More than the just for the satisfaction of seeing everything I have used up, I love doing empties posts because as I’ve said before, I think it’s so important to reevaluate my thoughts on the things I use once they’re all gone. In this post is a huge collection of products I finished during March and April while travelling. It took a lot for me not to throw all this out on the go but I just couldn’t miss the opportunity to document my “success” so here it all is!

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 100ml £38

Ingredients: Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Ceteryl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Sea Water, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Algal (Astaxanthin) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Glycine, Sucrose, Lecithin, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica Carmine (CI 75470), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Water.

I’ve realized that because of how I get ready in the morning, I never show this in my skincare routine pictures but I use it every day that I work outside, without fail. On those days, I get up, brush my teeth and shower etc, do my skincare routine, have breakfast, Instagram (of course), do any work that needs to get done before I leave, apply sunscreen then go. It’s the last thing I do about 30 minutes before I leave the house, which is why even though you don’t see it, it’s one of the most important steps in my routine. Sunscreen is a must if you want to prevent hyperpigmentation and sunspots and this is the best one I’ve tried. Ever since I discovered it last year it’s all I’ve used, despite wanting to try others because it’s that good.

I wrote about it in my 2015 Favourites and in last year’s Summer Favourites so you can read more about it in those posts but if you hate sunscreen like I used to, then give this one a go. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t leave a white caste and layers perfectly fine with makeup. It works really well with my combination skin, doesn’t cause any breakouts and certainly doesn’t leave my face looking like a greasy mess by the end of the day. I think it’s a great price with really good ingredients and the only thing I would change is the packaging – I wish it was in the sturdy, airless pump bottles like the other products in the range so that it travels better (it leaked a couple of times in my suitcase before but not a lot) and so it’s easier to dispense the right amount. Other than that, I can’t see myself using anything else come summer and Drunk Elephant really need to come to the UK soon.

Repurchase? Absolutely, without a doubt!

OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel 100ml £29.50

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aqua, Cetearyl Olivate, Sucrose Laurate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Sucrose Palmitate, Parfum (Natural), Geraniol*, Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM), Citronellol**, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lactobacillus/Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Ferment Extract, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Linalool**, Retinyl Palmitate, CI77491 (natural iron oxide), Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate. **Component of natural essential oils. All Natural Ingredients.

This is a product I have talked about so many times on here but there’s a very good reason for that – it is one of my all time favourite cleansers and no matter how many others I have and love, I always have this one on hand. It’s my perfect skin fix that takes care of anything I’m facing (haha) and whether I’m dry and dehydrated or breaking out and dealing with sensitivity, this cleanser takes care of it all. I did a full post on it here but you can also read about it in my 2015 Favourites and October Favourites. I love everything about this cleanser and highly recommend it.

Repurchase? Always!

NUDE ProGenius Rescue Oil 30ml $68/£58

Ingredients: Ingredients: Isoamyl Laurate, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Squalene, Bakuchiol, Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool.

This was an instant favourite when I got my hands on it last summer and in the beginning I used it constantly and was completely addicted. Over the past couple of months, due to lots of travel and the season, it hasn’t been quite enough to nourish my winter-worn skin so I used it less often but it’s still an amazing product and one of my all time favourite oils. I know for sure that when summer comes around it will be in permanent rotation again, although I’ve got my eye on their new ProGenuis Firming Youth Oil because I love the mix of ingredients in that one. NUDE are currently going through a transitional period and apparently pulling out of the US market to focus on the UK and Australia but I hope that’s not true. Currently this oil is sold out at Sephora and the rest of the range is on sale and in the UK it’s exclusively available at Space NK but other than that I can’t tell you much more about what’s going on with the brand, unfortunately.

Repurchase? Yes but I’d like to try their new oil first.

African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Balm (old formula from sample kit)

Ingredients: Ingredients: Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula Essential Oil), Butyrosperum Parkii (Shea Butter), Calendula Officinalis (Calendula Extract), Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Camomile), Olea Eurpaea (Olive Fruit Oil), Miel (Honey), Bulbinella Frutescens (Bulbinella Extract), Helichrysum Italicum (Immortelle Extract), Aspalathus Lineraris (Green Rooibos Tea Extract), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera).

I have loved this balm for so long. I first discovered African Botanics over 2 years ago and even since then this balm has been a constant presence in my skincare stash. It is one of the nicest products I have ever used and completely healed my skin during NYC’s infamous Polar Vortex. Even though this travel sized pot is empty it won’t get thrown away. I will refill it from the last full size jar of the old formula that I have and keep it in my travel bag. If you haven’t tried African Botanics before you absolutely must. They are an incredible brand with amazing products packed with the very best ingredients and I can’t wait to get home to the lovely package I have waiting for me. This formula of the balm is no longer available but you can get the new one from Credo Beauty and in the UK you can get it from Cult Beauty.

Repurchase? I would but I’m moving on to the new formula next and I can’t wait!

Bravura London Salicylic 2% Acid Peel 30ml £9.59

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Salicylic acid, Propylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide.

I don’t think I need to say much about this product anymore – I’ve professed my love for it countless times and judging from all of your Instagram posts, you guys love it too! It’s a brilliant product that clears breakouts fast and it’s one of the few products I always have to have, just incase. I did a full review on it here that you can read and if you struggle with acne then this is a hero product that you must get.

Repurchase? Yes, already have another bottle.

