October Empties Product Reviews

I love watching the monthly empties videos on YouTube so I thought I would do a post about the products that I finished using this month, since I had a few all finishing up at once! Just a quick disclaimer that I purchased all of these items myself!

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask

I have started to really up my use of face masks, and now apply some sort of mask nearly every day! This self-heating mask contains charcoal and kaolin clay to help draw out impurities from deep within the skin.  I use it in the shower and because it works in just five minutes, it doesn't add any time on to my routine, so it's perfect for those of us who don't always have the time for a full facial. The heating part feels great on the skin, especially in winter, but only lasts for a few seconds, so I'm pretty sure it's more of a gimmick than anything really effective. However, the combo of the charcoal and kaolin does a stellar job of cleaning out my pores, leaving my skin smooth, soft and clear. I loved this so much I have already repurchased.

AUD$19.99 from Priceline

Sanctuary Spa Youth Boosting Cleansing Oil

I purchased this when I ran out of my Shu Uemera cleansing oil, and was looking for a cheaper substitute.  It is a lovely and light oil, and is excellent at removing all makeup, including waterproof mascara. The fragrance is relaxing, without being overpowering; a mix of lavender, chamomile and neroli.  Applying two pumps to dry skin, I massage in to dissolve makeup and grime, and then emulsify with a little bit of water, and finally rinse off.  It leaves my skin clean, but feeling supple. I haven't repurchased yet, as I am trying out a Trilogy cream cleanser, but I would definitely buy it again in the future.

AUD$19.99 from Priceline

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution

I swear I'm not a spokesperson from Sanctuary, I just happened to run out of three of their products at once!! The 30 Day Youth Revolution is an at-home glycolic peel, combine with an activation serum.  By necessity, this is nowhere near as strong as a salon or doctor's office peel, but this a great option to help maintain your skin in between, or if you don't need or want that full on glycolic strength in the first place.

Simply brush on the gel in a very thin layer on clean skin (brush is included, which is nice!), wait until it dries, then peel off. Must be the child in me, but I find peeling it off incredibly satisfying! Follow with the included serum and revel in your radiant, baby soft skin! Despite it saying 30 days on the box, this set lasted me much longer (nearly 3 months) with almost consistent bi-weekly use. I repurchased this at the same time as the detox mask, as they seem to be working together really well.

AUD$39.99 from Priceline

Obagi Professional C Serum 20%

An anti-oxidant serum is probably one of the most important steps in your anti ageing regimen, as they help to neutralise free radicals from the sun, pollution, etc, before they can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing.  Vitamin C has also been show to increase collagen production, which helps to plump the skin.

This particular one was recommended by my previous dermatologist both to help with the pigmentation on my cheeks, and as a general antiager. This is something you need to build up to so it doesn't irritate your skin, so start with a low concentration (10%) and then build from there.  I have been happy with the results, but my new derm has suggested I try the Medik8 Tetra C so I will see how that goes; if I'm not

I purchased mine from the Dr's office, but if you are buying any vitamin c serum, make sure it comes from a reputable place as its efficiency decreases over time. Similarly, make sure it is in a dark glass bottle as both air and light degrade vitamin C.

Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar

I had high hopes for this cream (ha ha, no pun intended!!), but unfortunately, they didn't quite eventuate. The brand new entry in Philosophy's best selling Hope in a Jar range, this cream has a lovely whipped texture, and combines three AHAs to help renew and regenerate your skin, helping to reduce pigmentation and minimise wrinkles. Unfortunately, despite also containing hyaluronic acid, a star hydrating ingredient, it just wasn't hydrating enough for me, leaving me cheeks tight, and sending my T Zone into overdrive. Now, I have normal-combination skin, not dry skin, so this really surprised me. I did continue to use the cream, simply because it was quite pricey, but its lack of hydration on my skin meant I had to layer a hyaluronic serum underneath. With the serum, the cream was good, but definitely not good enough to warrant a re buy.  

AUD$55 from David Jones