Beauty Empties 43.0 | September

I've got to admit that it's been more than 4 years since I last posted an Empties post but here I am, 20 quarters later with some of the products that I've personally finished for the past 3 months; you'd notice some other products that I've shared on my Instagram Stories but those are the products that I've been using together with my mum so those don't count here.

First, let's start with skincare and finally I'm back on track with my all-time favourite brand which is LANEIGE. I've started getting my mum to use their Perfect Renew skincare line for the past 5 years while I was enjoying their basic and Water Bank skincare line but it's time for me to also get on their anti-ageing line too - at 36 years old!

I've finished my first tub of that Perfect Renew Youth Regenerating Cream quite recently and instantly fell in love as it really helps in maintaining the hydration however little I have as I've been experiencing dehydration for quite some time with more and more hours spent in air-conditioned offices and cafes. I can't wait to repurchase the upgraded version of this moisturiser soonest!

That Clear C Advance Effector EX is the fourth generation of the original Clear C; a super berry infused booster and the last bottle that I've had in my stash. I've been having this product in my daily skincare routine for the past 10 years and I doubt I'm going to replace it with other products with similar claims. Again, I can't wait to repurchase the fifth version that's recently integrated into the brand's current brightening care line hence it has been renamed Radian-C Advance Effector. 

For hair care, I've been really selective towards the products I use especially after I've bleached and dyed my hair but the above Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner from The Body Shop have been working wonderfully at keeping my scalp healthy and less dandruff. Absolutely will be repurchasing this combo.

As for hair treatments, I did loved both of these Cleansing Scalp Scrub and Hydrating Mask from Sephora Collection especially now that my scalp gets dry and flaky quite easily. I'll repurchase these for sure but at this point, I still have a lot to go through so maybe sometime next year? I'll keep you guys posted in a Haul post.

With my skin feels drier; not just my facial area, I've been reaching out to more and more moisturising body wash like that Almond Milk & Honey Soothing and Caring Shower Cream from The Body Shop with Guardian's own Antibacterial Shower Cream Ultra Moisture which contains almond and chamomile that give similar effects. Already repurchased both of these in newer packaging.

So that's all of my take for some of my emptied products from this Quarter. I'd sure hope I can finish more of my opened products in time for the last roundup next month; before the recycling programme at L'Occitane being paused for the holiday season. 

Do you recycle your emptied skincare products? Or do you prefer refillable products? Let me know in the comment section.

Beauty Empties 24.0 | March

Two weeks into MCO, how are you guys doing? I've been going at my emptied products; cleaning them, organising them and running around my apartment looking for more. Obviously running out of things to do so here's my beauty empties for the past quarter of 2020!

Using more and more quite intense anti-bacterial soaps so I'm upping my body lotion game to avoid dehydration.

I guess that's all from me and I'll be seeing you guys on my next Empties post! Take care and stay at home!

Beauty Empties 23.0 | December

Finally we have arrived to the last Empties post of this year of 2019! As for this time around, I have finished many products that I find simply above average and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to repurchase most of them.

As per usual, let us start with skincare products!

For makeup removers, I've used up the whole tub of that FORENCOS V-Right New Tone Cleansing Balm which is really pretty in texture but I don't think I will be repurchasing it simply because it is quite hard to rinse it off once it melted off the makeup.

With so many lazy nights the past couple of weeks, I can't help but relying on that Bifesta Enrich Cleansing Sheet to remove the layers of sunscreen at the end of the day. This makeup wipe is real nice and while I didn't actually repurchase it, I do have other variants as backups.

Throughout the past 3 months, I've finished a total of 8 cleansers. I do know it is a lot for merely a 3-month period but it is because I use most of them as body cleansers as well. I find most of these cleansers causing dryness onto my facial area so instead of tossing the out, I simply repurposed them.

