little white truths

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturiser (Fair to Medium)

Full review here. I've used Jergens products before and really enjoyed them but this one didn't hit the mark. I didn't like the chemical scent but I could have lived with it if the product worked well. It didn't for me unfortunately: it was really difficult to spread and it didn't want to absorb (meaning I used far too much per application so it's not good value), and it also gave me a patchy tan that wasn't a good colour on me because it was too yellow/golden. So purchase? No.

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30+

I love both this and the SPF 50+ version of this facial sunscreen and it's an HG product of mine that I can't recommend enough. I've reviewed it here. Given the choice I'll always go for the SPF 50+ because I might as well get the highest SPF possible, but this is just as good: it spreads and absorbs well; it doesn't leave a white cast and it's not greasy. Love. Repurchase? Yes.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

Full review here. This is a fantastic budget cleanser that's well-loved in the beauty community for good reason. It feels beautifully soothing on the skin and it smells like papaya in a natural way that I enjoy. Plus it cleans effectively and the bottle is huge so this one lasted for ages, despite frequent use. Definitely one to test if you're after a good, gentle cleanser that's not expensive. Repurchase? Yes.

Rituals Hammam Hot Scrub

This came in a gift set and I'm still reviewing the other items from the kit, but this was the first one I opened and it didn't take too long to finish because this is a travel-sized tub. I didn't mind the product but it wasn't love for me and I don't think it's Rituals' best product. I've reviewed it here. 

It smells wonderfully refreshing but its grains are too scratchy and harsh for my tastes, plus it's an oily product so my skin didn't feel polished after use but somehow greasy and raw at the same time. It's had some rave reviews, however, so it may just be that it didn't agree with me. Repurchase? No.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquillity Cleansing Balm

Full review here. My husband bought this for me for my birthday because I'd been dying to try it and it's not Sunday Riley's most expensive product, although of course it ain't cheap so it wasn't something I'd have bought for myself. While I did like it, it definitely wasn't the best cleanser of its kind that I've used and I think you can do much better in a lower price bracket (eg there's an Oskia one I'm using at the moment and I love that - review coming soon).

It did clean reasonably well but I preferred it as a hydrating mask, so I'd whack it on when I woke up and leave it for half an hour before washing it off. It was nice but not worth the price-tag in my opinion. Repurchase? No.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-ageing Eye Cream

This was sent to me for review along with the matching day and night creams from the range. Unfortunately this was the product I liked least of the trio because it just didn't work for my dry skin. I've reviewed it here.

It's lightweight and absorbs well but it's not moisturising enough for me and I think it would be better-suited to normal or even oily skin, but if like me you're over thirty and need something heavier, this mightn't be enough for you either. Purchase? No.

Earth Science Azulene Eye Cream

Full review here. I picked this up for a song from iHerb and I really liked it for about the first four months' use: it was beautifully hydrating but not too heavy and a little went a long way so the tub lasted absolutely ages.

Unfortunately I don't think this has a long shelf-life because after four or so months of nightly use, the product starting irritating my skin and turning my eye area bright red. I was really annoyed about this because I still had half the tub left (that's how long it lasts) and I'd wanted to keep using it. I had to finish the rest on my face, avoiding my eye area. Repurchase? No, but only due to the longevity problem.

Beenigma Face Cream 

I received this in a recent Maslow & Co box and I was super excited to try it because I'd heard Tati (beauty youtuber) rave about it to no end. Unfortunately, the product just didn't grab me but looks like that puts me in the minority because a lot of people seem to like it.

The cream was quite thick and while it did plump up fine lines, it didn't hydrate that well and I just felt that it wasn't nourishing enough so I needed to use an oil underneath it to keep my skin feeling comfortable. I'll be interested to hear what other subscribers thought of this - maybe it just doesn't mesh with my skin. Purchase? No.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Sleeping Cream 

This apparently contains a unique blend of precious oils and powerful essential oils that should moisturise and rejuvenate your complexion while you rest. 

I do love me a good overnight cream, but this was one of those products that really did nothing for me. Yes it was a little soothing/cooling when applied and it hydrated my skin temporarily like any stock-standard moisturiser, but that's about it. If you want a good overnight cream that costs less than this does, I recommend Pixi's offering (reviewed here). Purchase? No.

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser x3 Dual Action Moisturiser

Ooops I forgot to photograph these last two products separately so I've had to use a cut from the opening shot - apologies!

I've reviewed this product here. It was sent to me for review and I was looking forward to using it because a lot of people have spoken highly of it, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. Problem is, it didn't want to absorb so I couldn't use it under makeup or overnight creams since it made those 'ball up' on my face, plus it left my dry skin feeling parched because it didn't deliver nourishment where I needed it but instead sat on top of the skin. Purchase? No.

Bio Oil

No doubt you've seen this show up in my empties posts before because it's an old favourite and I always have one in the bathroom. Full review here.

This one was sent to me because a PR rep for Bio Oil said she noticed that I'd just finished my Bio Oil in another empties post so she wanted to send me more. How nice is that?! I was so excited, I can't tell you!

Anyhoo. This is a staple because it hydrates and a little goes a long way so I don't get through the product too quickly, and I do think it has an impact on reducing scarring etc. Love. Repurchase? Yes.

In sum

Hooray for more empties! This wasn't a bad lot and my favourites in this bunch are the Bio Oil, the Mario Badescu cleanser and the Mecca sunscreen. Everything else I can take or leave.

Hope all's well with you guys, and speak soon x