![October Empties Beauty Blog]()
Happy Halloween! I can barely believe it's time for my October Empties already - I know it's a cliché, but the year is almost over! I'm sorry things have been a bit quiet on the blog over the last few days - as regular readers will know I've started my new job and whilst it's only part-time, I've been working some hideous shifts starting at 6am so it's taking a little bit of adjusting to. Hopefully, heading into November, things will become a little more regular. On that note, here are the things I've finished up this month; I'm pretty proud of myself, it has to be said; I've made a considerable dent in my stash, although I have also had a little skincare splurge on Asos so I'm probably no better off in terms of space.. Oh well!
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Aapri Exfoliating Facial Scrub Cream This is a lovely thick, scrubby exfoliator which you can really feel working - which I love. However, I'm starting to edge away from such harsh exfoliators in favour of gentler options and chemical as opposed to physical exfoliators, and have only been using this once or twice a week as opposed to every day or two, like I was previously. I do still like it, though, and will probably repurchase if I see it in the shops again.
Repurchase?
Probably.Arora Pink Grapefruit Body Butter I really liked the fresh, fruity scent of this body butter and it was perfect for moisturising my legs after a shower to stop them getting dry and scaly - yum! It's also a super bargain at Superdrug for under £3.
Repurchase?
Maybe - I've switched back to my beloved
Naked Coco de Mer body butter for now as I feel it's richer and more moisturising, which is just what I need for the cold weather.
Mitchum Powder Fresh Anti-Perspirant Another staple for me, this is the best deodorant I've ever used and I wouldn't be without it! I've not tried the Powder Fresh version before (I've always stuck to unscented products so as not to irritate the eczema under my arms, but now that's under control I'm being a bit more adventurous!) but did enjoy using it for a change, so I'll probably alternate between this and the original.
Repurchase?
Already have.Superdrug Tea Tree Pore Strips Again, I really like these and think they do a great job of helping to clear out all the congestion that can build up in my pores, whilst smelling pleasingly of tea tree - lovely! These are often on offers such as 2 for £4 so they can work out as a pretty good bargain, too.
Repurchase?
Probably, although I've got some T-Zone ones to try first.
Superdrug Cotton Wool Pads These aren't very interesting, really; I use them for nail polish and eye make-up remover, they do the job, they're a good price, there's not much more to say.
Repurchase?
Most likely, although I do just tend to buy whatever. I think I have some generic brand ones from Bodycare to use next.
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Sally Hansen Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover I wasn't massively enamoured with this nail polish remover; it did the job but wasn't anything special and didn't feel like it was doing much for my nails, despite its claims of vitamins and chamomile.
Repurchase?
Probably not, as I don't tend to stay loyal to nail polish remover unless it's
incredible.
Soft Touch Naked Starflower Body Wash I still adore this body wash, and this must be about my sixth bottle - it smells gorgeous and doesn't dry my skin out or irritate my eczema. I love it! It's also fab as bubble bath which the kids love, as it produces tonnes of bubbles which again, smell beautiful.
Repurchase?
Already have.Naked Volume Shampoo My favourite Naked shampoo, this smells amazing and doesn't contain SLS making it eczema-friendly. My hair does seem to get greasy a little quicker using these shampoos than those which contain SLS, but that's a side-effect I'm willing to take for the itch-free - and I can always combat it with liberal usage of Batiste!
Repurchase?
Yes, already have!Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner I found this lurking, two-thirds used, at the back of a shelf, and decided it was time to finish it up. Whilst I do like it and did find it conditioned my hair well, I won't be switching from my Naked conditioner permanently for a couple of reasons, namely the silicons in the Tresemmé - since switching to this, I've noticed a huge increase in the number of spots on my chest, back and shoulders, which I did noticed reduced when I first switched to Naked. You have to remember that hair products affect your skin, too, and so I won't be repurchasing this.
Repurchase?
No.Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo It wouldn't be an Empties post without my trusty Batiste! There's very little to say on this, really; I love this scent and always stock up when it's on offer.
Repurchase?
Already have!![October Empties]()
Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex I really enjoyed using this eye gel, which didn't irritate my sensitive skin and felt as though it was leaving my delicate eye area well-hydrated. It's quite pricey so unfortunately repurchasing isn't on the cards at the moment, but I'd definitely consider it in the future!
Repurchase?
Maybe in the future.Avon Super Extend Eye Accents Mascara I think this is the first mascara I've ever actually
finished as opposed to it drying out and becoming unusable! I really liked this Avon offering, it added just the right amount of length and volume to my lashes for everyday wear. I'm not a fan of really over-the-top lashes but for me, this is perfect for an everyday look.
Repurchase?
Maybe, but I have quite a few mascaras in my stash, so not for a while!
17 Photo Flawless Primer I don't think I was too keen on this when I reviewed it but I have to admit it's grown on me over the last couple of months whilst I've been making an effort to use it up; it doesn't help keep my skin matte, which is what I really want from a primer, but it does create a lovely smooth base for foundation and help my make-up last longer, which is definitely a plus.
Repurchase?
Probably not, I'd rather try new primers in search of my Holy Grail!
Witch Blemish Stick This is pretty much a staple in my
evening skincare routine, I feel like it helps any blemishes to heal faster, although it can sting a little especially if used near the eyes.
Repurchase?
Already have!Origins White Tea Moisturiser I received this as a gift; it's not something I'd have chosen for myself and to be honest, not something I think is particularly suited to my skin-type. I have oily skin, and I feel like this is aimed at more mature, drier skin-types. I've been using it of an evening after my cleanser and any blemish treatments and serums. It does hydrate the skin well, and it smells beautiful, but for me I think it's just a little too heavy, and it leaves my skin feeling quite greasy and dull by the morning. It's not a bad product, it just isn't suited to my skin.
Repurchase?
Not any time soon; maybe in a few years when my skin is more mature and more in need of this type of product.
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Skin Mattifying Primer This was the first primer I ever bought and at first, I wasn't impressed; it didn't really help control shine or mattify my skin at all, which was what I wanted from it (and what it claimed to do!) However, in the last third or so of the bottle, I've found that using slightly more product helps with that, and while it's still not perfect, it does give a really lovely base for foundation and does a great job of hiding my pores, so it's definitely gone up in my estimations!
Repurchase?
Unsure - I'll say maybe, because I did like it, but it doesn't completely give me what I want from a primer which is shine control.
So, they're my October Empties! What have you finished up this month? Have you tried any of these products? Are you celebrating Halloween?
xo
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