The three cleansers from THE FACE SHOP Bubble Bubble cleansing line are actually different and I like the Mild Foaming Cleanser the most as it works well with my currently dehydrated skin. The other two, Moisturising Foaming Cleanser and Deep Foaming Cleanser were quite drying in general. I've also finished another tube of my favourite cleanser from the brand; Rice Water bright Cleansing Foam and I'm glad to report that that is the last tube I have in my cleanser stash. I've gone through many tubes of it at this point but I guess I'm not going to repurchase because I'm just really into gel cleansers these days.

That big tube of cleansing foam from Pyunkangyul is actually quite mild to my skin while it does cleanse well and the same goes to that one from Elle Beauty. 

I find both of those SNP LAB+ Triple Water Deep Clean Facial Foam and FORENCOS V-right New Tone Cleansing Foam drying out my skin so much I've decided to simply use them as body cleansers.

I've used up my first bottle of that SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Toning Toner and still have another bottle as backup. At first, I thought this exfoliating toner is quite harsh but then as it turned out, I was just reacting badly to a BHA toner that I also was testing at the time. My bad, really. So yes, I actually do glad I have a backup for it although I do want one in newer packaging.

As I've finished my first bottle of Cream Skin Refiner last quarter, I was focusing on both of those Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Toner, the Ampoule and Cream sister for hydration. The toner was quite heavy to begin with so I didn't need to layer its application and as for the ampoule, I usually just use it on its own without layering another treatment product on top because it is quite heavy and takes some time to absorbed well into the skin. The cream too was quite heavy so I actually applied some of it on my dry elbows most of the times.

I have finally finished the Primer Water from Althea and I admit I did went over 12 months to finish it but it didn't changed in scent or colour so I guess it was all good. It's indeed quite nice to be used in the morning but I still have other opened hydrating toners so I won't be repurchasing this anytime soon. Speaking of which, I've finished another bottle of that Pyunkangyul Essence Toner which I love for its hydrating power and also, the fact that it has less than 10 ingredients. I'd be sure to at least repurchase this next year.

I have also finished up a tone-cream and this time around is that FORENCOS Wonderwerk Marula Tone-Up Cream which was nice as it's hydrating while giving me a toned up finish. As I always love trying new products, I won't be repurchasing this one for now.

That Huxley Secret of Sahara Sleep Mask: Good Night was given to me through a giveaway last year and I only had the chance to open it early this year. It's actually went really nice on skin and even more so when I wake up in the morning.

For sunscreens, I have managed to finish 5 of my opened stash. It did took me almost a year to finish most of them but when it comes to that Krave Beet the Sun, I've used it up within merely 3 months. I really do like it and already got myself a backup.

Both of those THE FACE SHOP Natural Sun Eco Liquid Fluid Sunscreen and Daily Sun Essence worked really nice with my skin as they both were nicely hydrating and felt lightweight on skin although I won't be repurchasing them anytime soon.

As for that LANEIGE All Day Anti-Pollution Defensor SPF30 PA++, I really like it as it worked greatly on top tone-up creams although it's not possible for me to repurchase this product as the whole anti-pollution line has been discontinued here in Malaysian market.

That Etude House Face Liquid Blur worked greatly too but I really hate the fact that it's heavily scented. I have been using AmorePacific products for years now and I'm quite used to how each of their products are scented but this one was just too much for me. While it does give me that nice and even toned up finish, I just can't deal with the scent. With that, I probably won't be buying anything from the brand anymore.

You guys know that I love using facial mists and that Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist is just one of it. I still do have several backups for it as I love carrying it in my bag. As for that Clinelle Pure Swiss Thermal Spring Water however, it's simply average so thank you. Next!

For body care products, I have finally finished the Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash after about 9 months as I was alternating it with my other body cleansers. The fragrance suits my taste well for a body cleanser but I find it a bit too drying for my skin so I'm sticking to shower oil for now. As for that Shokubutsu Clean Fresh Shower Foam, it's actually a refill for my brother because he kept on using my floral-scented body cleansers so I got him a clear 500ml bottle from Daiso and filled it with that fresh-scented body cleanser instead. 

