beauty

'This product is annoyingly good.' 11 things 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 celebrity makeup artist shares their top five products of all time. Post continues below.


Mamamia

In our new 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.

Virtue Recovery Shampoo, $63.

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This protein-based shampoo for damaged hair is annoyingly good (because it's annoyingly pricey). I purchased the salon size in my last staff order when I worked at Adore Beauty — it honestly lasted me two years.

A little goes a long way; my trick is using an affordable shampoo as my first shampoo, and this one as my second. It always lathers up better the second time around, so you'll only need a five-cent-sized amount. Think of it like a protein shake, for damaged, stressed or dehydrated hair. Oh, and it smells like caramel.

Would I repurchase? Already have, but I only buy this when it's on sale (it's in my Black Friday beauty sales guide).

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Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid, $38.

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Ugh, this is the most perfect balmy lipstick for everyday wear. I am so picky when it comes to lip products; there are so many I buy and don't finish (like the one in last month's empties article), but this Glossier one is just that good.

It's pigmented and long-lasting, but ridiculously creamy and comfortable to wear. The shade Villa is the ultimate neutral rose.

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Would I repurchase? 1,000 times, yes, but in a different shade this time. I'm eyeing off the colour Fete.

Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturiser, $38.

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I'm so sad this moisturiser isn't for me. There's so much to like about it: The chic chrome silver tube, easy pump packaging, stacked formula with peptides, antioxidants and soothing ingredients, and the price!

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Why didn't I finish this? So many people I know rave about this moisturiser. But could tell from the first application that this moisturiser was not rich enough for my dry skin.

I've given it to my husband — he has oily skin and loves the light, gel-cream texture!

Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum, $253.

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Another product I'll only ever buy on sale… or if I'm super desperate. I don't recommend a $200+ serum lightly, but if you have an impaired barrier, sensitive skin, or inflammatory skin concerns like rosacea or perioral dermatitis, look into it.

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The hero ingredient is Trioxolane (ozonized ethyl oleate), a stable oxygen molecule that works to neutralise toxins, calm inflammation and improve skin texture, among other things. You also need to know that the serum has a very strong 'chlorine' scent, but the results are worth it in my opinion.

Would I repurchase? Not right now because my perioral dermatitis is under control, but I have purchased twice to help with flare-ups — I also used this before my wedding!

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

From You Beauty host, Kelly McCarren…

L'Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination, $30.

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Would Kelly repurchase? "I will definitely be repurchasing this. I've described it as almost making my hair too soft, that's how well it works. It's a lamination step you apply instead of conditioner. I use it every few weeks, it makes my hair feel so healthy. My word, it is a great product."

From editorial assistant, Lucy Ballenden…

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $45.

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Would Lucy repurchase? "Absolutely! I've just gotten to the end of my second bottle; it really is as good as everyone says it is. Smells amazing and leaves your skin so soft and glowy — it would be the perfect Chrissy gift!!"

From The Quicky podcast host and executive producer, Taylah Strano…

NUXE Prodigieux Shower Oil, $22.

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Would Taylah repurchase? "Yes. It's clearly very well loved in my house, evidenced by the crumpled bottle (which is actually our fifth bottle so far!). It carries the same scent as their iconic body oil and has little shimmers that leave the skin with a glow (not like you've been hit with a glitter cannon). It's been the perfect shower treat to amp me up for warmer, sunnier days ahead."

From morning editor, Cass Green…

Benefit Fan Fest Mascara, $49.

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Would Cass repurchase? "This is my second tube of this mascara because it is that good."

"I've tried them all and this one is my favourite because it doesn't budge, doesn't smear and doesn't end up coating the skin under my brows in mascara by the end of the day. It puts my lashes sky high and they don't come down, great at getting a curl in there and keeping it. Cannot fault it."

Mecca Life Proof Satin Blur Foundation, $38.

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Why didn't Cass finish this? "I got a tester of this in store and I won't be buying it, not because it's not a great formula, but because it's not right for my dry skin."

"I found it accentuated my small lines and wrinkles, but in saying that, from afar, it looked brilliant. If you have oily skin this will probably be a ride or die but it just wasn't quite right for me."

From executive editor and You Beauty host, Leigh Campbell…

Glam Raider High Impact Eye Primer, $22.

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Would Leigh repurchase? "This is one of those products that will last you until the day you die. I don't often wear a lot of eyesahdow, I have oily eyelids and now it's warmer, I need my anti-humidity makeup steps."

"It's like putty, for your eyelid. You only need a little bit, but this stops mascara transfer, neutralises the eyelid, brightens and mattifies, and is a great base for shadow, eyeliner and even on sweaty days when you're just wearing mascara."

From sales manager Jemma Cairns…

MECCA COSMETICA In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30, $45.

Image: MECCA.

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Would Jemma repurchase? "Definitely repurchasing, especially in the lead up to summer when I don't want to wear a lot on my face."

"They're fantastic as an everyday light cover, a layer under your makeup, or even as a liquid bronzer. They give a really glowy, sun-kissed look that I'm always looking for!"

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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