bit more lightweight and watery in texture. This is on my repurchase list too.
Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence (Travel Size)
This was my 2nd bottle of the Hyaluron Skin Essence and my opinion is still the same. Compared to other HA essences or toners, this one doesn’t feel too tacky on my skin and absorbs well, so I recommend it if you’re interested in HA focussed skincare. I’m not that keen on stand-alone hyaluronic acid products and much prefer the ingredient to be part of a well-rounded mixed ingredient product so I wouldn’t repurchase the full size but if this mini ever lands in my possession again I’d happily use it sandwiched along with other products in my routine.
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner (Travel Size)
This is a nice lightweight toner that absorbs quickly into the skin, feeling nice and refreshing but not particularly hydrating. I like that I can layer it a few times without it feeling sticky on my skin. It’s quite a nice toner that I can see working well for me in the summer to help regulate sebum production while feeling comfortable on the skin.
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner (Travel Size)
This was my 2nd bottle and just as the last time I tried it, I found this lightweight toner to work great for controlling my skin’s sebum production, especially in the summer. There’s also something about the dark tea colour that calls me. The way it works is very similar to the Benton one mentioned above, but there’s something that draws me to the Isntree one more.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner (Travel Size)
This again was my 2nd bottle and my opinion again stays the same. On some days it plays well leaving my skin plump, hydrated and comfortable and on some days it slips and slides around my face and doesn’t want to absorb quickly. That is probably all dependent on a few things, such as the amount used, what I used before it, and the condition of my skin at the time. It’s still one of the HA toners I do like as even though it takes a while to absorb it doesn’t feel sticky or dry out my skin after a while. However, just like the Hanskin HA essence mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t purchase the full size of this, for the same reason of preferring Hyaluronic Acid as part of a multi-ingredient product rather than a stand-alone.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence (Travel Size)
This Instree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence was quite different to the other HA products mentioned here. The 8 different molecular weights of HA it contains, help to hydrate deeper. Not only that but the cloudy serum is formulated to have a bit more slip with the balance of humectant and emollient ingredients, making it feel less sticky and more hydrating as well as moisturising. I also noticed that it makes my skin feel a lot more soft, healthy and plump. It is still very much humectant rich so a thin layer is all I need for it not to get sticky, followed by a moisturizing cream to lock it in and provide more nourishment. Although this was nice to use while I had it, I probably won’t purchase the full size as I prefer something a little more lightweight, faster absorbing and layer-able when it comes to my essence and toner step.
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (Travel Size)
I’ve now finished a 2nd bottle of this essence toner too. I like how minimal the ingredients list is, and the light, but still viscous and soothing feel of it as I apply it. It’s one of those fuss-free products you can’t go wrong with, and I particularly like to use it when my skin is feeling a little sensitive and needs minimal good ingredients to help bring it back to a good condition. In terms of hydration, on regular days, it’s not enough on its own so I sandwich it between other minimal ingredient hydrating products. This is a great product and used to be on my re-purchase list, however, I’ve come across other products I prefer either the feel or packaging of so I wouldn’t rush to get another, although it’s a great back bench option.
Sioris Falling Into The Rose Mist (Travel Size)
The Falling Into The Rose Mist is particularly lightweight and refreshing on my skin as I spray it, and the rose scent is quite subtle. I found that I could spray it multiple times without any build-up or uncomfortable sticky residue on my skin. It doesn’t do much other than help to uplift your mood and lightly refresh hydration throughout the day without feeling greasy, too wet, sticky or disrupting makeup. I did recently notice a change in the product though, when I first opened it the oil drops suspended in the toning mist were an obvious pink colour, however over the past few months I noticed they were more yellow so it’s probably best that it’s finished now. One thing I love about the Sioris mists is that they don’t spit the product out and have quite a gentle fine and even spray. I like how lightweight this Falling Into The Rose Mist is but I prefer the feel of the Time Is Running Out Mist, although that being said I’m not much of a scented face mist type of girl anyway so wouldn’t repurchase them.
