New to Tattle Life? Click "Order Thread by Most Liked Posts" button below to get an idea of what the site is about:
I had a massive declutter today.
Shocking how much was really meh though.
Elemis cream cleanser, Clinique pore minimising primer, body shop body scrub, Sanctury body scrub, loads of revolution bits, Superdrug face oils, The ordinary actives, the list goes on. Brand loyalty is a waste of time because there are one or two amazing products in each brand that hook you and a ton of just passable products that still aren’t cheap.
I’ve found a bunch of sheet masks I’ve saved for special occasions so they’re first to be used up, there was a lot I couldn’t part with but probably 30 things I’d not rebuy nor were finished.
I feel quite happy but still can’t let so much go even though it’s rarely used, usually stuff I know cost a lot to buy.
Which leads me to my TLDR-
How do you decide what to keep and what to chuck?
I rarely use fake tan but want it there for when I need it, same for clay masks, hair removal cream, spot treatment, odd coloured make-up even. I need to get rid of 50% again but keep it for “what if I need it”.
Shocking how much was really meh though.
Elemis cream cleanser, Clinique pore minimising primer, body shop body scrub, Sanctury body scrub, loads of revolution bits, Superdrug face oils, The ordinary actives, the list goes on. Brand loyalty is a waste of time because there are one or two amazing products in each brand that hook you and a ton of just passable products that still aren’t cheap.
I’ve found a bunch of sheet masks I’ve saved for special occasions so they’re first to be used up, there was a lot I couldn’t part with but probably 30 things I’d not rebuy nor were finished.
I feel quite happy but still can’t let so much go even though it’s rarely used, usually stuff I know cost a lot to buy.
Which leads me to my TLDR-
How do you decide what to keep and what to chuck?
I rarely use fake tan but want it there for when I need it, same for clay masks, hair removal cream, spot treatment, odd coloured make-up even. I need to get rid of 50% again but keep it for “what if I need it”.
If you know you'll definitely use it at some point (spot cream and fake tan in my case), I'd keep it. No sense in paying for it again.
The just-in-case stuff, I'd probably get rid of. For me it usually falls under the category or stuff for my fantasy self. If it's really fancy stuff though, you could just treat yourself and use it every day - I've gotten through 3 lipsticks just deciding to wear it whilst wfh.
If there are products you know you'll use, albeit occasionally, before they expire, I'd keep them. Anything else if you don't love it, I'd pass it on (she says with a bunch of meh products I want to finish because I feel guilty about the money spent
)
Last edited:
I used to keep those products, but for most of the time, when the event in question rolled round, I found I didn’t use them then either, as I didn’t “trust” the product. What if that sheet mask gave me a breakout, what if that concealer stings in my eyes, etc. so now I either don’t keep it for an occasion anymore to trust the product better and if I honestly don’t see myself using it or using it for the occasion, it needs to go.
That’s how how I’ve accumulated so much.
Believing I’ll do a proper routine, moisturise every day, weekly face and hair masks, makeup everyday.
I guess I need to concentrate on getting the best version of the products I actually use rather than buying all this meh, additional stuff. And cut the make up addiction when my face can’t really carry the fun stuff these days.
I’ll have another cull!
You've inspired me to have another sort out if nothing else
Keep seeing people posting the m&s beauty box and I'm fighting the urge to go see if my local store has one. I don't need the stuff it would just be nice to try but I end up not trying any of it and it just being in a box under my bed!
After weeks of nothing, I've now got a couple of empties within three days!
- Balea Natural Beauty Lavendar and Rosemary shampoo: Bought on a whim as it sounded nice. Horrible gloopy texture, but nice scent. Since the texture was so bad you needed handfuls of it to wash hair and it sometimes left my hair matted. I used this up very generously as body wash. Will not buy from this line again, so fr everything has been very mediocre. It's cheap though.
- Foamie Aloe Vera Face Cleanser Bar: This lasted me 1.5 years, same as the one before. I like them, but since it takes so long to use them up even with daily use, they never even still have the one when I need to get a new one. Will not repurchase for now.
- Bioré UV Sun Watery Essense. Lost count, I've been buying this sunscreen for about 10 years, maybe longer!
- Garnier Rice Water Hair Mask: was okay, but nothing special. Will not buy again, i don't like the jars.
