Empties #2: Products I’ve Recently Used Up

Last updated on July 23, 2024

As much as I love adding new items to my beauty collection, once I went through the contents of my drawers, I came across a lot of products I purchased a long time ago and either completely forgot about or don’t use as often as I should. It made me realise that I must make more effort to use up what I already own and it’s a decision I am carrying with me firmly into 2020. This post features some of such products, so if you are curious whether I discovered any gems in the process, keep reading…

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A number of skincare and bath products on a desk

L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Moisturiser Sensitive Skin*

I decided to purchase this moisturiser after I saw one of the bloggers rave about it, and its unique water-like texture completely won me over. Hydra Genius comes in sophisticated packaging that, while larger than what I’m used to with these types of products, makes it look like a high-end luxury moisturiser.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius moisturiser on a desk next to a candle and a vase with peonies

The second I applied this product on my face, it provided a wonderful cooling effect which was an absolute godsend in the summer months. It left my skin feeling plump and hydrated without getting greasy – as a result, it worked perfectly as a base under everyday makeup. My only issue with this product is the fact that it’s not very handy to travel with.

Will I repurchase it?: I will definitely repurchase this moisturiser once I’ve gone through the products I already have.

Patisserie de Bain Crème Patissiere Shower Gel

I found this shower gel in a local shop ages ago and I wish it didn’t take me this long to start using it. It had the most amazing vanilla smell that lingered on my skin long after getting out of the bath. I know several people complained about Patisserie de Bain scents being overpowering, but I personally didn’t get that impression at all. The shower gel also produced a rich lather which left my skin feeling very soft, and the lovely vintage packaging added even more to its charm.

Patisserie de Bain shower gel standing on a desk

Will I repurchase it?: Sadly, there isn’t any information about the Patisserie de Bain range on the Rose & Co. website anymore, which means that they are either rebranding or they decided to discontinue it altogether. Luckily, I have one more tub of this shower gel left.

Evoluderm Micellar Cleansing Water for Combination to Oily Skin

This micellar cleansing water immediately caught my eye as I was browsing the sale section of my local TK Maxx and it was love at first application. I have a fairly sensitive skin, so I am always hesitant about trying out new makeup removers. Although this Evoluderm one wasn’t dedicated to sensitive skin, it did a fantastic job at removing makeup without causing any irritation or redness. At a price of 20 PLN / £4, it didn’t burn a hole in my pocket and it had a lovely scent that wasn’t overbearing – an overall winner!

A bottle of Evoluderm micellar water standing on a desk

Will I repurchase it?: I first wrote that I absolutely will if I can find a shop that stocks Evoluderm products on a regular basis. Then, as if through the power of manifestation, I found it again in TK Maxx two days before finishing this post and got the one for sensitive skin this time.

Hej Organic Relaxing Shower Foam

This shower foam was another TK Maxx find and while there was nothing particularly wrong with this product, the scent was a little too gentle for my liking. It also made me realise that when it comes to shower products, I much prefer gel texture, but I am open to trying out other shower foams in the future.

Hej Organic shower foam standing on a desk

Will I repurchase it?: I’ll probably stick to my trusty shower gels for now.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder*

This product probably doesn’t need a long introduction, seeing as it’s a staple in many women’s makeup bags and features regularly in makeup favourites posts and videos. I joined the hype train fairly late, but this powder is now here to stay. I always purchase it in the shade 01 Transparent and it does exactly what I need it to – it sets my makeup in place while controlling shine. The best part is that this old school classic is an absolute bargain. I am yet to find a better drugstore powder!

Rimmel Stay Matte powder, Yves Rocher and L'Occitane hand creams on a desk

Will I repurchase it?: 100% yes, I can see myself reaching for this product for years to come.

Yves Rocher Coconut Sensual Hand Cream

I got this hand cream for Christmas last year along with a couple of other Yves Rocher products. I’ll admit I’m partial to anything coconut- or vanilla-scented, so I absolutely loved this product. I popped it in my handbag and carried it around with me – the small tub makes this hand cream super easy to use on the go. Sometimes I almost didn’t want to use it just because I didn’t want it to run out so quickly, which sounds silly considering how many Yves Rocher shops there are where I live!

Will I repurchase it?: I want to go through my hand cream stash first, but after that, it’s highly likely.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Rose Heart Hand Cream

I was given a hand cream duo as a freebie in my local L’Occitane shop long ago and I recently found it sitting in my drawer. Similarly to the Yves Rocher hand cream I mentioned above, this one was very conveniently sized, making it the perfect option for travelling. Rose isn’t normally my go-to scent, but I was pleasantly surprised with its light, subtle smell. The hand cream had a nice lightweight, non-greasy formula and absorbed quickly into the skin while leaving my hands nicely hydrated.

