I have decided to put an end to my Beauty Graveyard posts and this will be the final one. I actually got a weird kick from saving up all my empty containers of used beauty products, but I am just finding these posts pretty dull now. If I find something I love I tend to stick to it, which meant the 'graveyard' was becoming repetitive and if I'm finding it boring to write, I'm sure its even more boring to read!
I posted my first Beauty Graveyard post back in
September 2011! I hope you can tell my photography skills have broadened since then, also my taste in perfume! Although the Beauty Graveyard posts will be no more, I have a new idea but lets just say you are going to have to wait a year to see it!
Onto the empties!
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
If I could award myself for finishing a makeup item, I would for this concealer alone! I cannot tell you how many years I have had this and its not because I don't like it, I bloody love the stuff and its my all time favourite concealer, but due to its industrial strength you only need the tiniest amount. My pride is tinged with sadness at seeing this go, but I know we will be reunited!
Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette
My holy grail brow pencil, I have lost count of how many of these I have got through now and yes I have already repurchased it. I like a full, ungroomed brow and this is perfect for achieving that look.
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream
I am not a massive BB cream wearer but of the ones I've tried, this is my favourite. It provides just enough coverage to make you look acceptable but the best thing is the healthy glow it gives your skin. A couple of times I've worn this people have commented on how good my skin looked, huzzah!
Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter
I can't say this highlighter particularly blew me away. Every brand has released one of these click pen under eye highlighters, so it has to be something special to stand out from the rest. I actually found this to be quite concealing and I would have preferred it to be more brightening. I wouldn't buy again as there are cheaper highlighter pens which are just as good, if not better (e.g. L'oreal Lumi Touch).
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
I am a big fan of the Laura Mercier foundation primers, although I do prefer the radiant one to the original formula. These really do extend the wear time of your makeup and are well worth the money but since I discovered MACs Skin Base, it will be a while before I go back to Laura Mercier.
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Having a mascara exclusively for your bottom lashes seems a bit excessive I know, but this stuff is amazing! Mascara always smudges on my bottom lashes, even waterproof but this stuff doesn't budge. Also I love the teeny tiny brush because you can really define your bottom lashes and you get a feathery natural finish, no clumpy spider lashes here! Already repurchased.
L'oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in Boudoir Rose '204'
I have mentioned these mini L'oreal nail polishes quite a few times now on my blog and 204 is by far my favourite shade. You can see what it looks like on the nails in this post
here. This is a beautiful soft rose colour and I'm already a quarter of the way through my second bottle.
Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara
This mascara is ahhhmazing. It gives volume but it also really lengthens and separates, I love it. I should also add that this stuff isn't waterproof but it does not budge.
As you cant get this in the UK yet (boooo) I have a secret stash to keep me going!
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
This is one of those acid exfoliator type products, which removes dead skin and brightens. I can't say I noticed any real improvement in my skin when using it and as I'm a bit flaky with using face masques, I wouldn't bother to buy this again.
L'oreal Absolute Makeup Remover Eye and Lip
Initially I really hated this eye makeup remover because its crap at removing waterproof mascara. However, since I discovered the Tarte mascara I haven't worn any waterproof mascara and I can say this is actually quite good. It removes non waterproof mascara easily, no rubbing required, but if you are a waterproof mascara wearer don't even think about it.
La Roche-Posay Serozinc
You will be seeing this toner in my 2014 end of year favourites! Serozinc is part of La Roche-Posay's Effaclar range, which is designed to target key signs of oily, blemish prone skin. I apply this all over my face after cleansing and follow up with the Effaclar Duo +
I can honestly say my skin has never looked so good and I am so happy to say that this will finely be available to buy in in the UK shortly!
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +
Probably my best discovery of the year, this cream has transformed my skin and breakouts are no longer something I have to worry about. I have recommended this to my friends who have been equally impressed, so if you are struggling with breakouts give this a go.
MooGoo Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser
As you can see I take my blemish fighting seriously! MooGoo only use natural, organic ingredients in their products which I love and this Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser does exactly what it says on the tube. This and the Kate Somerville Goat Milk are my two favourite moisturisers.
Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel
My favourite cleanser, god knows how many bottles I have got through this year. I love this because it feels really luxurious on your skin and gets rid of all your makeup in one go, mascara, foundation, lipstick the lot. I rub a blob of this all over my face and then wipe away with a muslin cloth so there's no excuse for not taking your makeup off at the end of the night!
Aussie Mega Instant Conditioner
I love the Aussie Mega shampoo and conditioner. Perfect for greasy hair gals who hate product build up.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo and Creme Rinse Conditioner
The Surf shampoo and conditioner were a major discovery for me this year. I am not a fan of sleek hair, I'm much more of a wash and go type girl and I like my hair to have some kind of natural movement/wave. These really help achieve that and leave my hair feeling so bouncy and clean. The price does make me wince, but well worth every penny.
Tresemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo
I cannot tell you how much I hated this stuff, mainly because it says its translucent but its not at all! This was just like every other horrible dry shampoo and left with me horrible ashy toned hair. NEVER AGAIN!
COLAB Dry Shampoo London and Rio
Its only taken me 8 years but I have finally found a dry shampoo I love! Oh COLAB I f****** love you. This is pretty much invisible, although if you spray too much or too close, you do see some powder residue. Its a much lighter powder (nothing like the horror of Batiste) so you cant feel it in your hair at all. You don't even want to know how many bottles of this Ive got stashed away in my drawer now! Oh and the London scent is by far my favourite!
The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Shower Oil
I used to love the L'Occitane almond shower oil and I thought this might be a cheaper dupe for that. While I can't say this is as luxurious as the L'Occitane version, it was lovely and was nicer to use than most shower gels. I would definitely get this again and would love to try more from their Wild Argan range.
Mandarin Spa Bali Santi Nurturing Body Milk
I got this in a goody bag from a Cosmo event and have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the coconut scent and the consistency was nice and light, not greasy or sticky at all.
Vaseline Spray and Go Body Moisturiser
The best body moisturiser for lazy people like me. This makes the hideous task of moisturising a lot less painful and theres none of that horrible waiting round in your towel, as it dries instantly.