- Alverde Blush in Apricot: This had to go, it started to smell funky
I even hit the pan, but I've no clue how old this was, definitely older than 5 years and on the back it said 12months shelf life.
And two more empties for this month:
I found it helpful to see how much I had used up in Q1, so here's the verdict for Q2: 12 products used up, 1 decluttered. Coincidentally, the decluttered product was the blush I mentioned in my Q1 overview that I wanted to use up by end of year, but it spoiled....That's 6 products less used up than in Q1, but that's okay,I don't have a ton and generally prefer to to no have too many similar products all open at once.
I'm slowly using up a few make-up items, but it'll take a while.... mineral foundation just never seems to empty.
- Ketozolin shampoo - this is another one I've been rebuying for years now, it helps with scalp eczema and doesn't smell bad.
- Tritart make-up brush soap. I don't know for how long I've had this - maybe six, seven years? Potentially longer. It's gone, it was okay, I won't buy it again (this was a gift).
I found it helpful to see how much I had used up in Q1, so here's the verdict for Q2: 12 products used up, 1 decluttered. Coincidentally, the decluttered product was the blush I mentioned in my Q1 overview that I wanted to use up by end of year, but it spoiled....That's 6 products less used up than in Q1, but that's okay,I don't have a ton and generally prefer to to no have too many similar products all open at once.
I'm slowly using up a few make-up items, but it'll take a while.... mineral foundation just never seems to empty.
Decluttered products for June, inspired by @littlepup:
ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter in 1 Fair - This was too dark for me and broke me out. Have passed it on to a friend.
Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment - This made my rosecea burn so had to go.
ELF Camo Liquid Blush in Dusty Rosé - This turned straight orange on my skin so have passed it on to a friend.
ELF Lip Lacquer in Love Bite - This was a GWP and the shade didn't suit me so have passed it to a friend.
ELF The New Classic Eyeshadow Palette - This was a GWP and I never touched it since I got it so I've passed it to a friend.
ELF Cream and Sugar Bitesize Eyeshadow Palette - I bought this when they went viral and never used it so passed it to a friend
ELF I Love You A Latte Bitesize Eyeshadow Palette - As with the Cream and Sugar Palette I never used this so have passed it on.
ELF Truffles Bitesize Eyeshadow Palette - Same as the last two, never touched it so passed it on.
Products I finished in June:
I'm From Rice Cream - I really enjoyed this. A rich cream that isn't overly heavy or thick. Will repurchase when I finish what I'm using.
Baylis & Harding Plant Collagen Cleanse & Rejuvenate Body Wash - This was fine as a body wash but the pump was weird. It was like the product was pulled up around the outside of the mechanism and it also sucked in the bottle which then meant having to unscrew the pump to reset it. Wouldn't repurchase it.
Superdrug Extracts Almond & Oat Milk Body Cream - This didn't smell almondy or oaty, it was just kinda floral gourmandy. It was fine but I wouldn't repurchase.
Peaches and Cream Eyeshadow Primer - This was too dark for me and I found that there was air trapped in the tube initially so would pump out turns of product wasting it. I wouldn't repurchase.
Unleashia Oh! Happy Day Lip Pencil in No.4 Bae Bae - I received this in an advent calendar and the shade was a bit meh, not really something I'd pick out. I wouldn't repurchase.
Dove Powder Anti-perspirant Deodorant - Did the trick and smelt nice, would repurchase.
Totals for 2025:
Decluttered: 30
Used up: 26
Pans: 7 (all pre-2025 though)
New products: 5
ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter in 1 Fair - This was too dark for me and broke me out. Have passed it on to a friend.
Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment - This made my rosecea burn so had to go.
ELF Camo Liquid Blush in Dusty Rosé - This turned straight orange on my skin so have passed it on to a friend.
ELF Lip Lacquer in Love Bite - This was a GWP and the shade didn't suit me so have passed it to a friend.
ELF The New Classic Eyeshadow Palette - This was a GWP and I never touched it since I got it so I've passed it to a friend.
ELF Cream and Sugar Bitesize Eyeshadow Palette - I bought this when they went viral and never used it so passed it to a friend
ELF I Love You A Latte Bitesize Eyeshadow Palette - As with the Cream and Sugar Palette I never used this so have passed it on.
