Share your empties!

[Geranium]

Yes, isn't it a really weird paradox that lip balm dries your lips, so you use frequently to moisturise so they get drier. I find the more you use the more you need.

Loving reading everyone's repurchases.

When I was much younger I used to be addicted to lip balm. I always had one on me or near me. I remember once getting in a total panic because I awoke in the night and couldn’t find my lip balm, I went hunting through the house for ages trying to find one ! My mum used to get angry with me as I would forget to remove them from clothes pockets and they’d end up clanking round the washing machine.
Then I read an article on lip balm addiction and it was all there - the panic about not having it, the frequent applications, the fact that I could no longer remember what “normal” lips felt like - if mine didn’t feel slick with balm I couldn’t bear it.
So I went cold turkey and stopped using them. It took about a week but the habit was broken. I still use lip balms occasionally if my lips are chapped and I put some on before bed if I remember and my lips are perfectly fine.
I often see people obsessively applying lip balm and sometimes I tell them about my experience and many of them have broken the cycle themselves!
Now if only I could stop being addicted to chocolate and crisps

 

[SpaceshipEarth]

When I was much younger I used to be addicted to lip balm. I always had one on me or near me. I remember once getting in a total panic because I awoke in the night and couldn’t find my lip balm, I went hunting through the house for ages trying to find one ! My mum used to get angry with me as I would forget to remove them from clothes pockets and they’d end up clanking round the washing machine.
Then I read an article on lip balm addiction and it was all there - the panic about not having it, the frequent applications, the fact that I could no longer remember what “normal” lips felt like - if mine didn’t feel slick with balm I couldn’t bear it.
So I went cold turkey and stopped using them. It took about a week but the habit was broken. I still use lip balms occasionally if my lips are chapped and I put some on before bed if I remember and my lips are perfectly fine.
I often see people obsessively applying lip balm and sometimes I tell them about my experience and many of them have broken the cycle themselves!
Now if only I could stop being addicted to chocolate and crisps

Oh my gosh. I too am addicted to lip balm! I feel anxious when I can't find mine, have to have one near me all the time and reapply whenever I feel stressed or right before a work meeting or something! The thought of going cold turkey makes me feel . You are very brave!

 

[Geranium]

Oh my gosh. I too am addicted to lip balm! I feel anxious when I can't find mine, have to have one near me all the time and reapply whenever I feel stressed or right before a work meeting or something! The thought of going cold turkey makes me feel . You are very brave!

You can do this! I’m here for you x

 

[littlepup]

Re lip balm - I don’t know if it’s true of products these days but they used to contain ingredients, something like hydrocortisone, where if you use it too much, too long, your body stops producing it so you have to keep using it to maintain the level. There are definitely still some that have ingredients that can be drying for some, usually ones that are tingly.
You should really only use them if your lips are particularly dry or chapped.

 

[Geranium]

I think the issue is also we forget how normal lips feel - because naturally they aren’t kind of slippery and moist - and think they are dry when they aren’t x

 

[Jellycat369]

I had read that a lot of ingredients in lip balms are actually drying so don't help the issue. I like Dr Shereene Idriss' approach of lip basting. Use a mild glycolic acid to get rid of any flaky dry skin (obviously don't do this if your lips are cracked) and then baste your lips with a rich ointment. I think she uses a L'Oréal glycolic and Weleda Skin Food. The latter may not work for everyone as it has essential oils in it, I think La Roche-Posay Cicablast B5 would work too. You want to put lots on, let it sit on your lips and then wipe off the excess.

 

[IdeletedbutI'mbackagain]

Okay here are my most recent "empties" and a lot of these are products I have had to stop using because of reactions etc.
1. Sculpted primer in Pearl. Just doesn't suit my skin and slightly irritates it. It's shimmery too which can be nice but it's not for me.
2. Sculpted primer with SPF. This is designed to have a kinda blurring effect as it has a slight tint. It piles under foundation and on its own. No shimmer but doesn't work as a product.
3. L'Oreal vitamin C serum. This just reacted with my skin as a lot of cheaper vitamin C serums do. I stopped using it on my face and then used it on my body and got hives . I have now just bit the bullet and bought the Image Vital C serum as it's just amazing and agrees with my skin. This will now be a permanent fixture in my routine as I have given up on trying to find cheaper versions and just want something that actually helps my skin.
4. Inkey List Oat cleansing balm. Another product that is not empty but I cannot continue to use it. It's all seperated and even after shaking it comes out like and oil with some thicker parts thrown in and runs everywhere. Disaster. Plus I started getting spots when I used it more frequently so I'm not putting myself through the hardship anymore. Replaced it with the Liz Earle cleanse and glow. My first time using it so finger crossed it works on my skin. Got it on sale in Boots when they were running offers on it a few weeks ago!

