Last updated on July 23, 2024
Over the years, beauty has become one of my biggest passions. I’m by no means an expert, but I absolutely love discovering new brands and reading product reviews. I know many of you are like me in this respect. This is why I knew I wanted to dedicate a separate feature to products I’ve tried and used up way before I even started this blog!
AD – This post contains affiliate links (marked with *) | Read my full disclaimer
Because I love trying new things so much, it normally takes me a long time to finish a product. It wasn’t until I looked at the stash of empty product containers I hid in my closet for the purpose of this post that I realised how many products I actually managed to go through! There were way too many to be featured in one post, so I decided to split them into two separate posts instead. Without much further ado, here’s the first part of my empties series… sit back and enjoy!
Aussie Deep Treatment 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor
I first purchased this conditioner upon my friend’s recommendation – I was already a fan of Aussie products at that point, so it didn’t take much convincing. I am extremely impatient when it comes to conditioners – I always tend to rinse them out too soon. With this product, it really isn’t an issue, as it promises to improve your hair’s condition in just 3 minutes. I’ve found it’s not just a marketing ploy. It really did leave my hair smooth, less frizzy, and made my split ends less visible.
Will I be repurchasing?: I repurchased this conditioner a couple of times in the past, but I have recently discovered two products that might work even better for me, so I currently do not have any plans to buy this one again.
L’Oreal Botanicals Lavender Sensitive Shampoo
In one of her vlogs, Lydia mentioned this shampoo as a perfect product for people with a sensitive scalp. It is a problem I’ve been struggling with for years, with many hair products leaving my scalp dry and itchy, so this shampoo sounded like an absolute godsend… Made with more than 97% naturally sourced ingredients, it is perfect for fragile or stressed-out hair. During my next shopping trip, it went straight in the basket and it did not disappoint! Not only did it have a lovely lavender scent, but it also left my locks fresh and healthy-looking without irritating my scalp. Thanks to the pump dispenser, you don’t need a lot of product so it lasts for absolute ages too!
Will I be repurchasing?: The only reason I’m not planning to repurchase it at the moment is the fact that I’ve recently discovered a great shampoo and it’s the only one I’ve been using lately. Otherwise, I would’ve purchased a replacement long ago.
Scentuals Coconut Body Wash
Anything coconut-scented is a clear winner in my book. If it’s made of 100% natural ingredients and completely cruelty-free, all the better! From the moment I was given this body wash last Christmas, I was really excited to try it out. At first, I found it hard to get used to its runny consistency, but it’s to be expected in SLS-free products. Once I got the hang of it, I came to love this body wash. It left my skin gently cleansed, nicely hydrated, and smelling beautifully!
Will I be repurchasing?: If I can find it in my local TK Maxx, I probably will!
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara Travel Sized Mini*
And now on to the legendary trio of Benefit mascaras… I first purchased these minis with the intention of trying them all out and purchasing the full-size version of my favourite one. After seeing all the positive reviews, I had high hopes for this particular product. Unfortunately, I have mixed feelings about it. The brush helps define your lashes, leaving them looking full and lengthened. However, with time the mascara started sticking my lashes together. I am unsure whether the formula is to blame or I simply left the mascara open for too long. Either way, I expected more from it.
Will I be repurchasing?: As my overall impression of this mascara is positive, I will most likely give it another chance eventually to see if I still experience the same issues.
Benefit Roller Lash Travel Sized Mini*
This mascara promises to give you fluttery, curled lashes, and in my case it delivered on the promise. The angled applicator helped separate and lift my naturally short lashes to make them seem more defined without the use of an eyelash curler. It was perfect for when I was in need of a more natural look, but it just didn’t have that wow factor I was hoping for. I think adding another coat of a volumising mascara might do the trick.
Will I be repurchasing?: Again, I will most likely give it a second chance one day, just not in the nearest future.
