Product Empties #59

It’s that time again! Here are my empties from the last three months! A little less than usual I feel but hopefully that means I’m on track for a big one in December! 

Haircare

Living Proof Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo x2

Starting as usual with my go to dry shampoo! It lets me go for a few extra days without washing my hair and there is no white cast or residue. My hair feels manageable and actually looks clean! It’s pricey, but I find I use less than drugstore dry shampoo and it has a fresh citrus scent. Already got multiple backups! Read my full review here!

Got2b Extra Volume Dry Shampoo

Works nowhere near as good as the Living Proof option but can’t fault the price! Works in a pinch and will repurchase! 

Coco & Eve Sweet Repair Repairing & Restoring Hair Mask

Clinically proven to transform heat-damaged hair by deeply restoring with a power blend of biomimetic ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vegan keratin. My hair feels stronger and softer when using this and it has a floral/fruity scent. Not a repurchase as I have other hair masks I prefer! Read my full review here!  

Bodycare 

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion

I absolutely loved this, I’m a big fan of the original Bum Bum cream but I really enjoyed this lighter texture! It smells like the original and sinks in quickly keeping my skin soft and smooth and smells amazing! Will repurchase! See my full review here!  

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil*

I’ve been through a few minis of this but was so happy to have a full size so I didn’t feel like I had to ration it! This has a beautiful texture that changes from an oil to a milky emulsion in the shower, it makes my body feel so hydrated and soft and has the classic almond scent which is really subtle and lovely! I have a backup and this is really well priced as it lasts a long time! Would repurchase!  

L’Occitane Amande Sublime Soothing Milk Concentrate*

Another love, this was so thick and luxurious and smelt lovely. It left my skin feeling soft and supple and is definitely one of the more indulgent body creams I have tried! I felt like I did go through it quite quickly and it’s not in my budget to repurchase but I would happily use this up again and recommend it if you want a treat! 

 

Josie Maran Topless Tangerine Body Butter*

Yet another great moisturiser - this is so creamy and hydrating and leaves my skin feeling soft and glowing! It moisturises my skin so well and smells incredible - Topless Tangerine is my favourite of the four scents they have! This travel size is so handy for trips too, I took it to Norway last year and it lasted me most of the trip as a little goes a long way! Would repurchase! Read my full review here!  

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel

Sickly sweet but I love it and it’s so nostalgic for me and I get one every year as it's limited edition at Christmas! Will repurchase or hint for someone to get it for me at Christmas again!  

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Gel-Cream

Another great shower gel that smells amazing! This is an older bottle as it’s just called Play now! Not a repurchase as it's a little expensive for a shower gel but I enjoy it when I have a mini! 

Sol de Janeiro Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream

First time trying this scent and I really liked it! Not my favourite out of the SDJ offerings though so while I enjoyed the same hydrating cream texture this wouldn't be a repurchase! 

Skincare

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil*

This is a lightweight cleansing oil containing soybean oil, ginseng seed oil and micellar technology that easily dissolves makeup and dirt. It also replenishes skin moisture and I enjoyed the earthy ginseng aroma! It emulsifies on contact with water and I use a face cloth to remove it. It leaves my skin cleansed and soft, ready for my next steps! Would repurchase! Don’t forget you can get up to 5% more off at YesStyle with my discount code DANIELLESBB5 (affiliated). Read my full review here!  

January Labs Restorative Tonic Mist

I am devastated this brand has been discontinued as I loved this mist so much and have gone through so many bottles over the years! It’s refreshing, hydrating and really helps with blemishes! Containing aloe extract, witch hazel, sodium PCA, flower oil extract, licorice and calendula extract, this mist is anti-inflammatory and works as an antioxidant too! There is a slight scent but it’s not offensive in the slightest and it’s been a staple in my skincare routine for four years now! Gutted the brand has been discontinued, would have repurchased! 

Nivea Double Effect Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

My favourite eye makeup remover! Takes off my mascara with ease and doesn’t leave me with cloudy eyes! Always have several back-ups!

Scientia Green Supreme CBD Vegi-Tox Rescue Mask 

Another brand that has been discontinued! I actually picked this up in Home Bargains when I was home for Christmas last year as it was on sale for about £1.99 and used it up on my chest before the shower where I am prone to some spots. Nice formula and I would have repurchased again at that price! 

