Ahh, empties. Those illustrious used up bottles that I keep in my cupboard for the sole purpose of blogging about them. It’s a glamorous life I lead, but someone’s gotta do it!
I’ve been running out of a lot of products lately — quite divine timing really, as we’re leaving KL next week (!). So without further ado, lemme give you the lowdown on what I’ve been using and (mostly) loving:
Innisfree Apple Juicy Lip & Eye Remover
I kept seeing this pop up on the K-beauty blogs, and it was always raved about… but for some reason, I’d never tried it. Blasphemy, I say. I righted this wrong on my last visit to Korea, and yes, I enjoyed using this product. I’ve written about it more here, but here’s the basic rundown: it’s great for travelling (plastic tube), smells faintly of apple (yum) and is gentle on my sensitive eyes (yay!).
Not so good: it does leave quite the oily film and is just that bit messier than other cleansing waters that I am enamoured of. So… you know. I don’t think I quite get the whole hype, but I did enjoy shaking the bio-phase liquid until it blended together. Science!
식물나라 (Plant Kingdom) Mango Shower Body Scrub
I received this for my bday in Korea, but only recently got around to finishing it. This delicious sugar scrub smells just like fresh mango, and isn’t too harsh on my sensitive skin. The granules dissolve after a few seconds, so you don’t feel like you’re sloughing the dead skin off until you bleed (which is how most scrubs feel to me). It honestly smells so tropical, I love this stuff!
Beyond Aqua Bloom Moisture Toner
I was always very intrigued by Beyond, as there was a store at the Guri train station I always used to walk past, and their products look so cutesy and eco-friendly — the best combination around. Gav got this for me last Christmas, and I’ve slowly (and then quickly) been using it the past few months. I love how it’s quite a thick toner; it really moisturises my skin well and makes it nice and plump. With micro hyaluronic acid and kakadu plum, this baby is a great one for those of you seeking maximum hydration. Plus, it smells like a cocktail!
I’ve long been a Sukin fangirl: it’s one of the defining things about me (ahem). As a bit of an animal-loving, human-rights-backing hippie kinda gal, any ethical brands are good in my books — and Sukin is one of the best. It’s cruelty free, paraben free, Australian-made and owned… all that good stuff. And this moisturiser is great!
It’s a very gentle, nourishing lotion — quite heavy for a lotion, but not quite a cream. I would use this mainly at night (as it doesn’t have SPF), and slather it on nice and thick to wake up to hydrated skin in the AM. With a heady cocktail of aloe, nettle, roship, jojoba oil and avocado oil (among others), the amount of goodness packed into this lil’ bottle is enough to make your head spin (in a good way). Two thumbs up from me!
Avene Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+
I’ve reviewed this before, but very quickly — this stuff is great. It feels very high quality: smooth, thick, but not cloying. I think there may be the slightest white cast, and when it’s on my face it can be a bit greasy, but for the body (and in strong sun), it’s a winner.
Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
I’ve been intrigued about this one for a while — it seemed to be quite the cult classic and the inspiration for a lot of rip-offs. So of course, I couldn’t resist! I initially picked this up at a K-mart in Mont Kiara, back when I was feeling super homesick for Korea. And I’ve now gone through two tubs of this stuff, so obviously it’s doing something right!
While aloe vera gels often remind me of painful sunburn, there is something calming about using one for your daily moisturiser. Yes, this could be a bit sticky at first application, and it’s not as rich as other, heavier creams… but I just love how no-fuss it is. I love the smell, too — and knowing how good aloe is for skin elasticity and preventing ageing keeps me inspired to continue using it. Plus the jar is huge and travel-friendly. Not the most glamorous moisturiser, but a darn good one.
Skinfood Strawberry Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
Previously written about here — but again, let me reiterate: this smells like STRAWBERRY JAM and is made from SUGAR. Game, set and match.
And that’s it for today! I still have a shopping bag full of more empties (seriously doe), and considering we’re moving out next week, I need to get a-snappin’ and a-bloggin’ about these bad boys. So yes, that is a hint that there may will be more empties posts coming up soon… so get ready for the maximum excitement!
What products have you finished recently? Have you tried any of these? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Steph x