La Belle Lune Organic Skin 20ml £46

Ingredients: Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed Oil) Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle Seed Oil) Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil) Salvia Hispanica (Chia Seed Oil) Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn Oil) Persea Gratissima (Avocado Oil) Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Essential Oil) Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil) Rosa Damascena (Rose Otto Essential Oil) Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense Essential Oil) Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot Seed Essential Oil) Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Leaf Extract) *d-Limonene, *Geraniol, *Linalol, *Farnesol *Naturally occurring in Essential Oils.

There is absolutely nothing left for me to say about this beautiful product from the gorgeous La Belle Lune since it was just in my ‘Best of British’ Favourites here, plus I have done a full review on it here but incase someone is reading this blog for the first time (hello and welcome!) I will say again that this is the best oil that I have ever used and I absolutely love what it does for my skin. It’s currently available exclusively at Content Beauty and Wellbeing and they ship worldwide for free so if you love oils then this is a must try. It’s perfect!

Repurchase? Yes, except the lovely Annabelle has already sent me another one and I couldn’t be happier!

Odacité Olesomes Time Release Delivery Crème 50ml $86/£55 and Green Tea-Lemongrass Serum Concentrate 5ml $39/£31

Ingredients: OTRDC – Aloe Barbadensis [Organic Aloe Vera] leaf extract, Organic alcohol Extracts of Calendula Officinalis [Organic Calendula] flower (and) Camellia Sinensis [Organic White Tea] leaf, Butyrospermum Parkii [Organic Shea] Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius [Saflower] Oleosome (and) Aqua, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Palminate (and) Sorbitan Palminate, Organic Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis [Organic Jojoba] seed oil, Limnanthes alba [Meadowfoam] Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa [Carrot] seed oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anisic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (and) Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (and) Crithmum Maritimum [Sea Fennel] Extract, Rosmarinus Offcinalis [Rosemary] leaf extract and Helinatus Annuus [Sunflower] Seed oil. 81% ORGANIC. GT&L Serum Concentrate – Highest-grade certified virgin organic Camellia (Camellia oleifera) seed oil, Certified GMO-free Vitamin E (Tocopherols) oil, Certified organic Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil.

I am actually quite sad that these are empty because they were the only two Odacité products I had with me while travelling (everything else was left in LA by mistake) so now I don’t have anything from the brand in my current skincare stash and I’m really bummed about that! I was lucky enough to test the moisturizer pre-launch and instantly fell in love. It’s a beautiful product that kept my skin hydrated, balanced and plump when I needed it most (multiple flights, countries and climates) and was a staple in my pre-flight skincare routine. When I was finally more or less in one place in London, my combination skin went back to normal and this became slightly more than what my skin needed but luckily it was still perfect for my sister and she used it every day and is now obsessed with it.

The thing I love about this moisturizer is how well it pairs with the brands powerhouse serum concentrates. These are targeted treatment products that enhance the performance of whatever you mix/layer them with and Green Tea-Lemongrass was a lovely boost of radiance and glow. I liked mixing it with my other oils to really target the post-travel dullness I had and my sister loved mixing it with the moisturizer to achieve that covetable natural “lit from within” luminosity that looked beautiful. If you’ve never tried Odacite before I really recommend them – the moisturizer is one of the best I’ve ever tried and the serum concentrates are tiny but a little goes a long way and they work. I have a full review of the Olesomes Time Release Delivery Creme here and you can check out all the serum concentrates here. There is one for every skin type and skin issue and I highly recommend the BI+C (pimples), Pa+G (hyperpigmentation), CaR (glow) and Jo+L (clogged pores) but really, I want them all. They also now have these amazing discovery kits (below) so if you’re interested start with these. You can get them at Cult Beauty (UK) or the Detox Market (US).

Repurchase? Yes and yes!

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner 125ml £8.10

Ingredients: Aqua, Rosa Damascena Flower Water (Rose), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Chamomile), Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid.

I was lucky enough to become friends with a lovely Australian woman on one of my last jobs and of course, we had to talk skincare. I was so excited to check out what products she had brought with her but unfortunately there was not enough time and she left before I could have a proper nose around her travel beauty bag, although she did very kindly gift me this toner and I loved it. Sukin is an affordable, natural beauty brand out of Melbourne and I love how accessible they have made “green” products. This is one of the cheapest toners/mists I’ve used but it was easily one of my favourites. It has a short but decent ingredients list and for the price, the quality is impressive. One of the best things about it surprisingly was the spray top which gave a lovely, even mist and it is what I switched my Therapi toner top with. I don’t know how easy it is to get Sukin in the US but I’ve heard from a couple of people you can get it at TJ Maxx. In the UK you can buy it at As Nature Intended or it’s available online at Look Fantastic and Feel Unique and both sites ship to the US for free.

Repurchase? Yes but I have some other toners to get through first.

Bravura London Revitalising Ginseng Toner 150ml £12.40

Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Horse Chestnut Extracts, Glycolic Acid and Ammonium Glycolate, Glycerin, Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Hexyl Nicotinate, Ginseng Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Biotin, Polysorbate 20, Fragrant Oil.

This is one of my favourite products from Bravura and even though I didn’t use it as much towards the end, I always like having one on hand to use before face masks or if my skin needs something a little extra. It’s an exact dupe for Pixi’s Glow Tonic but much better in my opinion and if you are new to acids then I’d definitely recommend starting with this because it’s very gentle. I have a full review on it here with all the details or you can check out Bravura’s website because Amanda has so much helpful information on there plus handy videos on how to use everything.

Repurchase? Yes but I am currently taking a break from acids and I will tell you why very soon.

That was all the skincare products I’ve used up over the last couple of months but you can check out Part 2 to read all about the bath, body and hair products I finished, too.

Arly

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