For hair care, I've finished my first bottle of that Rejoice Hijab Perfection 3-in-1 Perfect Cool Shampoo and gladly bought the bigger size for it recently. The cooling sensation is really nice after a long day at work.

If you noticed on the featured photo above, I've been using that Nivea Extra Whitening Antiperspirant for years now and I've lost count to how many that I actually finished so all I can say that it works well therefore it's unlikely for me to purchase a different product for that.

I guess that's all for now and here's to more emptied products in the upcoming quarter. I'll see you guys on my next post!

Review | LANEIGE Clear C Advanced Effector EX

For the first few years of my skincare journey with South Korean beauty products, I have learned several ways to boost the effect of brightening skincare products that I was using to give my skin somewhat faster results but the initial concept is actually to give way for the rest of the products to be well-absorbed into skin by removing the dead skin cells rather gently.

Unlike recent years, there were not much of choice when it comes to exfoliating skincare products as it was either using physical exfoliators like scrubs and peeling gels or first treatment essences filled with fermented extracts, witch hazel extracts, black sugar extracts; basically ingredients that can help making skin even smoother. In today's market, we have acid-containing treatment products like exfoliating toners and high-percentage of Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy-Acid (BHA) even Poly-Hydroxy-Acid (PHA) essences or serums which are known as chemical exfoliators.

But before deciding on which of these exfoliating products to be incorporated in your skincare routine, you should know the kind of ingredients that your skin can actually tolerate and the intensity of the ingredients itself before buying so today I'm going to share about this antioxidant-filled skincare booster which gives brighter and healthier complexion.

Product Description Vitamin booster with 92.5% super berry extracts that have clarifying effects, giving you a brighter complexion. Contains 92.5% super berry extracts rich in vitamin C

• Anti-oxidizing super berry extracts for skincare. Extracts from acerola cherry and acai berries, super berries with four times’ anti-oxidizing effects of Vitamin C, prevent skin from oxidizing to help you achieve a healthier appearance.
• Clean and even brightening care. Clear C, LANEIGE's original essence, contains Melacrusher and super berry extracts, components with 3.5 times’ brightening effect when used together for bright, clear skin.
• Water-type booster for fast absorption. The water-type formula is quickly absorbed by skin as it moisturizes. Unlike most water-based essence, the container comes with a pump that makes it easier to dispense.

How to Use: Use the enclosed dual-textured cotton for day and night care. Capacity: 150ml  

Ingredients list: Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Glutathione, Glycerin, Lecithin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Adenosine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Water, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

PACKAGING

 

As you can see, the product comes with its own set of cotton pads housed within the bigger box. There's a short product description at the back of the box itself but this product actually comes with its own information leaflet for your guide and reference. The small Distributor sticker indicates that the product is legally distributed by the brand's Malaysian official distributor, AmorePacific Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Period After Opening is 12 Months however it's better to finish the product as soon as you can once it's opened as my concern is that the product might have gone oxidised which I personally don't know for sure because the longest I take to finish the product is just 4 months.

 

There is infographic printed at the back of the cotton pad box for you to follow on how to gently drag the cotton pad across the facial area according to skin concerns. During the day, I'd pour the product onto the wave-patterned side of the cotton pad to smooth out my skin while at night, I'd use the smooth side of the pad and tap my facial area gently with it.

 

The product comes in that pretty, transparent pink glass bottle and again, there's English simple product description printed at the back of the bottle with the product expiry date printed at the bottom. The format is YYYYMMDD (Year-Month-Day).

 

The product comes with a lovely pump that dispenses sufficient amount of product that I need which is usually 3 to 4 pumps. Now, there's indicator at the side of the bottle that supposedly marks product usage on daily basis so it is assumed that the product needs to be finished within 30 days or so.

