It’s been a while since I’ve posted about beauty empties so here’s a special end-of-summer edition, reviewing the samples and full-size products I managed to finish whilst on holiday this month, from a French pharmacy cleanser to the mandatory suncare – once again, mostly skincare!

Vichy Normaderm Intensive Purifying Gel

For someone so into French pharmacy skincare I’m surprised I haven’t featured Vichy on this blog more regularly. The only product I’ve reviewed so far from this 90-year-old thermal water-infused skincare brand is their Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster. But after trying this Purifying Gel I could be tempted to explore the brand further. The gel claims to eliminate impurities and unclog pores, and although I have gradually moved away from cleansers aimed at combination skin in favour of more nourishing balms, this soap-free formula is so gentle that it doesn’t feel like all oils have been sucked out of my skin. A solid cleansing gel choice that I would use throughout the summer when my skin is oilier and I need to remove all traces of suncare. 200ml RRP £25.00. Sachet photographed is a sample.

Clinique fresh pressed renewing powder cleanser

The first time I tried powder cleanser was Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, and although it’s still to this day one of my favourite cleansers, Clinique’s offering is a pretty good option too. Enriched with skin brightening vitamin C, you just mix a few drops of water to the powder and rub in your palms to get a thick white paste to massage into skin. I then leave it on my face for an extra minute to allow my skin to absorb the ingredients’ benefits. I follow it up with the Daily Booster from the same range mixed with my moisturiser for a decidedly more radiant complexion. And with holidays and mini breaks in mind, if you’re traveling with liquid restrictions, I can’t recommend these little powder cleanser sachets enough. The only downside? The individual packaging in non-recyclable material (to protect the vitamin C from exposure to oxygen which would reduce its effectiveness) don’t make this a sustainable option. 28x 0.5g sachets RRP £25.00

Nuxe Organic Essential Antioxidant Serum

Enriched in antioxidant chia seed extract, this certified organic serum promises to protect skin from harsh external factors that age skin (pollution, I’m thinking of you). This easily absorbed gel was a delight to use, feeling super light on skin and with an incredibly fresh and green scent. I was also really impressed with the quality of this deluxe sample packaging: the tall elegant glass bottle comes with the thinnest, most delicate pipette I’ve ever seen. If you’d like to discover more about this range check out my Nuxe Organic review here. 30ml RRP £36.00 Product photographed is a sample. 

Nuxe Organic Ultimate Night Recovery Oil

Another empty from the Nuxe Organic range, this one’s star ingredient is Rice oil extract which works overnight to repair and strengthen the skin’s defences. This is a light and easily absorbed oil so it doesn’t overload my skin or leave grease patches on my pillowcase. What it does leave is gently nourished and smoothed skin the following morning. I’ve tried my fair share of facial oils and this one comes in as a pleasant – although not necessarily memorable – option. 30ml RRP £37.00 Product photographed is a sample. 

Urban Veda Reviving Facial Oil

For a one-week holiday, the Nuxe Recovery Oil vial should’ve been enough, however I tend to pack an extra sample just to be on the safe side – although running out would’ve given me the perfect excuse to stock up on a new oil from the local French pharmacy. I’ve reviewed this natural, cruelty-free, vegan offering in my Urban Veda blog post which you can read here, and I still find, having tried it a second time round, that this works well for evening application after a bath or shower as I can take time to appreciate its delicate rose scent. I did find the oil a little too greasy over the summer so I would keep it to winter use when my skin is drier and in need of more nourishing oils. 30ml RRP £29.99 Sachet photographed is a sample.

Caudalie anti-wrinkle face suncare SPF50

My summer empties line up wouldn’t be complete without some suncare thrown in. This Caudalie SPF50 face cream has been my go-to throughout the summer. Finding a non-oily sun cream for my blemish-prone face can be tricky, but this light and non-sticky texture doesn’t feel heavy and sinks into skin without leaving much of a greasy residue. And most importantly it’s never failed to keep me sunburn-free. 50ml RRP £19.00

Caudalie Milky Sun Spray SPF50

Another Caudalie empty, this brand knows its suncare. I’ve been using this SPF50 sun spray for the whole family. The light texture moisturises and offers UVA and UVB protection, and the 150ml bottle is generous enough format that allows enough product for use on your face and body. 150ml RRP £21.00

Evian Facial Spray

This classic facial spray from Evian has got me through some hot and stifling summer days, whether on holiday or sat at my laptop working from home without the luxury of the office air con. The mist is fine and if you keep the can in the fridge, super refreshing. It’s also suitable for the whole family so for me that makes it a summer travels staple. 150ml RRP £7.70

Goutal Eau d’Hadrien conditioner

I had this conditioner left over from the days when I worked in hotel toiletries, which was a good 4 years ago, so this product was quite likely out of date. Nonetheless it did a pretty reasonable job of keeping my newly chopped bob feeling soft and silky. This product was developed specifically for hotels so isn’t available to purchase, and I believe the range is no longer available so this was no doubt the last time I’d be using it!

What beauty products do you always make sure to take with you on a summer holiday? Please leave a comment below to let me know.

Features gifted products and samples.