 

[LellsBells]

4. Inkey List Oat cleansing balm. Another product that is not empty but I cannot continue to use it. It's all seperated and even after shaking it comes out like and oil with some thicker parts thrown in and runs everywhere.

I had the exact same issues with this product. I’ve seen lots of people using it on TikTok and there’s never any oil to be seen

My recent empties are:
- Glossier Milky Oil Makeup Remover. It’s the only makeup remover I can use on my eyes that doesn’t sting or make my eyes cloudy but actually removes waterproof mascara really well. I’ve got through 5 or 6 bottles and I’ll continue to repurchase.
- Aveeno Calm & Restore Oat Cleanser. For some reason I didn’t immediately like this but I’ve used every drop of it and really like it now. It’s great for removing makeup as a first cleanse but it’s not drying. I’ll definitely repurchase when I’ve used up some of my other face cleansers.

 

[Jellycat369]

@IdeletedbutI'mbackagain @LellsBells I had the exact same issue with the Inkey List Cleansing Balm. Some times it would just fart out oil, some times you'd get the balm out. I wonder if it would be better if it was in a jar so you could stir it if it separated Not that I'll ever repurchase it if they did repackage it

 

[LellsBells]

@IdeletedbutI'mbackagain @LellsBells I had the exact same issue with the Inkey List Cleansing Balm. Some times it would just fart out oil, some times you'd get the balm out. I wonder if it would be better if it was in a jar so you could stir it if it separated Not that I'll ever repurchase it if they did repackage it

I often wondered if it would be better kept in the fridge

 

[greenvelvet]

1. Indeed Labs Retinol Reface - I’ve been using this for years. I know prescription tretinoin is best and I think as I get older I’ll move onto that but this just helps so much with very fine lines and texture and brightness. It beats all the other retinoids I’ve tried by miles but again haven’t tried prescription

2. Dr Jart Ceramidin skin barrier cream. I find this makes my skin feel really soft and plump and was a lifesaver when I ducked my skin barrier so have repurchased.

3. Drunk Elephant Bouncy BrightFacial. First time I’ve spent more than £50 on a product (most things in rotation are between £10-£30, except the ceramidin cream). I guess I did notice some brightening but I just felt it was kind of meh. You don’t get much product either.

 

[Por Que?]

So? Bali breeze body butter - I wear the body spray before perfume and I really really love the smell (I’m sure I should be embarrassed about this) - gift set was cheaper and the body butter turned out to be nice too (trying to resist buying another gift set)

Philip Kingsley elsaticizer mini - one of many finished up over the years (advent calendars and hairdresser freebies) and I’ve another in the cupboard - it does leave hair very soft

l'occitane verbena shower gel mini - used in the bath with some oil, I felt fancy. I’ve a few things from advent calendars to use up, excited to try almond shower oil

Collection filter finish in lightest shade - love this stuff and I’ve got the next shade up ready for summer. When (if ) I ever get through my other base products I think I’ll just use this and concealer

Collection pressed powder - powder foundation is just not for me

Peach dr paw paw lip balm - I stupidly bought all the colours a while back. The colours don’t do what I want and they aren’t smelling the best so trying to power through them in the house (I also got a gift set for Christmas). As an aside I am enjoying the overnight mask (advent calendar) even though it’s a real challenge to extract from the tube

 

[Mum3boys]

Loving the thread!! Will have a good read through. I’ve been following Orjenise monthly declutter and trying to get rid of as much as possible it’s pretty good actually

 

[SaltandPepperChicken]

Oh my gosh. I too am addicted to lip balm! I feel anxious when I can't find mine, have to have one near me all the time and reapply whenever I feel stressed or right before a work meeting or something! The thought of going cold turkey makes me feel . You are very brave!