Masks
Sampor Addict Skin Relaxing Sheet Mask
This sheet mask had a rose scent and the essence and sheet were both pink, which is kind of pretty. Aesthetic aside, I found the sheet to be drenched in essence to the point it was dripping and a bit messy. The packaging was also interesting as you can peel the whole thing open but then that creates more mess. The fit was good and the material wasn’t rough but also wasn’t the softest, but being so soaked in essence was a great buffer anyway. I liked that it hydrated and brightened my skin but after a few hours my skin started getting greasy so it wasn’t the best end result for me. This mask is just okay, nothing that wowed me, so I won’t repurchase it.
Etude Collagen Eye Patch x2
These tiny undereye sheet mask patches were so drenched with essence and felt super hydrating and refreshing to keep on and relax with. With just 2 uses I don’t notice a difference in my dark circles but it does feel cooling, so reduces puffiness slightly and I look temporarily more awake. I don’t like how much packaging gets used just for a pair of these as the pouch contains a plastic case that houses the pair; I understand that this helps to keep them secure and perhaps more sanitary, but I much prefer packs with multiple eye patches and no additional plastic, such as the Kose Clear Turn Moist Charge Eye Zone Mask.
Etude Green Tea Nose Pack x3
I don’t use Blackhead removing nose strips as often as I did many years ago as I feel like I can clear clogged pores easily with a good oil cleanser. I’ve used this green tea one many times in the past but my go-to was usually Biore original or charcoal versions which have a serious grip and work really well. That being said, the Etude Green Tea Nose Pack still does a great job at pulling things out of the pores and the adhesive on the strip is not as harsh as the Biore ones so it doesn’t hurt to peel it off. This was likely the last I’d ever use these.
Etude Black Charcoal Chin Pack x2
This felt even more gentle than the one above and only removed a few very surface-level clogs. I like the thin shape of it and found it not only good for the chin area but also for applying to the very top of my nose bridge which a regular nose strip can’t reach. I wouldn’t get this again as I prefer clearing my pores with an oil cleanser.
Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow (7ml Sample)
This is a light cream with a fine pearlescence that makes my skin look healthy and glowing and I often get told my skin looks nice when I wear this under a light foundation or skin tint. The glow is similar to the popular Hollywood flawless filter but without a base pigment. I actually found that the much more affordable Heimish Artless Glow base gives the same effect on this skin as this and they actually look pretty similar when squeezed out and applied too. I like them both but Heimish also has added sun protection so I’d recommend that over the CT Brightening Youth Glow.
Although the Glossier Skin Tint doesn’t give any coverage I like how it makes my skin feel silky smooth and gives me a smooth even canvas to apply the rest of my makeup over. For coverage, I go over specific areas with a concealer and together they make my skin look really healthy, and glowy but still skin-like. I like that I can mute blusher colours by mixing this in too. G8 was too warm for me so if I were to get it again in future I’d get G9 or G10 which are lighter shades. I want to try some other Skin Tints first before thinking about a repurchase because it would be great to have something with a similar feel but more coverage.
Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum 040 (5ml Sample)
I really wanted to like this tinted serum but I ended up being disappointed. There are pigment beads suspended in a clear serum that you can either apply directly to your face and blend out, or melt into the back of your hand first then apply with a brush, sponge or fingers. I’ve tried all three ways, and prefer to use my fingers. I find the serum part to be really lightweight but the pigment beads can get a bit thick and pasty if there are too many in one location and it doesn’t spread around easily. It also can’t be layered as it ends up looking streaky, textured and dry, settling into fine lines and rolls of it pill up where I can visibly see it flaking off in tiny bits. Someone with an oilier skin type than mine might get on with this tinted serum better than I did and I heard there are many people who like it. I also noticed when using an oil cleanser to remove my makeup some of this tinted serum that was near my eye area would settle in my eyes like little white pigment specs that I need to then gently wipe away and wasn’t very pleasant, and I don’t usually experience that with other base makeup. The shade range could do with expanding though as 040 is a shade too light and 050 is a shade too dark for me, so I’m sure others will also struggle to find a perfect match. I’m sure Rose Inc got inspiration from Chanel with this product as I’ve seen something similar and I think I’ll give the Chanel one a try at some point.