Naked Sundays Cabana Clear Water Gel Serum SPF50*

One of my favourite SPF’s, this is lightweight, quick absorbing and hydrating! It’s silicone free and full of antioxidants like Vitamin E and Kakadu Plum to protect and fight aging as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. It comes out like a creamy serum but rubs in clear with no white cast and sits well under makeup! Would repurchase! See my full review here!  

Mixsoon Bean Essence*

This is a really nice essence (more like a serum consistency) that contains fermented soybean extract to hydrate and control sebum. It’s also got fermented pomegranate which is a natural AHA and fermented Korean pear, an antioxidant that brightens and repairs the skin. I love this for both morning and evening and it feels hydrating and smoothing! Would repurchase! Get 5% more off at YesStyle with my discount code DANIELLESBB5 (affiliated). See my full review here! 

Celimax Noni Ampoule*

A lovely calming and hydrating serum - everyone should have this or something like it in their routine! It contains noni fruit extract which is full of antioxidants, glycerin to hydrate, allantoin to soothe and adenosine to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. My skin always looks and feels calm and hydrated when I use this - would repurchase! See my full review here! Get 5% more off at YesStyle with my discount code DANIELLESBB5 (affiliated). Read my full review here!

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate*

Loved this eye cream, it’s an all‑in‑one fix for tired, stressed and crepey undereyes, and the formula contains Diamond Powder, Marine Plankton Extract, Stabilized Superoxide Dismutase, Pure Beta Glucan, and Short‑Chain Hyaluronic Acid. My undereyes are brighter, smoother, more firm, and hydrated and I saw a positive difference in fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. It feels lightweight but still super nourishing and sinks in quickly, I used it morning and night and there was no pilling with other skincare products or makeup. One of the best eye creams I have tried, and it lasted around 5 months with daily use. It’s pricey so definitely an investment and sadly I can’t afford to add it back into my routine at the minute but I would repurchase in the future! For anyone making their first order, use my code DANIELLEBEAUTYBLOG20 to get 20% off! Read my full review here!

 

Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser 

I was surprised by how dark the colour of this was! It is formulated with vitamin B5 and sodium PCA as well as hemp seed oil (rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids) and matcha so is hydrating and soothing with antioxidant properties to help protect your skin barrier from any environmental aggressors. It has a good lather and I really enjoyed it, it kept my skin clean and hydrated and my barrier healthy! Would repurchase! See my full review here!  

Clarins SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask

This mask smelt so nostalgic to me for some reason even though I have never tried it! It was a nice 10 minute mask for oily skin and it helps mattify, minimize shine and reduce the appearance of pores. Enjoyed it but not a repurchase! 

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist*

Enjoyed having this in my bag and at work for a hydrating mist throughout the day! It does contain fragrance so if you are more sensitive than me it might not be for you! Would repurchase! 

Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream 

A nice cream but this is so expensive and I don’t think it's overly special (probably as I only had a mini) so not a repurchase for me! 

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask

Similar to the above, I couldn't really tell the difference between these two and this is also nicely hydrating but expensive and nothing special (again, probably as I only had a mini) so not a repurchase for me! 

Sisley Express Flower Gel

Not hydrating enough for me overnight so not a repurchase! 

Farmacy Lip Smoothie Apple*

Loved this, I used it as my nightly lip balm and it kept my lips hydrated overnight as well as plump and smooth. Would repurchase! 

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster 

I think this might also be discontinued and to be honest it took me forever to finish this tiny sample as it felt like an extra step I didn't need in my routine! It’s very liquidy and you mix with moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration, a nice product but unnecessary most of the time for me so not a repurchase! 

Naked Sundays PoutScreen Plumping Lip Treatment in Marshmallow* 

Loved this lip treatment and used it non-stop throughout the summer as it contains SPF! While I think this shade is discontinued (Love Letter is now the closest match) the formula seems the same to me - hydrating and lots of shine! Would repurchase! See my full Naked Sundays review here!

Topicals Slick Salve Mint Lip Balm

Loved this, hydrating, glossy and smelled good! Longlasting and would repurchase!  

Nudestix Hydrating Peptide Lip Butter 

Another great option that is also hydrating, glossy and smells good! I would say the Topicals is ever so slightly more long lasting but I have a backup of this and would repurchase! 

Dior Lip Glow Oil in 001 Pink

I really wasn’t impressed with this when I first got it as I thought it felt more like a lip gloss than oil however I really grew to love it when I focused on finishing it! Yes, it does still feel more like a gloss than a true lip oil to me but it hydrated my lips and didn’t look crazy pink on my lips! Not a repurchase right now!