Will I repurchase it?: While I admire L’Occitane’s commitment to sustainability, I find their products rather overpriced as you tend to pay extra for the brand. I will use my other freebie for now and give myself more time to make a decision.


Have you ever tried any of these? Are there any products that particularly caught your eye? Do you also sometimes take ages to try out beauty products or do you start using everything right away?

24 Comments

  1. March 11, 2020 / 6:52 am

    I love going to TK Maxx as I just find a lot of things that I want to take home. Good on you to use up what you already have before purchasing new ones.

    http://www.busyandfab.com

    • Dominika
      Author
      March 13, 2020 / 11:33 am

      I could easily spend hours wandering around the aisles of TK Maxx – it’s amazing what you can find there, isn’t it?!

    • Dominika
      Author
      March 7, 2020 / 5:02 pm

      It’s such a good hand cream, isn’t it? I loved how quickly it absorbed into my skin too – if only it wasn’t so expensive!

  2. February 28, 2020 / 12:12 pm

    TKMaxx is the best for new and cool products, I love going there and could easily spend 4 hours in that shop.
    I love the look of that L’Oreal moisturizer especially as you said it has a cooling effect. AND how cute is the aqua blue packaging??
    Thanks for sharing, I love reading posts like this!

    • Dominika
      Author
      February 28, 2020 / 1:40 pm

      They stock so many amazing brands that are hard to find elsewhere – I could easily spend hours there too! Let me know if you decide to try it, I think I’ll repurchase it for the summer months too! x

  3. February 26, 2020 / 11:36 am

    I’m absolutely rubbish at getting through products. I think it’s because I have a short attention span and get bored of using the same thing, so I applaud you for managing to actually finish so many items haha! I love the look of the L’Oreal moisturiser, it sounds like it’s lovely and refreshing, which would be great over summer. I also really need a new hand cream so I’ll have to check out Yves Rocher (I agree, L’Occitane is a bit too pricey for me). HUGE fan of the Rimmel powder too, you’re so right that it is the best drugstore powder. As always, your photos are incredible! x

    • Dominika
      Author
      February 28, 2020 / 1:21 pm

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I get bored of using the same products too, but I think that’s part of the reason why it seems like I finish so many items all at once. I use them for a while and when I rediscover them months later, there’s not a lot product to get through if that makes sense!
      Please let me know if you decide to purchase the Yves Rocher hand cream, I hope you like it as much as I did! x

    • Dominika
      Author
      February 28, 2020 / 9:46 am

      Glad you enjoyed reading this post!

    • Dominika
      Author
      February 17, 2020 / 7:03 pm

      They really do, I love their products! Let me know if you decide to purchase it x

  4. Alice Anne Spake
    February 2, 2020 / 12:38 am

    I loveeee the Hydra moisturiser, I’m usually not a big Loreal fan at all but I really did like this! xx

    • Dominika
      Author
      February 3, 2020 / 8:44 pm

      It’s sooo good, isn’t it?!

  5. Erin
    February 1, 2020 / 11:31 am

    The coconut hand cream sounds amazing!

    Erin || MakeErinOver

    • Dominika
      Author
      February 1, 2020 / 11:56 am

      It is – I previously used their vanilla hand cream and it was just as good!

  6. katy gilroy
    January 30, 2020 / 1:08 pm

    that L’Oreal moisturiser sounds like it would be perfect for my skin – and I loved reading about the products you’ve used up x

    • Dominika
      Author
      January 30, 2020 / 6:27 pm

      Glad to hear that! My skin loved the Hydra Genius moisturiser – all products with aloe vera seem to work very well for me!

  7. January 29, 2020 / 4:01 pm

    I always love seeing other people’s empties! I need to try Rimmel product, I haven’t used their stuff in years.

    Stephanie | SPV Living

    • Dominika
      Author
      January 29, 2020 / 6:24 pm

      It’s honestly such a good powder, especially for that price!

  8. January 28, 2020 / 7:55 pm

    I really want to try thee Hydra Genius moisturiser! I’ve seen it around a few times and it sounds like such a good buy.

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

    • Dominika
      Author
      January 28, 2020 / 8:51 pm

      I would highly recommend this moisturiser! It’s such good value for money – it took me months to use it up!

  9. January 28, 2020 / 12:52 pm

    I haven’t actually used any of the products you’ve mentioned in this post! I rarely get through many products so it’d take me 6 months to gather enough empties to do one of these posts! Lovely photos! x

    • Dominika
      Author
      January 28, 2020 / 1:29 pm

      Thank you! I like to use a couple of products simultaneously, which is why they often run out at the same time!

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