It hits hard when you take the last spritz of your favourite perfume or scoop the last bit of product from your holy grail moisturiser. So, we’re remedying that pain the only way we know how, by mourning them in our monthly empties edit. This month, we’re sharing cleansers for sensitive eyes, winter skin balms, and so much more…
1. Lancome Bi-Facil
Name: Darcey, Junior Copywriter
Product pick: Lancome Bi-Facil Non-Oily Instant Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes
Why did you buy this product? It was in a Lancome gift set that I received! I’d just finished my La Roche-Posay Micellar Water, so I was super excited to give this ago.
What did you love about this product? In the past, I’ve struggled with makeup remover on my sensitive eyes, so I have a limited choice of cleansers I can use. Lancome’s Bi-Facil has made it on my list with its soothing ophthalmologist-tested formula, but its sensitive nature doesn’t impact the performance! The bi-phase design removed my stubborn makeup with ease leaving my face clean, fresh and hydrated.
Will you be repurchasing it? (Or do you have your eye on something else next!) My usual makeup covered towels have been looking fresh and fluffy since using the Bi-Facil Cleanser, so I’ll be splurging on this again.
What will you do with the empty? Recycle it!
2. Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrate
Name: Keavy, Communications and Campaigns Assistant
Product pick: Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Glycolic Essence
Why did you buy this product? Initially, I tried this in the Caudalie Vinoperfect skincare trial, and after a few weeks of using it, I saw improvement in my skin’s tone and brightness. After that, I was hooked. The trial is for anyone who struggles with dull and tired skin, and these are areas that I need the most help with when it comes to my skin.
What did you love about this product? I love how gentle it is. Most direct acids tend to be harsh and stripping on my skin, so I was relieved to find one that exfoliates and nourishes skin simultaneously. The formula is 98% natural and made with Caudalie’s iconic grape water, so you know there’s only goodness inside! I tend to use this toner before my serum, and I’ve seen a massive difference in the penetration of my other steps after using this essence.
Will you be repurchasing it? (Or do you have your eye on something else next!) Yes – the first one was gifted, but I couldn’t get enough, so I had to buy another!
What will you do with the empty? Recyle it.
3. La Roche-Posay Hand Gel
Name: Kate, Communications and Campaigns Assistant
Product pick: La Roche-Posay Hydroalcoholic Purifying Hand Gel
Why did you buy this product? For the last 18 months, hand washing, hand sanitising, and hygiene has been more important than ever. So, like everyone else, I’ve stocked up on hand gels, and I now keep them everywhere: in the car, in my handbag, clipped onto my backpack – you name it, it’s there.
I first bought La-Roche Posay’s hand sanitiser around summertime last year, mainly because I’d used lots of hand gels by that point, and my hands were starting to get dry and almost a little flaky. I remembered writing about the Hydroalcoholic Purifying gel when it first launched, and I knew that it had a hearty dose of glycerin in it to nourish and hydrate your hands. It balances the naturally drying properties of sanitisers, so I decided to give it a go.
What did you love about this product? The main thing I love about this gel is that it doesn’t leave my hands feeling dry, flaky or uncomfortable. Plus, the gel blends in really quickly and easily without causing them to feel at all greasy or tacky. I adore that when I use this gel, my hands feel just like normal within seconds. La Roche’s formula also has a 65% ethanol content, so I know it works hard.
Will you be repurchasing it? (Or do you have your eye on something else next!) I have already repurchased it! I got two for myself (one to pop back into my handbag and one as a backup). I also picked one up for a family friend who said they’ve been struggling with dry hands.
What will you do with the empty? As this tube is plastic, I’ll be rinsing it out and popping it in my recycling bin.
4. Vichy Dercos Hair Mask
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
Product Pick: Vichy Dercos Nutrients Nutri Protein Restorative Mask
Why did you buy this product? Another Escentual colleague who raves about this product influenced me.
What did you love about this product? This product has been a life savour for my hair ever since I started using it around a year ago. My hair always felt dry and damaged from wearing extensions and constantly bleaching my hair, but now it looks and feels so much healthier. I used to try different hair masks, conditioners and other hair repair treatments, but nothing has ever come close to this Vichy mask and how it has truly changed my hair for the better. I can not recommend it enough.
Will you be repurchasing it? (Or do you have your eye on something else next!) YES! I repurchase every time I’m close to running out so I can move straight onto a brand new pot. I can no longer live without this hair mask, even for a few days.
What will you do with the empty? Recycle it!
5. Guerlain Black Bee Honey Balm
Name: Ceryn, Communications and Campaigns Editor
Product Pick: GUERLAIN Abeille Royale Black Bee Honey Balm
Why did you buy this product? I heard it was a wonder product for very dry skin (spoiler: it is). That and it smells like honey, which is one of my favourite scents.
What did you love about this product? When autumn/winter comes, my skin has a hissy fit: flaking, dry patches and all the rest. The Black Bee Honey Balm is the only thing that sorts it out. It has a very rich balm texture that instantly nourishes and creates a protective barrier over skin, which is great when applying makeup. It also has the most delicious honey scent – it makes having flaky skin luxurious believe it or not.
Will you be repurchasing it? (Or do you have your eye on something else next!) This moisturiser isn’t cheap. But it works, and my skin is worth it, so yes!
What will you do with the empty? Knowing me, I will hold onto it for far too long in the hopes it’ll miraculously become full again. Then, admit defeat and recycle it.
