beauty

'I swear this changed my skin': 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: We tried the 'cool girl' fragrance that sold out in 48 hours. Post continues after video.


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.

Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream, $47.99.

Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery CreamThe airless pump means you'll always know when you're nearly out. Image: Supplied.

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Moisturisers are like cups of tea. We all like a specific formula (or milk to tea ratio).

This French pharmacy-brand moisturiser is the perfect everyday face cream for my dry, dehydrated skin. It's completely no-fluff, with a fragrance-free cream texture and a comforting consistency that feels neither heavy nor ultra light on my skin.

I can use this anytime of the year (even when my perioral dermatitis flares up), and it's often on sale.

Would I repurchase? Yes — I'm on my twelfth tube!

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, $72.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt,This makes me so sad. Image: Supplied.

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I wrote an article earlier this year about how I get my hair so shiny, and it reminded me how much I love this shampoo/scrub hybrid product.

I've used it on and off as my first shampoo (yes, we shampoo twice!!) for nearly a decade. It smells like a freshly-showered hot man, and really works on my flaky scalp.

It's gritty enough to feel like it's exfoliating your scalp, but lathers up like a luscious shampoo when activated with water. The only problem is the price tag.

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Would I repurchase? I only buy this on sale, so not immediately.

MCo Beauty Sheer Tint Lip Balm, $22.

MCo Beauty Sheer Tint Lip BalmUnfortunately, not for me. Image: Supplied.

I buy countless tinted lip balms every year; this one in the shade Bella Vita caught my eye because the packaging looks like NARS' Afterglow Lip Balm ($42).

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Honestly, I only wore it once. The deep rose shade and high-gloss finish look lovely on, but it left my lips super dry and tight. I had to constantly re-apply, and the sweet scent was a bit overbearing.

Why didn't I finish this? I don't love the feeling of it on my lips, so it's officially been retired to my 'sometimes' lip products drawer. Funnily enough, the NARS lip balm lives there, too.

Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm, $69.95.

Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing BalmAlready onto the next one. Image: Supplied.

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Full disclosure, I used to work for this Aussie skincare brand, so I received a tub of this limited edition cleansing balm when it launched earlier this year.

I literally scraped every last bit of this buttery balm cleanser out of the pink tub. It removes all my makeup and sunscreen, without stinging my eyes or leaving a greasy residue behind. I've loved the original citrus balm scent for years, but the geranium leaf, rose and orange oil blend smelt divine.

Would I repurchase? No, because I'm onto a fresh tub of the new holiday limited-edition Orange Creme Brulee Melting Moment Cleansing Balm.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+, $52.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50Literally nothing left in these tubes. Image: Supplied.

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Due to sunscreen regulations in Australia, I can't share my personal opinion on this SPF. But I feel like the photo says it all.

Would I repurchase? Yes. But I also must remind you that sunscreen is only one part of sun safety — seeking shade, re-applying regularly, and wearing a hat, sunnies and protective clothing is just as important.

Ellis Brooklyn Sci Fi EPD 50ml, $198.

Ellis Brooklyn Sci Fi EPD 50mlYes, this fragrance is blue! Image: Supplied.

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I spoke about this perfume on the You Beauty podcast recently; I love it so much, it was my wedding day fragrance!

A bottle of this lasts me a year or so. I frequently forget to wear fragrance, but when I remember, I'll spritz this and let the bergamot, bitter orange, green tea, freesia, cashmere woods and vanilla notes take me back to how beautiful I felt as a bride.

Would I repurchase? 100 per cent. If this fragrance is ever discontinued, I'd be heartbroken.

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

From beauty writer, Juna Xu…

Eqqualberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum, $32.75.

Image: Supplied.

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Would Juna repurchase? "I haven't gone a single day or night without this since I first bought it in Seoul, and have no plans to. After seeing all the locals grabbing a bottle, but I'll admit I hesitated to try it."

"The idea of slathering a purple goop over my sensitive skin freaked me out a little. Thankfully, I finally gave it a go. Formulated with 5,000ppm of bakuchiol, it boosts collagen production for smoother, firmer skin. Plus, four per cent niacinamide helps minimise pores and control excess oil, leaving your complexion soft, balanced, and glowy."

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, $36.

Image: Supplied.

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Would Juna repurchase? "I've honestly lost count of how many tubes I've gone through. This has been my ride-or-die eye cream for nearly a decade."

"It's lightweight, sinks in quickly, fragrance-free and never causes milia. And if the 'retinal' part scares you, don't be! As someone with hypersensitive skin who can't tolerate traditional retinol, this formula has been a game-changer."

From executive editor and You Beauty host, Leigh Campbell…

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil, $34.99.

Image: Supplied.

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Would Leigh repurchase? "Not right now, because I always have backup. I love this cleanser after micellar water if I've been wearing heavy makeup or layers of sunscreen — it gets everything off."

"After I've massaged my face, neck and dec, I also rub it under my arms before I jump in the shower. Nothing removes clinical deodorant as well as this does. Oh! I also use it when I shave my face. Plus, the pump dispenser is so important when dealing with a slippery product."

From editorial assistant, Lucy Ballenden…

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Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, $39.99.

Image: Supplied.

Why didn't Lucy finish this? "I heard nothing but good things about this cream; that it creates glass skin, it's Hailey Bieber's go-to etc. After applying a few times, I discovered it was disagreeing with my skin and clogging my pores, so sadly, I will be donating this one to a friend."

Mecca Max Off Duty Contour Stick, $20.

Image: Supplied.

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Would Lucy repurchase? "I'm on my fourth one at this point; these contour sticks are so affordable and SO GOOD. Super easy to apply and blend, beautiful colours and a great alternative to the more expensive contours."

From creative producer, Helena Fabian…

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer, $69.

Image: Sephora.

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Would Helena repurchase? "I will definitely continue to repurchase. Pairing this with my NARS Light Reflecting Foundation always works wonders for my skin. This primer seems to keep my makeup in place really well, even in hotter weather."

GEM Skin Loving Deodorant, $9.99.

Image: Priceline.

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Would Helena repurchase? "The GEM scented deodorants are such a find. Just emptied a can and will definitely be repurchasing. They don't irritate my skin, and the scent is like an extra layer of perfume, and lasts! It's a win for us sweaty girls in summer!"

And finally, from senior brand partnerships executive, Kelsey Harper

SVR [C] Anti-Ox Ampoule, $69.

Image: Priceline.

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Would Kelsey repurchase? "I just purchased my second bottle of this vitamin C serum, which I swear has changed the texture of my skin. It feels super fresh and light to put on the skin and has become part of my everyday routine."

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, $49.

Image: Sephora.

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Would Kelsey repurchase? "I just repurchased this; the coverage is perfect for everyday wear (not as cakey as Tarte's Shape Tape concealer)."

"It has a beautiful, creamy consistency and wears well throughout the day. It's not 'creaseless' (because lines around the eyes will always exist), but definitely creases less than most other concealers I've used!"

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.

Feature image: Supplied.

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