Oh god I am the same. I pretty much have one in every room of the house and each bag I own. Might try the cold turkey thing. I have no will power though.

 

[SpaceshipEarth]

Oh god I am the same. I pretty much have one in every room of the house and each bag I own. Might try the cold turkey thing. I have no will power though.

I just can't do it! The thought of giving it up brings me out in a cold sweat I think it is the adult equivalent of a safety blankie

 

[Codiaeum]

Not empty, but trashed: Balea Teint Perfektion lash serum.
Bought it after the The Ordinary lash serum which I really liked, just thought it would be more convenient to have one from a drugstore I don’t need to order.
It wasn’t horrible, but when dry it looked like I had traces of glue around my eyes. I sometimes felt it might sting a little.
Didn’t use it for two weeks, used it once and it really stung badly. So into the bin it went, I don’t want it near my eyes if it stings. Doubt it did anything for the lashes.

 

[EffingDust]

Not empty, but trashed: Balea Teint Perfektion lash serum.
Bought it after the The Ordinary lash serum which I really liked, just thought it would be more convenient to have one from a drugstore I don’t need to order.
It wasn’t horrible, but when dry it looked like I had traces of glue around my eyes. I sometimes felt it might sting a little.
Didn’t use it for two weeks, used it once and it really stung badly. So into the bin it went, I don’t want it near my eyes if it stings. Doubt it did anything for the lashes.

Been looking at the ordinary one, would you recommend it? Do you feel like it makes your lashes grow or just look nicer?

I seem to have sensitive eyes and everything makes them sore or gives me a stye even when replacing regularly so have been putting it off

 

[Codiaeum]

Been looking at the ordinary one, would you recommend it? Do you feel like it makes your lashes grow or just look nicer?

I seem to have sensitive eyes and everything makes them sore or gives me a stye even when replacing regularly so have been putting it off

Yes, I'd recommend that one! My lashes definitely got longer with it, quite fast as well, I think I noticed it about two or three weeks after I started using it and I only used it in the evenings. I can't say that the lashes got thicker though or that there were more of them.
I never tried any of the UKLash serums, so I can't say how it compares.


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Another empty:
DermaSel Hyaluronic Booster spray. One of those thermal water sprays with a bit of hyaluronic acid mixed in. Really like it , I used it daily in the morning to mist my face before applying serum. Would buy again, but after another spray-type thing to use up.

Forgot to mention that I also used up Reviderm Anti-Aging mask. Amazing Stuff. Expensive, but very worth it, it contains cinnamon, makes you go bright red for a few minutes but then the face is really, really plump. Probably can't use it anymore or only carefully because of suspected rosacea

 

[IdeletedbutI'mbackagain]

Yes, I'd recommend that one! My lashes definitely got longer with it, quite fast as well, I think I noticed it about two or three weeks after I started using it and I only used it in the evenings. I can't say that the lashes got thicker though or that there were more of them.
I never tried any of the UKLash serums, so I can't say how it compares.


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Another empty:
DermaSel Hyaluronic Booster spray. One of those thermal water sprays with a bit of hyaluronic acid mixed in. Really like it , I used it daily in the morning to mist my face before applying serum. Would buy again, but after another spray-type thing to use up.

Forgot to mention that I also used up Reviderm Anti-Aging mask. Amazing Stuff. Expensive, but very worth it, it contains cinnamon, makes you go bright red for a few minutes but then the face is really, really plump. Probably can't use it anymore or only carefully because of suspected rosacea

Is this the correct mask?
How often do you use it?

Sorry but I'm very intrigued

 

[Codiaeum]

It's a cream product in a little pod and I realize only now that the name was wrong: It's called Repair mask, sorry about that!

I've used this bi-weekly, but had been introduced to it by my facial lady. It gets really, really hot on the face for ~10 min and then starts to cool down again and you'll look like a lobster for a bit. Great for battling impurities because you get much better blood circulation that flushes everything and it all looks really plump. i think the package mentioned that you could use it up to twice a week, but I don't have it anymore. I always used it the night before an event as a skin treat.