Masks and Sachets

Pixi Aftersun Soothing Infusion Sheet Mask*

Lovely cooling mask containing aloe, cucumber and chamomile. I used this after catching too much sun one day and it felt so soothing! I like using sheet masks up but don’t tend to repurchase myself!

Sensory Retreats Divine Glow Self-Heating Face Mask

Fun to try a self-heating mask and it was relaxing but not a repurchase! 

Pathology Flashmasque Illuminate 5 minute Sheet Mask

Another nice mask but again not a repurchase! 

Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches*

Enjoyed these as well, cooling and depuffing! I took them on a weekend trip and loved using them one morning when I had time to relax. I have the pot of them too and I would repurchase! 

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Love these! So smoothing yet hydrating and they really help even my skin tone and make it look more radiant! Again, a little pricey so not a repurchase for me when I have other products that do a similar job but I love when I get these as samples!

Makeup

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

Enjoyed using this up under my eyes, doesnt look cakey but it didn’t mattify my face well enough when I used it as an all over powder so not a repurchase for me! 

Illamasqua Hydra Veil 

This mini was so old the product has now been discontinued I believe! It was a weird texture (like jelly) but it worked very well as a primer so would have repurchased! 

Miscellaneous

Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin and Nails 

I love these, I take two when I get home from work and they feel like a little treat! Not sure they are doing anything specifically as I also try to have a good hair routine etc but my nails definitely feel strong and grow quickly! Have repurchased!

So that concludes another empties post, can you tell I’ve been working on my lip products and minis? Really trying to get through older products I save for trips etc as well because inevitably they don’t make it on trips and get discontinued (or expire). Have you tried anything I mentioned? What are your thoughts? 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.  

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.  

See my full disclosure here.    

Danielle xx 

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ILIA Beauty Review | My Favourite ILIA Makeup Products

I've been enjoying ILIA Beauty products so much lately that I thought it was time for a full roundup of my favourites! Often considered one of the leading clean beauty brands, ILIA was founded in Canada in 2011 and has become known for creating makeup that combines skincare benefits with effortless, natural-looking results.

Starting out with base products and the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40* in shade Bom Bom ST5 (extra light with neutral undertones) is a lightweight, dewy skin tint with a runny, serum like consistency. It’s a 3 in 1 makeup, skincare and SPF hybrid and it contains plant-based squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide which work to hydrate, smooth and plump skin. It’s safe for sensitive skin, formulated without fragrance and comes in 30 shades. I have especially been enjoying this throughout summer when I’m working from home and might need to be on a call or don’t have big plans on the weekend but still want to look put together! It is less coverage that I usually go for but it really evens out my complexion and the redness in my skin and I use a little extra concealer on blemishes to help cover them more fully! While it gives a dewy finish, I do powder down as I have combo skin and this really helps to mattify but not dull my skin. I typically use my fingers to apply but the Complexion Brush* is a lovely tool that feels super soft and makes it easy to buff the tint in with its size! I shake the bottle, and squeeze about half a pipette out. I chose this shade based on reviews that said the skin tint appears lighter at first then adjusts to its true tone after a minute. Findation (anyone else still use this?) actually recommend a few shades darker but I am super happy with my choice of Bom Bom as this works really well with my skin tone! Overall, I have been reaching for this a lot and am enjoying the formula so if you are on the lookout for a lightweight skin tint that feels like you have nothing on but evens out your skin and offers sun protection, look no further!

Next up is probably my favourite ILIA product, the Skin Blur Serum Concealer* in shade Satin 5N (very light with neutral undertones)! This has got great medium coverage, blends in seamlessly and the shade Satin matches my skin perfectly! It contains ingredients like caffeine and Matrixyl™ 3000, proven to firm and reduce the look of fine lines. The finish is natural, smooth, and never heavy or cakey. In fact, this concealer has officially knocked my beloved Haus Labs Concealer out of the top spot, which is saying a lot. Moving onto blush next and the Soft Focus Blurring Blush* in shade Glimpse (mauve rose) gives the perfect flush of colour to my cheeks every time! It’s talc-fee and contains ingredients like Edelweiss, Winged Kelp and squalane to hydrate, smooth, and firm. It’s not powdery and never emphasizes texture and the formula allows me to easily build up pigmentation giving a diffused effect. Finally, I have the Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss* in shade Crystalline (beige pink), a my lips but better shade with formula that is long lasting and gives a lovely sheer, glossy finish! It doesn't make my lips feel sticky but keeps them hydrated for hours through eating and drinking and leaves my lips feeling and looking comfortable, smoother, fuller, and more plump!

swatches l-r - Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 in shade Bom Bom ST5, Skin Blur Serum Concealer in shade Satin 5N, Soft Focus Blurring Blush in shade Glimpse, Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss in shade Crystalline

Overall, I can’t fault these products and while the concealer is a standout for me, the other products also look natural, feel lightweight, and perform beautifully throughout the day! Have you tried ILIA Beauty? I'd love to know your favourite products and any recommendations for what I should try next!