Benefit Badgal Bang! Volumising Mascara Mini*
To say that there was some buzz surrounding the launch of the latest addition to Benefit’s mascara collection would be an understatement. After all, its reveal featured a silver space pod to signify the fact that the mascara contains aero-particles typically used in spacesuits. After reading all the glowing reviews on social media, I simply had to get my hands on it. I was immediately sold on the dramatic look it gave me without the dreaded spidery lashes. It lasts throughout the day, but the downside is that I do find it a bit of a hassle to remove this mascara.
Will I be repurchasing?: I’m currently halfway through my first full-size tub of this product, with a second one already waiting for its turn in my makeup stash. I normally have to alternate between mascaras. If I use the same one for too long, it either starts losing its effect or I get bored with it, so I will think twice before repurchasing it.
Illamasqua Mini Masquara Raven
I got the mini version of this mascara in my local TK Maxx and it was love at first application. It added noticeable volume and length to my lashes without flaking or getting clumpy. At the same time, it gave me a very natural look, so if you’re after the coveted false-lash effect, it might not be the best choice for you. My only concern is the fact that one of the reviews I read said it contains toxic substances, which is a very serious claim.
Will I be repurchasing?: The jury is out on this one. I need to do more research on the ingredients before I can decide, but I would gladly have this mascara back in my life.
L’Oreal Paris True Match The One Concealer*
Although True Match* is my all-time favourite drugstore foundation, I was a little hesitant to try the matching concealer because I already have a number of firm favourites. My friend, on the other hand, swears by this concealer. I eventually followed her advice and purchased a tub in the shade Vanilla when it was on sale. At first, I found it a little hard to work with because of its lightweight formula. With time, I came to appreciate the natural effect on my skin. It almost feels as if you are wearing no concealer, but the downside is that it needs to be retouched after a few hours.
Will I be repurchasing?: I don’t intend to repurchase it in the nearest future – I think I will stick to my favourites for now.
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer*
I feel like everyone and their mother has been raving about this concealer, which sells with an estimated rate of 10 per minute in the UK alone. Although I joined the hype fairly late, I can now say with confidence that it has been flying off the shelves for good reason. I am yet to find a better drugstore concealer. I always get it in the shade Fair and it does a perfect job of covering my dark circles without looking cakey. The small applicator makes it extremely easy to cover small spots or the area around my nose. It doesn’t crease, stays in place for hours, and each tub lasts me a surprisingly long time. At £4.19, what more could I possibly want?
Will I be repurchasing?: I always stock up on this concealer whenever I’m in Boots or Superdrug – there are at least 5 tubs in my spare makeup bag, so you know it’s serious. If I ever let my concealer stash run a little low, you can officially feel alarmed.
Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer*
I first got this concealer after I heard everyone say that it’s the best dupe for Tarte’s Shape Tape* currently available on the market, and for a fraction of the price. Just like Shape Tape, it is more on the thicker side and has a big applicator, which comes in handy whenever I’m in need of more coverage. I’ve tried a number of different shades, but I keep coming back to C2. The best part is that thanks to an amazing shade range, everyone should be able to find one that matches their skin tone. My only complain is that you get a relatively small amount of product, so I always tend to run out quickly.
Will I be repurchasing?: I still have a few left, so I’m all set for now. However, I feel like it’s a product I will keep coming back to.
So, that is the end of my round-up of products I have recently used up… Have you ever tried any of these? Which item would you like to try the most?
I was about to comment on how underrated Illamasqua’s Masquaras are but then I saw your point about the toxic ingredients!? I really hope that’s an error because I absolutely loved that stuff, but how scary! I’ve tried all three of those Benefit mascaras too and I definitely love the Badgal Bang! The other two are nice but I just love how it basically looks like falsies! I’m a huge fan of the Lasting Perfection concealer but I’ve still never tried that Revolution one, I need to get my hands on it! Beautiful photos by the way 🙂
Author
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’ve since read an article that said these substances aren’t as bad as everyone makes them out to be so that calmed me down a bit, but I still need to do some more research before I can repurchase their Masquara.
