beauty

'I've had so many skin compliments': 15 products we emptied recently (and if we'd buy them again).

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Every month, we round up the new (or new to us) beauty products the Mamamia team is loving sick.

But what about the ones we've emptied — and if we'd buy them again? Or the products we had high hopes for, but DNF (did not finish)?

Watch: A makeup artist shares her creaseless concealer hack. Post continues after video.


Mamamia.

In our Empties series, we'll be sharing thoughts on the skincare, makeup, haircare, bodycare and fragrance products we finished this month. Plus, the ones we didn't, and why.

Let's get stuck in, starting with mine.

STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Prebiotic Shampoo, $32.

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Would I repurchase? "This is my fifth bottle! Nothing makes my scalp feel as fresh as this shampoo does. I use this as my first shampoo to help with itchiness and flakes. I'm also obsessed with the scent, and how well it foams into a lush lather!"

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash, $32.

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Would I repurchase? "1 million per cent YES. This has officially overtaken the cult L'Occitane shower oil as my favourite. Using a few pumps of this in the shower leaves my body skin feeling super soft (because who has time for body moisturising!?), and it smells like fresh apples! My husband loves it, too."

HairShots Keratin Bond Repair, $44.

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Would I repurchase? "Not this time — while I LOVE being able to add a few pumps of a strengthening product into my usual conditioner, I dind't notice enough of a difference to repurchase. The twist pump packaging is so good, though!"

Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up Lip Butter in Red Velvet, $25.95.

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Would I repurchase? "Already done. Don't let the colour of the packaging scare you off; I've been reaching for this sheer apple red tinted lip balm most days for months. It has a jumbo doe-foot applicator that makes applying it a breeze. No funny taste or scent, either. Obsessed."

CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm, $18.99.

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Would I repurchase? "Yes and no. This ultra thick, occlusive balm is perfect to have on hand for sensitive skin flare ups, or on your bedsided as a winter hand cream. It is a bit sticky, and I don't enjoy the Vaseline-style texture — I usually roatte between this and the La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Balm."

Now, onto the products my colleagues did (and didn't) finish this month.

From You Beauty host, Kelly McCarren…

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Peptide Serum, $216.

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Would Kelly repurchase? "I will definitely be repurchasing when it's on sale. It is so good, I've been using it so sparingly because it's pricey. It makes your skin look like heaven; so glowy and fresh."

From Executive Editor and You Beauty host, Leigh Campbell…

Mixa Urea Cica Repair + Renewing Cream, $17.99.

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Would Leigh repurchase? "Absolutely. While my mum was in hospital, I was using this on her skin. All the nurses were asking what we're using (and stealing it!). It's phenomenal if you've got really dry, compromised, cracked skin."

From Managing Editor, Cass Green…

Kerasilk Smoothing Mask, $55.

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Would Cass repurchase? "This mask is honestly a little miracle for my dry, long hair. You can feel it working the second you put it on in the shower — like it's sealing the ends and smoothing everything out. My hair comes out softer, shinier, and way more manageable, even on frizz-heavy days. If your hair gets unruly or just needs some TLC, this is a must."

Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturiser, $38.

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Would Cass repurchase? "I'm picky with moisturisers, but this one actually works for my dry-combo skin. It's light, sinks in quickly, and doesn't make me break out — all while still feeling a bit luxe. The pump is cute and practical, too. At this price, it's quickly become my new go-to, and I can see it working for pretty much anyone."

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From Junior Content Producer, Tessa Kotowicz…

Ilia Beauty Multi-Stick in Lady Bird, $62.

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Would Tessa repurchase? "Yes, because I've never been more complimented on my skin than when I'm wearing this blush. It's smooth, glides on so beautifully and blends really nicely. It is the most natural shade, so you're left looking beautifully sunkissed and glowy. Sometimes, I put a little on the bridge of my nose for that post-sun look, or use it as an eyeshadow when I can't be bothered doing anything else. I took it to Europe for six months and have only just run out, so it will last you a while!"

From Group Brand & Strategy Manager, Talia Phillips…

Le Tan Gradual Face Tanning Antioxidant Serum, $24.99.

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Would Talia repurchase? "I bought this on impulse and have just finished it; will defs repurchase. It gives such a nice glow to my face, without it looking like I have actual tan on."

From Senior Commercial Video Producer, Cristina Aguilar…

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, $34.

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Would Cristina repurchase? "I got this cleanser one a month ago and now I can't live without it. During a two-week holiday I forgot to pack it and my pores felt so enlarged. I jumped straight on it when I came back, and after a couple of washes, my pores felt so clean and my skin texture improved."

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From Head of Lifestyle, Mollie Harwood…

Trinny London MIracxle Halo Multi-Use Complexion Illuminator, $62.

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Would Mollie repurchase? "100 per cent. This is my fave product to make my dull bits glowier Hint: in sweaty summer, don't put it on the t-zone, or you look too shiny. I reserve it for the highlighter spots on my cheekbones and lower face."

SIMKA Tinted Facial Fluid SPF 50, $68.

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Would Mollie repurchase? "We can't review this product because it's a sunscreen, but what I can say is I finished it to the last drop. This sunscreen offers sheer, tinted coverage for a luminous complexion, and sits well under makeup."

From Senior News Writer, Ailish Delaney…

Disco Stick Hair Wax Stick, $24.99.

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Would Ailish repurchase? "Already have. My disco stick is my ride or die. It's easy to pop in my bag for touching up any flyaways on the go, and is perfect for making sure my slick back stays slicked on my runs."

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

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