Hey guys, I hope all is well. I’m super excited to bring you the February instalment in my Ultimate Empties Challenge 2018! If you haven’t checked out last month’s one, click here to read it!
So February was bittersweet, whereas I met my target I also did some major spending of buying more products smh. I’m working and learning on ways to budget more effectively, spending less on cosmetics (but a good sale always get me) so once I work out something that works and is easily incorporated into any existing routines, I will be sure to write about it ( I am already experimenting with 1 new bank app & card, more on that soon) but for now, let’s get into empties. As always I will link my reviews and where to purchase.
Skincare
Cleansers & Toners
More of those Primark Travel Gentle Cleansing wipes. Managed to get through 3 packs this month (I have 4 packs left) its only 15 in a pack (these are the travel sized ones) so it’s no wonder I go through them so quickly. [amazon_textlink asin=’B01ITGAEPM’ text=’No7 Beautiful skin micellar water’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’sarahfynn-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’e7f5f330-2bcf-11e8-bc7f-b5928d087660′]- its ok but against waterproof mascara it falls short, very short. Boots Simply Sensitive Refreshing Gentle Toner w/ aloe vera– its ok, didn’t do much. I just got it because I wanted to stop using my Ordinary 7% Glycolic solution in the mornings as the sun is out more now. [amazon_textlink asin=’B008KWVHPM’ text=’Alpha H Moisture Boosting Facial’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’sarahfynn-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’de67a931-2bcf-11e8-96af-afb0131ddf75′]- amazing. Full review here. Avene Thermal mist– will always be in rotation for using after acid toning. To my surprise I finished my Glycolic Toning 7% Solution from the Ordinary, check out my full review here. I knew I had a small amount left but I also thought this will see me through to March. Anyway, I happy it’s finished as its getting slightly sunnier here so I really wanted to switch back to 5% AHA ( switched back to Pixi Glow Tonic!) I still have 1 unopened Glycolic 7% solution which I will start using again in the fall/winter. 4 sachets of [amazon_textlink asin=’B01FSDWSIA’ text=’Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’sarahfynn-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’c5e4a2a8-2bcf-11e8-bad9-7b49d0ba1a7c’]- I love this cleanser! I now have the deluxe travel size of this as it came in a set of some Estee Lauder items I purchased. It doesn’t foam too much but it gently cleanses the skin!
Face Masks
A few sheet masks to start with– Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye masks– amazing! Got this in the You Beauty Advent Calendar and it’s something I will repurchase! Visibly hydrates & brightens under eye area. Flimsy to put on but works once on. Sephora Pearl Eye mask– another eye patch I approve off. BTW expect more eye patches reviews. Nip Fab Glycolic Acid Instant mask– a good one to reach for when the skin’s acting like a rebellious teenager, full review here. CT Dry sheet mask– well the 1st time was good but the other times? Review here. Superdrug Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Nose Strip– if you love nose strips, this works but for me too harsh. Got this from a friend to try won’t bother buying it. Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack Eye Patches– 1st impressions weren’t good but the 2nd time around was much better! Sephora avocado face mask always a good experience, Douglas Essential Hydrating Mask– purchased in Geneva ( a full post on that soon), it was SO COLD and that played havoc on my skin. I slaughtered on the whole packet in one session and let it sit for a good 20 mins, my skin was left so soft and hydrated!
Creams & Serums
Remember I took part in the 28-day YourGood skin challenge in November last year? Read the review here. Finally, run out of theYourGoodSkin Day Cream. Again it’s best for spring/summer/fall for my skin. In the winter I will layer a balm on top as it’s not enough hydration for my skin. Piz Buin 50 face cream– WOC do yourself a favour and miss it. Very ashy and thick. I had to do a lot to disguise this but it was hard. Will work on a post that gives you the best clear/invisible ones. AA Skincare– for the life of me, I can’t remember where I got this from, I know I definitely didn’t purchase with my own coins because, damn I hate this product. It stinks, the combo of frankincense & rose essential oils is the deal breaker for me, ( not for those that love that scent) AND it lingers too. Slightly moisturising yes, but a whiff of this makes me angry seriously lol. Glad it’s over now tho- used the remainder of it on my feet at night LOL. Two serums this month- It’s Skin YE & VE effectors. Love this and highly recommend. My full review is on BrownBeautyTalk
Moving into the haircare dep
Conditioners
My beloved Shea Moisture JBCO leave in is finished. Loved how silky it left my hair without the addition of an oil. Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask– another one from the You Advent Calendar- huge letdown. For my natural 4c hair, honey it did nothing. Coconut Water Hydrating Oil Spray– got this for 99p in Lidl – used for pre-poo and on wigs for a nice sheen. Really lovely. Went back to buy more a week later and it was SOLD out
Others
PAK’s coconut oil cream– did a collab last March with PAKS and they sent me 3 big jars of coconut oil. I have only finished the 1st jar. SMH. Used this a lot in my body butter and for pre-poo. Naissance Vegetable Glycerine– used again in my body butter. I get a lot of my oils too from Naissance. Another Boots cotton pads packet. Yoo, you know how Boots have been finessing me! Ok, listen so these pads cost £1.99 for 50 pads right? I was wondering around the baby section one time (don’t ask) and saw they have the same large oval cotton pads for £1.99 BUT you get 80 pads SMH. All this time I could get more for the same price! They are literally the same thing, one just had baby written on it. Sure invisible pure – because I hate sweating and this one keeps me dry, erm I’m not sure if it’s just me but, I have noticed every time I am using a deodorant(roll on or spray), when it’s about to finish they don’t work as good anymore? Please tell me I’m not crazy and at least 1 person has noticed this too?! Stella McCartney Stella perfume– I was sent this and I did like it. it wasn’t my favourite and I won’t purchase this as I like really sweet/oriental perfumes( think Flower bomb, La Vie est belle etc) but I think this is perfect for more mature glam women I don’t know why. And finally, a Colgate travel sized toothpaste
Grand total- 33
Total so far- 54 (Jan- 21)
A good month with lots of empties! As I stated earlier- I did buy more products this month which obvly defeats the purpose of my empties challenge. I know I should be more disciplined with buying stuff so I will keep trying. The main goal of my challenge is to really reduce my collection and to finish up a lot of products I started using but stopped mid-way because I went on to review another product or for whatever reason.
Anyway- another month of hitting the target, I really thought I wasn’t going to make it this month! Let’s see what March brings. Have you guys been doing your own empties challenge? please tag me so i can see!
Xoxo
Sarah
sarah fynn 