ELF Truffles Bitesize Eyeshadow Palette - Same as the last two, never touched it so passed it on.
Products I finished in June:
I'm From Rice Cream - I really enjoyed this. A rich cream that isn't overly heavy or thick. Will repurchase when I finish what I'm using.
Baylis & Harding Plant Collagen Cleanse & Rejuvenate Body Wash - This was fine as a body wash but the pump was weird. It was like the product was pulled up around the outside of the mechanism and it also sucked in the bottle which then meant having to unscrew the pump to reset it. Wouldn't repurchase it.
Superdrug Extracts Almond & Oat Milk Body Cream - This didn't smell almondy or oaty, it was just kinda floral gourmandy. It was fine but I wouldn't repurchase.
Peaches and Cream Eyeshadow Primer - This was too dark for me and I found that there was air trapped in the tube initially so would pump out turns of product wasting it. I wouldn't repurchase.
Unleashia Oh! Happy Day Lip Pencil in No.4 Bae Bae - I received this in an advent calendar and the shade was a bit meh, not really something I'd pick out. I wouldn't repurchase.
Dove Powder Anti-perspirant Deodorant - Did the trick and smelt nice, would repurchase.
Totals for 2025:
Decluttered: 30
Used up: 26
Pans: 7 (all pre-2025 though)
New products: 5
Just finished a L’Occitane verbena shower gel which was in a beauty box. Lovely but I prefer the almond one.
About to finish my eleventy hundred Liz Earle cleanse and polish. Can never imagine myself using anything else.
About to finish my eleventy hundred Liz Earle cleanse and polish. Can never imagine myself using anything else.
Doubt I'll empty anything else this months, so here are mine for July:
Chrimaluxe Mineral Foundation (30ml)
Glad to have used this one up. Unfortunately, the undertone was off for me from the start, but even setting that aside, I just don’t love how it sits on my skin. It feels a bit dry and emphasizes texture. Won’t repurchase, even in a better shade.
Reviderm Calming Silver Spray
Love it! This is amazing for calming irritation, works well on my skin when it's itchy from sun, dryness, even mosquito bites. It’s a bit pricey, but it really works. I may repurchase, especially for summer. It lasted a long time as well, so you do get a lot of use out of it.
Garnier Green Tea & Herbs Shampoo (250ml)
This stuff is incredible. My hair feels soft, moisturized, detangled, and my scalp is clean and happy. The scent is refreshing and you only need a small amount.
BUT. The downside: it’s only sold in 250ml bottles exclusively at Rossmann, whereas other shampoos from this same line come in 300ml or even 400ml bottles elsewhere, for more or less the same price. So it feels like a bit of a scam. Still, I’ll probably repurchase because it’s genuinely one of the best shampoos I’ve tried. Bit miffed about it though.
Biore UV Gel Essence SPF 50
Not quite the same as the famous Watery Essence. It’s thicker, more like a cream than a gel. A little tricky to apply at first, but once on, it dries matte and clear. I actually prefer this finish over the Watery Essence, which can leave me a bit shiny.Bought multiple bottles of this, along with the Watery Essence, so I just switch between them.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 (10ml sample)
This one is much-hyped, and I can see why: super moisturizing with a lovely finish. But sadly, it burns my eyes like crazy. I tried giving it multiple trials and a finalshot today and had to wash it off again. Ended up using the last bit on my arms. Won’t be purchasing a full size.
Chrimaluxe Mineral Foundation (30ml)
Glad to have used this one up. Unfortunately, the undertone was off for me from the start, but even setting that aside, I just don’t love how it sits on my skin. It feels a bit dry and emphasizes texture. Won’t repurchase, even in a better shade.
Reviderm Calming Silver Spray
Love it! This is amazing for calming irritation, works well on my skin when it's itchy from sun, dryness, even mosquito bites. It’s a bit pricey, but it really works. I may repurchase, especially for summer. It lasted a long time as well, so you do get a lot of use out of it.
Garnier Green Tea & Herbs Shampoo (250ml)
This stuff is incredible. My hair feels soft, moisturized, detangled, and my scalp is clean and happy. The scent is refreshing and you only need a small amount.