You can shop ILIA Beauty directly through their website or at Sephora! *denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used. See my full disclosure here.

Danielle xx

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Current Skincare | Toners #7

It’s time for another roundup in my toners series, and today I’ve got some formulas that have been keeping my skin clear, hydrated and glowing. From classic BHA exfoliants to hydrating toners, brightening tonics and some bonus toner pads, this is what’s in my current rotation. Let’s get into Toners #7!   

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant  

Starting with a classic and one that has shown up in this series before because at this stage, who hasn't tried it?! It’s a bestseller for a reason and contains 2% salicylic acid to penetrate pores and clear blemish-causing buildup and shed dead skin and green tea, an antioxidant that soothes irritated skin while improving visible signs of aging. It works so well on congested, oily skin and my skin always looks so much clearer and brighter after use! Despite being gentle, it’s effective and also helps set up my skin for the rest of my routine, making it absorb better and work harder for a glowing, makeup-ready complexion.  

Fenty Skincare Fat Water  

Another one that has made it to the blog before and this is billed as a two-in-one toner serum that tightens the look of pores and helps visibly fade dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine - all without stripping skin and I have to agree! It contains niacinamide to combat shine and reduce the look of pores and dark spots and Barbados Cherry (Acerola) which is loaded with vitamin C to brighten skin. It truly does have a “fat water” texture which absorbs quickly and hydrates my skin easily leaving it feeling refreshed and replenished. I enjoy the light scent of cherry and with consistent use it’s helped the overall tone of my skin, but the packaging is not my favourite! It’s hard to get the product out and the lid can get a little messy!   

Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner* 

Don’t pay attention to the level of product in the photo, I took it ages ago! This toner is infused with mineral-rich deep seawater from Ulleung Island, Korea and contains 14 types of hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture as well as various plant-based extracts to calm skin. It’s a lightweight, watery formula that sinks in quickly leaving skin plump and refreshed. Super simple and one I’ve been reaching for a lot this summer as it’s so cooling and refreshing! I love the fun cap on the packaging too! Don’t forget, you can get up to 5% more off at Yesstyle with my code DANIELLESBB5   

Pixi Botanical Collagen Tonic* 

Moving onto a Pixi trio next and this is a replenishing toner rich in botanical extracts and antioxidants that restores bounce and radiance to the skin. Acacia collagen supports skin elasticity and plumpness, peptides revitalise and refine uneven texture and coconut water hydrates and conditions the skin. It feels gentle and works as a nice prep step for my next skincare!    

Pixi Vitamin-C Tonic* 

This one has Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Citrus Fruit Extracts to brighten and even out skin tone as well as Aloe and gentle exfoliants to hydrate and smooth. It has a citrus scent and definitely feels a little tingly though it's gentle enough to use every day. It helps create a smooth and bright complexion while it preps skin well for the rest of my skincare routine!    

 

Pixi Antioxidant Tonic* 

This one reminds me a little of the Fenty Fat Water in texture – it's a multi-tasking toner, essence and serum, all in one with a unique gel like texture. It’s infused with birch water, probiotics and antioxidant-rich Nordic superfood berries to nourish, revitalize and add radiance and this is my favourite of the three Pixi toners I have here! It feels so cooling, I love the thicker texture and my skin feels calm and nourished after use!

Anua Azelaic Acid 10 + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Pads*  

These are some of the most saturated toners pads I have ever tried! They are drenched in Azelaic acid and centella asiatica extract to reduce redness and inflammation as well as hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP and squalane to promote smooth and plump skin. The material of the pads stetches easily and means you can cover larger areas of your face. My skin feels instantly soothed when I use these and the tub is going to last ages! Read more in my K Beauty faves post here!  