APPLICATION

 

The product comes in very watery texture so it is recommended that it is to be used by pouring it onto cotton pads and swipe the pad along the facial area, from inner to outer area of the face. Evidently, the product does help with removing my dead skin cells.

THOUGHTS

When it comes to exfoliating dead skin cells off my face these days, I'd prefer to use chemical exfoliators; Glycolic Acid (AHA)-containing exfoliating toner like 2 to 3 times a week depending on my skin condition at the time and I'm using first treatment essence like this as the first product to apply right after cleansing  in between those days.

It has such a lovely watery texture that I can use it on daily basis and there are times when I actually finished a single bottle within merely a month or so but as I do alternate this product with other products with similar functions, I usually finish 3 to 4 bottles within a year.

I never exfoliate my skin when I'm having sensitive skin days or just having bad reactions due to testing new skincare products but I'm glad I still can use this I'd refer to as first treatment essence now by just applying it directly onto skin without cotton pads because even cotton pads can cause irritation sometimes. I'd be tapping my fingers gently on my face until the essence is well absorbed into skin before applying the rest of my skincare products.

I still do love this product very much even after all these years as it helps with maintaining my overall skin health, complexion and makes my skin feeling smoother and softer right after every application.

I love that I can incorporate this product easily into my skincare routine especially a routine that mainly focuses on brightening the skin as I have used brightening skincare line from the brand, White Plus Renew for several rounds and I have definitely seen better result compared to when I didn't have this booster in my first round of it.

Talk about ingredients in this product, I'd like to highlight that this product does contains Alcohol however it doesn't make my skin feeling drier or anything but I always have hydrating toners, essences, serums even ampoules in my routine as I cannot afford not to have humectants, emollients and occlusives to seal all the moisture in the layers of skin so I definitely suggest for you to avoid alcohol-containing skincare products if you have dry skin.

If there's one thing that I don't like about the product is the fact that the bottle is made from glass which has broken once before as my hand slipped off the bottle but again, it's so pretty so I guess I'll just have to be very careful all the time.


I guess that's all from me and I hope this review helps you in some way but do let me know if you have any thought by leaving comments down below. Annyeong~

Beauty Empties 22.0 | September

Another quarter of this year then we're entering the second decade of this century, I've been thinking a lot on so many variable things like where my life is going to be on the next one? Okay, too heavy so here we are at another empties post; featuring products that I've finished between July till this month of September! I'm going to talk about the sheet masks that I've used throughout this quarter on my next post so do stay tuned for that. 

Let's go to the cleansers, first!

Finally, I've finished that Bifesta Eye & Lip Makeup Remover after more than 12 months! I do know it's over the supposed PAO but I don't see any change; scent nor its consistency and my easily sensitised eyelids aren't reacting to it so I just kept on using it. Because I actually really like the product, I have repurchased another bottle for it!

I'm going to admit here that I didn't finished the makeup wipes above to remove my makeup as I've been using it a lot to remove swatches as I've did lots of makeup swatches the past few months. It's good and quite affordable but I already have others that I would prefer more.

For second water-based cleansers, I've finished that Heimish All Clean White Clay Foam but I didn't use the whole lot of it on my face because it's so drying so I've used it as body cleanser instead. Even so, I needed to moisturise my body afterwards as it turned out so no, I'm not going to repurchase the cleanser again.

I've finished my second tube of that THE FACE SHOP White Seed Exfoliating Foam around last month but this too, I've used up as body cleanser as it's too foamy and dried out my face afterwards. Won't be repurchasing again.

The third cleanser that I've finished is that pretty Fresh Soy Face Cleanser in its jumbo 200ml-sized tube and I love it very much indeed; used the the whole tube within 6 months and that's actually something! In fact, I'm into gel cleansers now because they don't dry out my skin unlike those high-pH cleansers at the very least. I'm already on my second jumbo tube - 20th anniversary version of the cleanser.