Beauty Blender
There are all sorts of makeup sponges and blenders on the market these days, and many are just as soft as the Original Beauty Blender, but I still wanted to use the original to see if it differs from others I’ve used and what I prefer. I find the Beauty Blender to be extremely soft and bouncy and it blends makeup so much better than the Dior one I used to use which feels considerably harder and rougher; crazy because I once thought that was soft but was then blown away by the original Beauty Blender to the point I will never look back at the Dior one again. The original Beauty Blender is just as pricey though, so I do want to look for something that feels and performs the same for a cheaper price, especially as they can harbour a lot of bacteria and there’s only so many times you can wash and reuse them before they get too grimy and need replacing.
MAC Fix+ (Travel Size)
The MAC Fix Plus isn’t a finishing spray but does a great job at rehydrating any areas of dry or cakey makeup making it look better blended. I also like using it to wet my eyeshadow brush before applying some glitter eyeshadows. That being said, I can achieve the same with an actual setting spray that also helps to keep my makeup in place so I probably won’t repurchase it.
Maybelline Lash Sensational – Full Fan Effect – Very Black
This is probably the most popular highly rated drugstore mascara and I can see why as it never clumps but gives great length, separation and decent volume for an everyday semi-natural look. There are a few things I don’t like about it though, first, I find the packaging to be a bit bulky, second, the brush can feel a bit pokey at times, and third, if I take a nap it smudges and gives me panda eyes. I was contemplating getting the waterproof version of this same mascara but for now, I’ve decided not to as there are so many out there so I’m sure I’ll find something that ticks all the boxes.
Haircare
Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
This is pretty much like a booster containing only the key bond-building ingredient. I followed the instruction to spray No.0 from root to end all over dry hair making sure it’s not dripping wet but adequately covered, then waiting 10 minutes and applying No.3 from root to end and waiting another 10 mins before rinsing it and following with shampoo and conditioner and the results are the same as when I just use No.3. Also N0.3 leaves my hair slightly more moisturised too, whereas No.0 doesn’t. Out of the Olaplex products I’ve tried, I think No.0 is not really necessary because of this, although if your hair is very damaged by colouring with bleach then you might want to have the boost from this anyway. Also, the spray nozzle isn’t the best as it shoots the liquid out in a stream rather than actually spraying it onto my hair so it can get a bit messy. Although it’s not completely empty, I’ve taken it to Korea for my sister to use along with the others below, as she has some colour damage that can benefit more from this at the moment.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
This brings life to damaged hair like no other. I leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse, followed by shampoo and conditioner and my damaged ends are left looking smooth and healthy. Although it works fab, there are a few points to consider: if you have long hair like me this will finish very quickly making it quite expensive, and if you don’t have damaged hair there aren’t any bonds to repair so it can either not do anything or make your hair appear a bit dry and frizzy. I noticed this difference from how it worked on my colour-damaged hair compared to how it was after I grew my hair and cut off the dyed parts. So with that in mind, if I ever repurchase this it will only be when I have dyed my hair and at the moment I don’t need it. I had enough left for one or two more uses but I’ve given it to my sister to try.
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
This is my 2nd bottle of this shampoo, and I’m actually a fan of it. It seems expensive but it takes the tiniest amount to lather up and go over your entire scalp during your hair wash so it ends up lasting a really long time. It’s got a nice fresh but slightly sweet scent that I like too, and it always leaves my hair looking clean, healthy, fresh and airy. It also contains a smaller percentage of the key bond-building ingredient so some people might find that helpful for their damaged hair, although the No.3 Hair Perfector is better for that. I had half a bottle left but I’ve given it to my sister and I’ll repurchase another for myself when I’m back in the UK.
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
I like this conditioner too, it’s my 2nd bottle of it and I’ve noticed it does a good job of moisturising and smoothing my hair but because my hair is long it finishes very quickly so I don’t think the price is worth it as there are other conditioners or hair masks that perform the same or better and are either cheaper or last longer. If you have short hair, it might not be a problem for you. This also contains a small percentage of the key bond-building ingredient but again No.3 is better for that. There’s just under half left but I’ve given it to my sister to try and will probably get it again as part of a set one day.
That’s all the empty products I managed to collect in April. Have you tried any of the products mentioned above? I’d love to know what you think of them 😀
Simply Saima 
Thanks for sharing these products.
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