It’s been a slow few weeks – from a skincare empties point of view that is. I’ve been trialling quite a wide range of new face products for my Seekology review so I’ve not been very disciplined in working my way through already opened products. Hence the rather paltry collection of minis I’ve managed to scrape together for this beauty empties edit – some pretty strong classics though.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Corrective Unclogging Care

I’m a big fan of French pharmacy skincare generally and La Roche-Posay in particular, but this product name really had me stumped. Unclogging care – is it a scrub, a mask, a cream? No clue. Boots has actually renamed it on their website as a blemish treatment, which is much clearer. Claiming to ‘correct and hydrate for clearer skin in 4 weeks’, this isn’t a statement I can comment on based on a 3ml sample size, but having applied it a handful of times on acne-prone areas (my jawline at the moment) it does feel non-comedogenic. Probably more suitable to oily skin rather than my combination dehydrated face.

Clarins Hydra Essentiel Cream

I was expecting to appreciate this hydrating gel more than I did in the end. Although it’s aimed at normal to dry skin, I found it too light on the nourishing side, leaving my skin feeling a little tight by mid-afternoon with dry patches. Possibly worth revisiting come summer, but for now I’ll be sticking to richer alternatives.

Clarins beauty flash balm

A Clarins classic, this one is a keeper. I discovered this beauty balm a few years ago (probably in a sample format too) and used it as a make up base or on its own to even out skintone and provide a radiance boost. The apricot-coloured formula moisturises and brightens tired skin, which for someone as obsessed with radiance as I am makes this 5ml tube a mini break toiletry bag staple.

Nuxe organic skin correcting moisturising fluid

I really enjoyed discovering this certified organic skincare range from Nuxe which highlights some interesting ingredients I’d yet to explore, from antioxidant chia seed to repairing rice oil. This refreshingly scented moisturiser works well for combination skin thanks to its light, mattifying texture. My skin did feel a little tight on my cheeks towards the end of the day so I think this fluid works best for less dehydrated skin than mine, but again for summertime I’d be happy to revisit.

REN instant firming beauty shot

I reviewed this product in one of my very first Fresh Beauty Fix posts and back then gave it a less than glowing review. Confused about the name (yet again) and in search of a more nourishing formula, it didn’t make my favourites list, and whilst it’s still not up there with the likes of Evolve’s Glow Radiant Mask or Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Serum for me, it’s far from unpleasant.

The Merchant of Venice perfumes

Well these have become a bit of a permanent fixture in my beauty empties series. I’m coming to the end of my stash I promise, it’s just that they are such practical formats to keep in my makeup bag, in my handbag or on my dresser that I’ve used nothing else in the last 6 months. From the Murano collection discovery box there isn’t a single fragrance I wouldn’t wear, they are all beautifully crafted and unique, unlike anything you’d find from the mainstream brands.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream

As Head of Product at Neal’s Yard Remedies I test more than my fair share of new or improved formulas, some of which I need to compare to the existing version. I’ve been reviewing some of our hand creams, so as and when I’ve signed off the changes, my husband gets gifted samples to work his way through. And seeing as he plays tennis four times a week and loves to complain about dry hands he is working his way though these at quite a pace. Thick, nourishing and beautifully scented, Geranium & Orange is one of the most popular ranges.

Tabitha James Kraan hair oil

I discovered this brand thanks to an Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Week talk I attended where the founder was on a panel alongside Pai founder Sarah Brown. Tabitha James Kraan Clean Shampoo felt like a game changer for my itchy scalp and lacklustre hair, and this hair oil didn’t disappoint. Only one mini pipette’s worth of oil was needed to warm up between my palms and run through the mid lengths and ends of towel dry hair before blow drying. The result? Smooth, nourished hair that is soft and silky to touch without weighing it down. Another winner.

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