Winter Empties 2020

Bath & Body Works 'Autumn Sunshine' hand soap: I love this brand, and I picked up this hand soap a couple of autumns ago. It is a summery scent but toned down enough to pass for those Indian summer days. Would I buy it again? Yes, I enjoyed the scent.

417 Re-define facial foaming gel: I received this in a beauty box, but it came damaged and missing a lot of product because it had cut down the side; because of this, it also dried out quickly, so I did not get the full use of it. However, what I was able to try was kind to skin and offered a gentle solution to remove the day's make-up and clear the skin. Would I buy it again? I have mixed feelings due to the quality of the product because of the damaged package; I would like to try it again, but I can't say that I'd buy it based on that.

Grow Gorgeous scalp detox: This product is a scalp exfoliator, a product that I've never really used before. The product can be worked into your scalp (not hair). Would I buy it again? No, I have thick hair so found this difficult to use, although I am sure the benefits are to give your scalp a deep-clean and massage to encourage the health of your scalp and hair, but it was too difficult to use and wash out.

Clinique 'take the day off' cleansing oil: I used to buy this brand a lot but went off of them as I found that their products were not that kind on my skin. This is a cleansing oil that helps remove stubborn make-up, such as mascara and eyeshadow. Would I buy it again? No, I would look for alternatives. It's not a bad product and does work, but it stings, even if I am super-careful.

Bayliss and Harding 'jasmine and apple bloosom' hand wash: This was a refreshing floral scent that was perfect to use in winter because it was subtle and reminded me that spring would soon be on its way. Would I buy it again? Yes, and I would try other scents from this brand.

Choosy Air in Beauty Gummy (in peach): This product is actually a packet of gummy sweets that help to beautify lips. They contain collagen and calcium for plumper lips. Would I buy it again? No. Although they tasted good (I love peach), I don't see how they could encourage plumper lips and certainly did not see a difference.

Berrisom Peking Opera Sheet Mask in 'Pearl + Arbutin': This sheet mask is inspired by Chinese opera. This "king mask" promises to remove blemishes, but I believe arbutin is a whitening agent for skin and I cannot see anything about preventing blemishes, and I don't need paler skin. Would I buy it again? No.

Anatomicals "'crusin' for a snoozin'" sleep balm: This is a lavender-scented sleep balm that claims to aid in sleep. The product is a gel, and it should be put on pressure points and under nose to help sleep. Would I buy it again? No; the product did not work for me.

Clinque moisturising lotion: I used to buy a lot from this brand, but I found that it was not good for my skin and causes break-outs. This is their moisturiser, which was part of the three-in-one daily cleanser kit. Would I buy it again? No, seemed to cause break-outs and felt heavy on my skin.

Superdrug cucumber cooling mask: This facial mask promises to cool and moisturise skin, and I've used the Superdrug masks before with good results. Would I buy it again? Yes.

Baija Gommage festin royal: This exfoliator is perfect for use in the shower and promotes the deep cleansing of skin and removal of dead skin; it also left my body feeling super-smooth and relaxed with a lingering scent. The scent is a wintery warm scent with orange and a slightly festive smell. Would I buy it again? Yes, I really enjoyed the scent and the results on my skin.

Thalgo cold cream marine rich cream: This cream aids in soothing and repairing dry skin and keeping it hydrated for 24 hours. Would I buy it again? Yes, it actually did help my winter-damaged skin recover some moisture.

Ciate mini nail polish in 'silhouette' and 'locket': These miniature nail polishes are perfect sample sizes. The 'silhouette' colour is a very deep red with small glittery shines, and 'locket' is a high-impack silver glitter bomb. The red colour is perfect for a sophisticated and classic style, and the silver is perfect for the festive season. Would I buy it again? Yes, I like this brand and both colours were good, but the red colour needed multiple coats. I was very impressed with the silver colour.

So Susan Jello Shot in 'hangover': This is a tint that can be worn on lips or blended into cheeks for colour. I used it primarily as a lip gloss. It was a little orange in colour, and the product could be built up for more intense colour. Would I buy it again? No, I was not that keen on the colour or product, but it did come in a cute package.

Pixi by Petra lip balm in 'natural rose': This is a nourishing lip balm that doubles as a lip stick to add style while keeping lips moisturised. Would I buy it again? Yes, I loved this product, and the berry-red colour was perfect for me. I used this as my go-to professional lipstick in the winter months, where keeping my lips moist can be a struggle with the dry air.

Glamolash Mascara XXL: This mascara worked well at creating long-lasting and waterproof defined lashes. A little bit of the product went a long way and took ages for me to use up. Would I buy it again? No, I found that the product tended to clump and dry often, and I'd spend a fair amount of time trying to correct the damage it caused by going on a little too thick.

Monu Capri facial treatment oil: This facial oil promises to help keep skin nourished and deep-clean pores. Would I buy it again? No, the oil felt too thick on my face, and it seemed to be a little harsh for my skin. I would rather use a wash-off cream.

BerryM nail polish in 'Atlantis': This is a high-glitter nail polish with pink, purple, and blue glitter; it is inspired by the sea, and I found it perfect to wear in January as a "going out" and visiting light festivals polish. Would I buy it again? I love BarryM products, but this product clumped and dried too quickly; I probably would not buy their glitter nail polish again for this reason.

Defence Xage ultimate rich lifting balm: This is an anti-aging balm that promises to help plump skin and keep it youthful. Would I buy it again? No, this was only a sample and I didn't see any difference in using it.

Superdrug dead sea purifying mask: This facial mask promises to purify skin, and I've used the Superdrug masks before with good results. Would I buy it again? Yes.

Powerlash black mascara: This mascara enhanced the lashes, but it was not a long-lasting forumla. Would I buy it again? No, this product was easy to smear; a couple of times during lunch when the weather was drizzly, I returned to the office with running mascara. 

Davidoff 'The Game': This Eau de Parfum is for men, but it was a sample size and I thought I'd review it. Overall, it was a nice grown-up scent and long-lasting. Would I buy it again? I would buy it as a gift if I knew the wearer liked the scent. 

Benfit 'Air Patrol': 'Air Patrol' is a primer that offers protection from the sun, and this product is used for eyelids. Would I buy it again? No, I don't see this product in my beauty routine; the sample size was too small to really get a grasp of its use, perhaps.

Penhaligon perfume in 'Vaara': 'Vaara' is an orange-bloosom sweet scent, and this product was recommended to me from their website. Would I buy it again? No, I enjoy the brand, but there are better scents.

Amie deep pore exfoliating polish: This exfoliating polish is perfect for cleaning skin after a long day; it helps to clear make-up from skin, and it has a wonderful orange scent too, and this was wonderful to use in winter with the refreshing scent. Would I buy it again? I'm torn on this one. Maybe.

Colour Institute lip gloss: This lip gloss came from a beauty gift set that I have finally started to use up. I've never been too keen on the colour, but it went with a couple of outfits I had been wearing. The product was too lumpy/thick. Would I buy it again? No.