I couldn’t agree more about Badgal Bang! – I love that it makes my lashes look like falsies without getting clumpy. And as for concealers, the Lasting Perfection one is my all-time fave, but I would highly recommend the Revolution one if you’re looking for a bit more coverage 🙂
I love coconut in body products and this body wash sounds amazing!!!
Yiota
https://pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com/
Author
Yes, it’s such a good little find!
Really liked reading this, I’ll have to get some of that lavender shampoo as my scalp is really sensitive too, and I LOVE the revolution concealer. I had to use it as a foundation the other week in an emergency (had to apply my make up out of the house and forgot my foundation) and can confirm it worked out ok!
Author
Oooh, that’s so good to know – I will definitely bear that in mind when I’m in a similar situation!
I always love reading these types of posts, thanks for sharing xx
http://www.anacelinelabod.com
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I never get tired of the Revolution Concealer, it works so well! I tried the Benefit Rollerlash once because of all the hype but I found that it didn’t work for me 🙁 Love this post!
Lily Loves | https://www.lilyloves.net
Author
Thanks, I’m really glad you enjoyed it! And I’m sorry to hear Roller Lash didn’t work for you, I had really high hopes for it as well!
I akways enjoy going to T.K Maxx and looking for beauty products. I’d like to try the Scentuals coconut body wash. I don’t like the taste of coconut but I love the smell. And I have used the Aussie conditioner before, I can’t remember why I stopped buying it.
/https://thestyleoflaurajane.com/
Author
Same here, they have an amazing choice of products at reasonable prices! I would love to try more Scentuals products, but unfortunately I haven’t seen any in my local TK Maxx.
Erm I NEED to know which product you found was better than the Aussie mask – my hair is in desperate need of treatment! I’d love to try the Benefit products but I’m sceptical of paying premium for products I’ve never tried in case I don’t like them!
Author
It’s the Pink Big conditioner from Soap & Glory – I can’t stop touching my hair after I’ve used it! My hair’s also loving the Signature Shampoo by Kristin Ess – I bought a matching conditioner and I have really high hopes for it.
When it comes to trying the Benefit products, I like the fact that they offer mini versions of many of their products, so you don’t have to commit to a full-size version. Sometimes you can also get their products with ELLE magazine!
The L’Oreal Lavander shampoo sounds right up my street. I think I may have to give this a go.
Author
I hope you like it as much as I did!
I’d like to try that lavender shampoo. Nice review!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Author
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it – and I hope you like the shampoo as much as I did! xx
The Aussie 3 minute miracle is such a classic. I’ve used it for absolutely years and still love it. The smell just gets me every single time xx
Author
Same here, it smells amazing and it always made my hair so soft!
So many products! I love the Aussie hair bits I’ve been a little addictied to them for the longest of time. The concealer sounds like an absolute winner too x
Kayleigh Zara ❄️✨ http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
Author
Same here, there’s not a single Aussie product I didn’t like! And I would highly recommend the Collection concealer, it’s a staple in my makeup bag xx
I take forever to go through things because I normally find something I like and then repurchase in the biggest version I can find! I’m currently making my way through over a litre of Tresemme Moisture Shampoo, I expect it to take me through at least the next 4 to 6 months!
Bella x
Author
That’s a good idea as well! I tried their Nourish & Replenish shampoo from the Botanique range a few months ago and I loved it!
I tried the Botanicals shampoo in Lavander but for me the best is the orange one, Cardamol if I remember correctly!! And I would re purchase it right now if I hadn’t found a complete vegan alternative !!(:
Cate // 35mminstyle
Author
Sounds good to me, I will have to check out the orange one! And out of curiosity, what’s the vegan alternative? xx
I loveeeee the Aussie 3 minute miracle! such a good hair product and it smells amazing x
Author
It really does and it’s so affordable as well!
Wow, I don’t get through this many products in 6 months! I haven’t used Aussie hair products in literally years but it’s the best smell ever – I need to get myself some of that next time!
Author
I normally don’t go through a lot of products either, I was really surprised when I saw all the empty containers! And I totally agree with you – all of their products smell amazing xx