For special care category, I've used up both of Althea Real Fresh Skin Detoxer in Green Tea and Rose around last month and already opened my backups. They can a bit drying so I only take small amount of it usually in my morning skincare routine.

Now, let's go to first treatments and toners!

Finished the very first bottle of that LANEIGE Clear C Advanced Effector EX (3rd generation) and quite frankly, I don't really noticed the difference between this and the 2nd generation of the product. I always use this product as the first step after cleansing by pumping out at least 3 times and wipe my facial area outwards. I absolutely love this product as it helps maintaining my skin from being dull and it provides vitamins that help boosting the rest of my skincare. I still have another 2 bottles to finish before opening the new 4th generation bottle!

Technically, I didn't finished the whole bottle of that Heimish Refresh Water; my brother used half of it and I took the other half and poured into a tub to pre-soak some rounded Sephora pads. This exfoliating toner is kind of mild to me but I think it's good for beginners and as it's similar to Son&Park Beauty Water, I don't use this product everyday.

For hydrating toners, I've finished the first bottle of that LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner that I've got for review on Beauty Memo by Hermo back in April and I have to say, I do love it, bought one bottle from LANEIGE Official Flagship store on Lazada and 5 more bottles from Althea as they were having sales at the time. I'm currently halfway through my second bottle as I'm so into layering it!

For essence-like toners, I've finished the Pyunkangyul Essence Toner which hydrates so well and I'm already on my second bottle in 200ml size. I love this especially for toner masks during midday. As for that Kayman Beauty Rosa Glow Treatment Essence, I really like it as it helps fading my acne scars so I've got another 2 bottles as they're having sale and I've already reviewed it on my Instagram so just scrolled down further or you can use #myrabeautyreviews for it.

Finished the first bottle of that Rejoice Hijab Perfection Perfume and its 3-in-1 Perfect Conditioning sister that I've got during their launching event back in April. Here to report that I've already bought another bottle of the shampoo along with its Cool sister but not the conditioner as I still have others to go through before getting a new one. Both shampoos are great and give long-lasting scents to my hair.

As for after-washing care, I've used up my first bottle of that Innisfree Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum and gladly opened another bottle with new packaging as the brand changed their logo. No change made to the formula so all is good!

I guess that's all from me and I'll be seeing you guys on my next post that I've scheduled tomorrow! Annyeong~

Beauty Empties 21.0 | June

Here we are at another Empties post for the second quarter of this year! I'm so proud of myself for finishing bunch of products this time around so first, let's go to some skincare products.

As usual, I'm gonna start with cleansers! You guys know that I'm totally dedicated to double cleansing method, right? How about you?

For makeup remover, I have recently finished the most expensive cleansing oil I ever bought in my life! Hah! I'm not exaggerating as that 150ml bottle of that Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil is retailing at RM143 in their boutique. I've got mine from Imago KK Times Square boutique and it was actually so much fun as I also got to try their makeup and some skincare products. Because of this product, it's actually the first time I ditched the double cleansing method as this oil cleanser is already enough to remove all kinds of makeup and impurities. I already purchased its newer sister product so I'll get this again next time.

For facial cleanser, I've finished the Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser I think around last month but I'll be honest, I don't think I'll be repurchasing as my skin is leaning towards drier side and this cleanser is indeed a high pH product so my skin become even drier because of that. I used it like a third for my face and finished the rest of it as my body cleanser. Love the verbena scent, though!

Finished the first bottle of that Bifesta Bright Up Foaming Whip and I'd be sure to repurchase this one at least as it's the gentlest foam I've ever tried.

I've also finished 2 deluxe samples for cleanser during a quick getaway. I've already finished a full-sized bottle of the LANEIGE Perfect Pore Cleansing Oil and as for the Huxley oil cleanser, I'm not that impressed so I guess I'm going to pass it.

