little white truths

I brought so many half-empty products (many of them travel-sized) with me on our trip, that I've managed to finish enough for two separate empties posts - woot woot! 

That's a fair amount of empties, and it means there's a nice chunk of space in my backpack for the journey home. Looks like I could have gone shopping ; )

I'll try to get through both empties posts today but I mightn't have time before we need to get to the airport, so I'll do this one for now and see how I go.

In no particular order...

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 03, Nude Shimmer

Full review here. I do like these lip glosses but I must admit I was expecting to be blown away when I first tried them, given the hype about them online. It's a medium thick gloss that's not sticky and has a sweet, sugary scent that isn't too strong. It has a touch of shimmer that lifts the face but isn't too much, and the colour is barely there. It's hydrating and nourishing and for this reason I do think these are decent glosses, but I wouldn't rush out and buy them because I reckon you can find something that's just as good for a fraction of the price. Purchase? No.

Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner

I really didn't like this product so I'm glad to see the back of it. I've reviewed it here. It feels like water droplets sitting on top of my face, and I had to pat it in after each use because it didn't want to absorb. This could partly be because the pump didn't spray a fine-enough mist, but I also think that the product itself didn't absorb and hydrate as well as other sprays I've used. It left my skin screaming out for hydration and I usually needed to apply a cream over the top to get the job done. Purchase? No.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream

Full review here. This became one of my HG eye creams almost from the first use, not only because it's so beautifully rich and hydrating, but also because it doesn't cost much at all. It's quite a thick cream and it does leave a greasy residue, so it won't be for everyone and I wouldn't use it during the day, but I loved applying it at night and waking up with soft, hydrated eyes. Love this one. Repurchase? Yes.

Trilogy Make Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm

I remember not liking this when I first used it, so I saved the last third of the container for our holiday and for some reason I thought I might suddenly like it (maybe because there's a lot of hype surrounding Trilogy right now). Not so! I've reviewed it here.

It does remove 'easy' makeup like powders but it does nothing towards dissolving the heavy stuff like eyeliner or mascara, and I reckon plenty of much better cleansing balms exist so it's not worth the pricetag for me. Purchase? No.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I decided not to write a full review of this product because I only got a week or so's worth of twice-daily use from it, and I don't think that's enough time to make a decision on a product like this one.

It's one of the most raved-about products in the beauty world but I honestly noticed no effect from using it. It didn't make for a good toning product and I didn't see or feel any difference in my skin after using it - it didn't even feel refreshing. So I don't think this product is worth the huge pricetag for me (a good thing!) but I can't say this for sure because I reckon you need to use something like this for longer if you're going to see any effect. Purchase? No.

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel

Full review here. This earned a spot in my 'disappointing products' post for 2015, and bringing the last bit away with me reminded me of why. It smells off, feels sticky and often stings when I use it, plus I don't think it does anything towards removing blemishes or reducing their frequency. Indeed, it may even have the reverse effect on my skin! Many people rave about this product but just as many don't like it, and I'm definitely in the latter category. In any event, do test this one before buying it because it mightn't be for you either. Purchase? No.

Urban Skincare Co Infuse Body Balm

You've probably seen a couple of empties of this product before because we scored a few of them when we stayed in a hotel last year. Full review here.

It smells good - rich and gingery - and is super hydrating and nourishing without leaving a greasy residue. It also absorbs and spreads well, so a little goes a long way and this 35ml sample didn't vanish in a few uses, as some body creams tend to do. It's definitely one I would use again. Purchase? Yes.

The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig EDT

The Body Shop says that it picks its figs at the height of summer when their aroma is the richest, to create this succulent green scent. 

This is indeed a very green scent and while I don't mind it, it's a little too heavy on the green factor for me and it's not complex and balanced enough for my personal tastes. Plus the lasting power of this fragrance isn't amazing so it's not one I would buy. Purchase? No.

Bare Minerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move

This is a beautifully hydrating formula and my lips really loved it. I received the sample in one of my Mecca Beauty Loop Boxes and it's made me want to go and check out the whole range. Full review here.

The good news is, these aren't the most expensive lipsticks on the market so they won't break the bank and I reckon they're worth the money because they're so nourishing and wear really well. I didn't love this colour on me (it wasn't quite right) but I could still get away with it and I loved the product overall. Purchase? Yes, in another colour.

In sum

Hurrah to having more space in my backpack! The stand-out items here are the Bare Minerals Lipstick, the Urban Skincare Co Body Balm and the Mario Badescu Eye Cream: I would buy all of them.

Let me know if you've finished any products this month - good or bad ones : )