BUT. The downside: it’s only sold in 250ml bottles exclusively at Rossmann, whereas other shampoos from this same line come in 300ml or even 400ml bottles elsewhere, for more or less the same price. So it feels like a bit of a scam. Still, I’ll probably repurchase because it’s genuinely one of the best shampoos I’ve tried. Bit miffed about it though.
Biore UV Gel Essence SPF 50
Not quite the same as the famous Watery Essence. It’s thicker, more like a cream than a gel. A little tricky to apply at first, but once on, it dries matte and clear. I actually prefer this finish over the Watery Essence, which can leave me a bit shiny.Bought multiple bottles of this, along with the Watery Essence, so I just switch between them.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 (10ml sample)
This one is much-hyped, and I can see why: super moisturizing with a lovely finish. But sadly, it burns my eyes like crazy. I tried giving it multiple trials and a finalshot today and had to wash it off again. Ended up using the last bit on my arms. Won’t be purchasing a full size.
Mini hair syrup in original. Love it, I got about 3 months use and my hair is waist length. I had damaged my hair overusing a protein shampoo and then a ginger shampoo and conditioner . Hair was snapping off at roots, dry and out of condition.
My hair is now looking healthier, new hair is growing and not snapping off at the roots. No longer tangles and any knots are easier to get out.
have purchased full size. If you do purchase hair syrup please don’t get it off TikTok shop. There are lots of fakes and they have completely different ingredients in them.
My hair is now looking healthier, new hair is growing and not snapping off at the roots. No longer tangles and any knots are easier to get out.
have purchased full size. If you do purchase hair syrup please don’t get it off TikTok shop. There are lots of fakes and they have completely different ingredients in them.
Hey Guys , just wondering have any of my fellow blondes used these? Just bought this mini set to try as its a bit spenny for me to get the bigger bottles, any alternatives any of ye found good Id love to hear 
Attachments
Yes, I use the purple shampoo and really rate it. Just leave it on for 5mins and it leaves your hair feeling really nourished and removes all brassy / yellow tones. Can take or leave the other products to be honest.Hey Guys , just wondering have any of my fellow blondes used these? Just bought this mini set to try as its a bit spenny for me to get the bigger bottles, any alternatives any of ye found good Id love to hear
Another month done! How is it August already?!
Finished products:
Artiscent Atelier Vanille Blush Eau de Parfum - I think this is supposed to be a dupe for something, I've no idea. The fragrance was okay but it didn't last. I probably wouldn't repurchase.
Lee Stafford Argan Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask - This had a really strong fragrance to it, I didn't notice it made much different to my hair so I probably wouldn't repurchase.
Isntree Onion Newpair Gel Cream - Nice gel cream that surprisingly didn't smell like onions! It was a similar colour purple to the tube though. I've tried other gel creams that I liked more so probably wouldn't repurchase.
Tirtir Milk Skin Toner - This had heavy glass packaging. The product itself was a thick liquid, reminded me of slip the stuff you use with clay, and because of that I only needed less than 10 drops for my whole face and neck. I enjoyed this, I might repurchase depending on how I go with the other similar products I have.
Merzy The First Pen Eyeliner in P2 Brownie - I received this in an advent calendar. This had a felt tip pen nib and was a nice deep brown. After a couple of uses some fibres in the nib frayed out which was kind of annoying as I had to make sure they were facing away from my lid so I didn't get random marks. With that in mind I wouldn't repurchase.
Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream - Very thick rich eye cream. Took a little while for my eyes to get used to the scent. It was nice and a little went a long way but I'm pretty sure it caused milia. Wouldn't repurchase.
I hit pan on my Benefit Hoola Bronzer, quite an unbelievable feat given how much I don't use it
Stats to date -
Decluttered: 30
Finished: 32
Pans: 1
New products: 5 (£22.48 spent YTD)
Finished products:
Artiscent Atelier Vanille Blush Eau de Parfum - I think this is supposed to be a dupe for something, I've no idea. The fragrance was okay but it didn't last. I probably wouldn't repurchase.
Lee Stafford Argan Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask - This had a really strong fragrance to it, I didn't notice it made much different to my hair so I probably wouldn't repurchase.
Isntree Onion Newpair Gel Cream - Nice gel cream that surprisingly didn't smell like onions! It was a similar colour purple to the tube though. I've tried other gel creams that I liked more so probably wouldn't repurchase.