Now, let's move on to first treatment products!

Finished my fourth bottle of THE FACE SHOP The Therapy First Serum and I still loving it and I've already repurchased another backup for it.

I've finished bunch of deluxe samples for Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum the new upgraded version and I like the new better as I feel it's more hydrating. I already opened a new full-sized bottle!

I've tried the Mamonde First Energy Serum deluxe sample but I don't feel it's hydrating enough for my skin so I guess I won't be getting full-sized of it.

I've also finished my first tub of Althea Waterful Green Bamboo Pads that I really like so I bought several tubs more as they're on sale. It's really convenient as it's pre-soaked and I just wipe the pad across my face after I'm out of the shower. The pads are so hydrating and soothing at the same time, I sometimes even use the pads as my point masks.

I've also finished my first bottle of Krave Kale-Lalu-yAHA 5.25% Glycolic Acid Treatment and I am loving this so much! I don't think I can go a week without using this in my evening routine as it really helps smoothing out my skin; my flaky dry patches around my cheeks and chin. I already bought another from a local reseller but man, I cannot wait for the brand to start shipping their products soon!

For toners, I've finished that Dr.G Hyper Brightening Toner but I don't really like it as I don't see any hydrating nor brightening effect so I'm not going to repurchase.

Used up some deluxe samples and you guys know I love that LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner and I've bought full-sizes of that ISOI and Fresh rose toners because I want to compare them both so do stay tuned for that.

The only treatment (essence, serum or ampoule) skincare product that I've finished is that Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Essence and to me it's simply a basic hydrating essence. It does performs similarly to Mamonde Red Energy Recovery Serum but I decided to repurchase latter as it has thicker consistency (being a serum and all) instead of this. I do hope its boosting ampoule sister is better so I'm going to open that soon.

 

For moisturisers, I've finished the Althea Bare Essentials Fixer Cream - the first one out of the trio and I actually do like it although I'm not going to repurchase this day moisturiser anytime soon as I want to finish other opened products before coming back to this one.

I actually fell in love with that LANEIGE Water Bank cream so I've decided to buy the full-sized only to find the new upgraded Water Bank Hydro Cream at the store. Awesome!

As for that Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, I absolutely love it! It's great for day skincare routine as it leaves me with ample of hydration for me to pile on matte or tone-up sunscreen on. Already bought the full-sized tub!

Finished my second tube of THE FACE SHOP Natural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream and already opened my third! It's great for regular indoor days while that Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway is perfect for working days as it gives slight tone-up effect. I have already got my backups during last Althea sale.

Finished all these facial mists about the same time and the only one that I've repurchased in full-sized is that LANEIGE Water Bank but in its new Hydro and Moisture Mists. 

I had breakouts several times for the past few months and I use the THE FACE SHOP Dr. Belmeur Spot Plaster Band during daytime and that COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch for 

nighttime. Both work great and already repurchased.

For sleeping masks, I still have several of that LANEIGE White Plus Renew Capsule Sleeping Packs in my stash but I'd be sure to finish them soon. It works great but quite pricey to begin with so I haven't got myself the new upgraded White Dew version.

When it comes to lip care, I love lip sleeping mask the most but those from Petitfee is just average I'd say so I decided to repurchase that LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask again for the third time in Vanilla and Grapefruit!

I'm back and forth between Althea Petal Velvet Powder and Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder. I love both of them and and already repurchased like 2 years worth of them as Althea got sale recently and Innisfree released their annual limited edition powder that comes in 13 different designs and I. Got. Them. All. :D

I didn't actually finished the Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer as I have decided to stick with my top sebum-controlling and pore-blurring primer from Benefit Cosmetics. So, thank you but I guess there's no Next one for me. 

Some of the samples that I've gone through while I'm in the office doing my midday skincare routine! Finally got myself the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum by the way!

I guess that's all of it! I'll see you guys on my next Empties post! Annyeong~