Celimax JI WOO GAE Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad* 

These are pre-soaked toning pads with different textures on each side and formulated with BHA to slough away dead skin cells and reveal brighter and smoother skin. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and heartleaf extract to soothe and hydrate skin. I am loving having these to hand! I gently wipe the embossed side over my face to remove impurities and moisturize skin, wait 30 seconds then wipe the gauze side to exfoliate and target blackheads and dead skin cells. I like to use then when my skin is feeling dull or like I have a breakout coming on, they feel gentle and the tub has 60 pads in total! Read more in my K Beauty faves post here!    

So that’s my latest line‑up of toners and toner pads - a mix of older classics and some newer formulas that make a difference in my routine. There are a few more open at the minute than I would normally have but I do love having options depending on how my skin is feeling, and these have all been helping keep it clearer, smoother and more balanced! 

Have you tried any of these? Let me know your favourite toners below, I’m always looking for new ones to add to the next round‑up! 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.  

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.  

See my full disclosure here.  

 

Danielle xx 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on 

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Basma Beauty Review | My Favourite Basma Products

I was so excited a few months ago when BASMA Beauty sent me some product gifting through ShopMy! Side note – you can use my referral here if you want to sign up – definitely the easiest affiliate platform I have tried! Anyway, I was patiently waiting for a Sephora sale to pick up the bronzer anyway so was super grateful to get it as well as the blush, foundation stick and some lip liners!  

BASMA Beauty is a Canadian brand founded by Basma Hameed, a burn survivor who pioneered Scar Camouflage, a medical pigmentation treatment that uses the same principles as permanent makeup to tattoo scar tissue. With clinics in Toronto and LA, she then set out to create a makeup line that was truly inclusive in both shade range and coverage. 

Starting with the OG product in the line – the Foundation Stick in the shade 035* – and this is a super creamy, blendable and buildable foundation stick. My only history with foundation sticks is a brief dabble with the Max Factor Pan Stik back in the day which wasn't for me as I found it hard to get a good shade match and the formula was too thick for my liking so I was a little apprehensive to try this at first! I used Findation to get my shade match which I find to be a pretty reliable matching system when you can’t get into a store to match yourself or swatch! The shade 035 is for light skin with neutral undertones and is an excellent match for me! I draw directly onto my face with the stick then use a dense foundation brush to blend and the formula melts in easily! It’s got buildable coverage and doesn't feel heavy or cakey and I haven't experienced any oxidising! It wears well for the full day and doesn't settle into fine lines or emphasize any dry patches or texture I have! The finish is skin like, but my base looks perfected, and I still use a little powder to set this as I have combo skin. Overall, very impressed with this!  

 

The Bronzer in Light* had been on my wishlist for a while and I am OBSESSED! The shade is a perfect neutral bronzer for me and the formula is great – it comes in four shades total. It doesn’t kick up a lot of powder or leave me with too much blending to do, I love it! It’s buttery soft and leaves a satin-matte finish, and you can build up the colour easily! It’s been my go-to bronzer this summer – see my Sumer Beauty Essentials here!    

The Cream Blush in Peach* is another love! There are a few shades, and this one is a warm-toned sun-kissed peach that is so flattering on my skin! I like to apply with a brush over powder to add a little dew back into my skin - it lasts all day without fading for me! It is a balm-like cream formula and it’s easy to build up the colour, giving me a healthy flush! It doesn't feel sticky or greasy and doesn't disturb my base either, just gives a beautiful lit from within finish!  

The Lip Lock Liner in 01* (warm rose nude) and 03* (warm caramel) are matte lip liners that glide on easily with no tugging and are smudge, water and transfer proof! They last through eating and drinking for me and I just line and fill my lips and put a little gloss on top! They are meant to last 8+ hours and while I do get a good amount of time out of them, because I put a gloss on top and inevitably top up as I am a gloss/lip balm addict and have an automatic habit, I don't get quite that long out of them but I am OK with that! They are comfortable to wear, transfer-proof and creamy, easy to sharpen and there is no feathering!   

Unedited swatches l-r: The Foundation in 035, The Bronzer in Light, The Cream Blush in Peach,The lip Lock Liner in 01 and 03

I have to give a special mention to the hot pink packaging too! Especially the tin packaging and magnetic closure of the foundation stick and the slide mechanism on the blush! So satisfying and you won't lose these easily in your makeup bag!  

The prices are reasonable for the size and quality of the items ranging from $54 CAD for the foundation to $30 CAD for the lip liners! Have you tried BASMA Beauty? 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.  

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.  

See my full disclosure here.  

Danielle xx 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on 

Instagram | Links and Discounts | Shop My Favourites | Pinterest