Massive Empties!

I always put off posting my empties updates in hopes of finishing up a couple more products, which results in my stack just getting bigger and bigger! I managed to use up quite a few products in the last three months, no?

Starting with haircare, me and Mr. painstakingly used up that dreadful jumbo Garnier Fructis shampoo - Mr. got it last year I think, didn't like it and just put it under the sink; that's his usual strategy when something he buys doesn't work out for him. I really wanted to get rid of that bugger though, so I dug it up. I also used up the Finesse Clean + Simple shampoo I got around Christmas when eczema on my hands was really acting up; my mum actually suggested it might be because of the shampoo I was using. That theory didn't prove right in practice, and the shampoo was ok, nothing special. Lastly, I finished off the Bumble & Bumble Bb Tonic (Lotion?) - I'd say this is a very expensive water spray with a bit of tea tree oil mixed in. In short, it did absolutely nothing for my hair (again, it was initially Mr.'s, but he got bored with it too).

Now for bodycare, my empties are mostly misses as well. I hereby vow to never ever again buy a Philosophy shower gel/bubble bath/shampoo; I find it smelt very chemically sweet and was rather drying. The Ophelia's Apothecary Whipped Soap is definitely not on par with Haus of Gloi's products, plus the texture was quite lumpy. Shikai Borage Therapy Hand Cream did not deliver on its promises either, I like that it was unscented though. As for the Vaseline Sheer Infusion body lotion, I actually think it's a pretty good drugstore body lotion - sinks in fast and feels quite hydrating on. I was also surprised with Tom's Crystal Confidence deodorant; this stuff really does work! I since switched to much more expensive La Vanilla's natural deodorant, but so far I can't get it to work for me. Lastly, my last bottle of Joanna's body exfoliant bites the dust now.

I also emptied some long overdue skincare and make-up items: mostly samples, but a few full-sized products as well. Starting with samples, I very much enjoyed using the Bellefontaine 24H Repairing Perfect Serum and the Lift Lab Lift & Fix High Potency Solution, although both are a bit too pricey for me to invest in a full size right now. The Clinique All About Eyes eye cream layered nicely under concealer, but after just a few hours, my undereye area would feel bone dry. I'm still planning on reviewing that Estee Lauder Sumptuous mascara, so watch out for that!

As for full-sized skincare products, I really do not get the hype around these Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes. For once, I'm not a huge fan of make-up wipes, but these in particular really stung my face, and they're supposed to be soothing! I'm really happy to see The Body Shop Yes! Yes! Yes! Tantalizing Lip Butter go - it looked dreadful on my lips, was not moisturizing at all, and tasted absolutely terrible - I had to use it up on my elbows and knees. The Sweet Beauty lip balm was just ok, I won't repurchase, and lastly the Angel Face Botanicals Blemish Soother hasn't been used up, but needed to go anyway; I didn't really find it to be very effective either.

And there you have it! A lot of products I'm really happy not to have in my collection anymore - using them up really was quite a challenge for me. The experience of using up products has definitely taught me to be much more selective in my shopping choices; I love having a more streamlined collection!

Have you emptied a lot of products recently? What has been the most difficult product to use up?