Tirtir Milk Skin Toner - This had heavy glass packaging. The product itself was a thick liquid, reminded me of slip the stuff you use with clay, and because of that I only needed less than 10 drops for my whole face and neck. I enjoyed this, I might repurchase depending on how I go with the other similar products I have.
Merzy The First Pen Eyeliner in P2 Brownie - I received this in an advent calendar. This had a felt tip pen nib and was a nice deep brown. After a couple of uses some fibres in the nib frayed out which was kind of annoying as I had to make sure they were facing away from my lid so I didn't get random marks. With that in mind I wouldn't repurchase.
Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream - Very thick rich eye cream. Took a little while for my eyes to get used to the scent. It was nice and a little went a long way but I'm pretty sure it caused milia. Wouldn't repurchase.
I hit pan on my Benefit Hoola Bronzer, quite an unbelievable feat given how much I don't use it
Stats to date -
Decluttered: 30
Finished: 32
Pans: 1
New products: 5 (£22.48 spent YTD)
I had a very slow month, but today two further things were gone:
- Balea Vitamin C sheet mask: love them! I don't do them as often anymore since I've started using vitamin C serums daily, but the effect is very nice, even skin and they are very cheap.
- Dove Beauty Bar: holy grail, I go through multiple of them every year.
- Makeup Revolution Hyaluronic Acid serum: meh. Bought this as a three-pack off Amazon last year, as it was very cheap, but it was just okay. Inkey List is much better, this one stayed tacky. I think the brand actually doesn't exist anymore, so not a big loss for me.
- Garnier Argan oil & Camelia conditioner: Also my fourth of fifth bottle of this conditioner. It's one of he best cheap drugstore conditioners I've found, but recently it seems like nothing is enough for my lengths anymore, they keep looking frizzy. I've replaced this one with an even heavier version of the same brand, I hope that'll sort it.
- Alverde Aloe Vera solid shaving foam: Admittedly, I threw out the very last bits of this. I've had it for ages, it's simply no good. It looks like soap, you need to lather it up for forever to get a teeny bit of foam that then will immediately disappear. I think this is no longer sold, but not loss either.
- Sally Hansen 15 sec cuticle remover: the internet raves about this - does it even do anything? No matter how long I left it on, it simply didn't do anything. Threw it out with about a generous third left, I simply couldn't be bothered anymore.
- Essence the nail care pen: seemed to dry out my bad cuticles even more, plus I didn't like the smell, very sweet, typical nail product smell.
Another month, another bunch of empty products. Getting to the point I'm having to buy new stuff which makes a change
Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask - Bought this after seeing it recommended on another thread. Really enjoyed it. Great price point. Will purchase have again once I've finished off similar products.
Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence - I don't feel like this did anything so won't be repurchasing.
Dove Classic Fresh Anti-perspirant - Standard roll-on, nice powdery scent. Will repurchase if on offer.
Lee Stafford Moisture Burst 10 in 1 Treatment Spray - Not convinced this did anything, won't be repurchasing.
JVN Complete Air Dry Cream - Hated this with a fiery passion, annoyed at myself for spending any money on this line, glad it's done and dusted. Safe to say I won't be repurchasing.
Tally for the year so far:
Decluttered - 30
Finished - 37
Pans - 1 (plus 7 pre 2025)
New products - 10 (£48.46) [Only products I don't include are deodorants and toothpaste]
Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask - Bought this after seeing it recommended on another thread. Really enjoyed it. Great price point. Will purchase have again once I've finished off similar products.
Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence - I don't feel like this did anything so won't be repurchasing.
Dove Classic Fresh Anti-perspirant - Standard roll-on, nice powdery scent. Will repurchase if on offer.
Lee Stafford Moisture Burst 10 in 1 Treatment Spray - Not convinced this did anything, won't be repurchasing.
JVN Complete Air Dry Cream - Hated this with a fiery passion, annoyed at myself for spending any money on this line, glad it's done and dusted. Safe to say I won't be repurchasing.
Tally for the year so far:
Decluttered - 30
Finished - 37
Pans - 1 (plus 7 pre 2025)
New products - 10 (£48.46) [Only products I don't include are deodorants and toothpaste]