Nothing like a bit of bin digging to make a post out of what is essentially rubbish. But
I like reading empties posts as you normally get a good idea of what the product was like and how good it was and whether it was worth the money... so here is mine. Some are samples (marked *) and some are purchases. One is a prize from a competition I won in 2013 (I know: good lord woman, what took me so long!?!?)
Skincare first: Eh. 98% Vichy... because its good stuff.
Vichy Normaderm 3 in 1 Cleanser + Scrub + Mask *
I liked this. €13.50 for the tube that worked well to absorb excess oil and help keep skin clear. I just wish it didn't have the scrubby beads in it. It doesn't need them, and sensitive, acne-prone skin doesn't need to be scratched by them. The Kaolin is scrubby enough to do a great exfoliating job, gently. I liked this so much I cut the tube open to finish it properly.
Vichy Idéalia Life Serum : initially quite pricey at €34.99 for the bottle, but I have had this bottle for 5 months (since before Halloween) and I have used a single pump almost every morning and I do miss it when I don't use it. Once you smooth this over your skin it leaves a bit of a glow and moisturiser goes over so easy, and sinks in immediately. I got my first bottle as a pr sample, but I bought this bottle and it lived in my gym bag until it was finished.
Vichy Idéalia Pro Dark Spot Corrector* (€34.50) is lovely stuff altogether. I bought my first tube (and then got this tube as a thank you from the brand for the in-depth testing). It has mad a big difference in my dark spots and pigmentation on my face. I like this stuff. I like it a lot. I will get another tube as soon as winter rolls around again.
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes: just as well I won this, because it costs an eye watering €69. Shout out to Cloud10 Beauty who stocks this and held the competiton where this was the prize. Its nice. But that is about all I can say for it. It stings if your skin is dry and sore, like say after a windy day at the beach when you need a shot of hydration, or if you've been out in the cold all day and you need a shot of hydration. Don't use this in either of those cases. It stings. But if you have normal skin, and lots of money... try something else.
Mane 'n Tail Hair Strengthener* I loved this. It smells delicious. It leaves your hair silky soft and manageable. I loved it, and then one day I looked for it after I washed my hair and couldn't find it, Thought my daughter had robbed it. Turns out my hubby had been using it to condition his beard. Yup. When did I find this out? When it was empty and he asked me to buy more. To be fair, his beard always smelled yummy and was soft and non-scratchy. Himself has since trimmed the beard right back, but when he grows it back I'll get him a new bottle.
Ahhhh good auld Cocoa Brown. Both of these are re-purchases (€7 odd per bottle). And will be replaced as soon as I am paid. Especially the Cocoa Brown Chocolate Whip. Smells amazing, is nicely hydrating and is non-greasy. Love it. I didn't have a backup tube so I cut open my old tube to get my fix. Turns out there was enough for 2 fully body applications in it still. I'm cutting open all my tubes from now on.
Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze is my go to non-fussy self-tan as its impossible to get wrong. If you are looking for gentle colour to take the blue tinge off this this your man. If you are looking for a deeper colour, then use this every night for a week. Ace.
Lush African Paradise Body Conditioner * (€12 - €25 I think). Something in this reminds me of home, its something in the smell of it... earthy and yummy and deeply comforting. While this is gorgeous as a rinse off conditioner for your skin, it is a bit odd. You basically rub this all over your skin while it is still wet, locking in the moisture, then you rinse off the excess, PAT (don't rub) dry, and viola. But after you rinse, it feels greasy and sticky, almost icky... but persevere, don't over-rinse, because once you pat your skin dry the icky-stickiness is gone and skin feels wonderfully hydrated for days after, even after 2 more showers. Its Pricey, but would make a lovely gift. Or self-gift. I need more.
Lush D'Fluff * is nice. I can't find a price for it anywhere, I think this small tub is around the €7 mark, which is pricey enough for what is essentially shaving cream, this tub lasted me a good 3 months. I don't shave everyday, so I didn't use this everyday, but my shaves were smooth and close, and I had very little irritation or shaving rash. The strawberry pulp used in D'Fluff helps to exfoliate and brighten skin. And it smells like strawberries. Its nice... but its not different to using shaving cream or conditioner to shave. I don't think I'll get more.
Oh ho ho ho ho ho. Lemony goodness in buckets. The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Butter (€18.95) is gooooooooood. I just can't get enough of The Body Shop Body Butters. Grease by the bucket, these are super hydrating and work incredibly well to lock in moisture especially after a shower and before bed. More sweet than sour (or bitter) Sweet Lemon is lovely and refreshing and good for summer months due to the uplifting lemony scent. I generally always have one or two (or 4) different ones on the go, because they are just that good. I think everybody has tried some form of this and you either love it or hate it. I love it. And I haven't found another moisturiser to beat them yet.
Right. Those are my empties. Is there something I liked that you didn't? Is there something else I should try? Lemme know in the comments!