2014 Empties

I'm not good when it comes to empties, I've just got too many wonderful products to choose from that I never really get stuck on a product that I completely use up. Nevertheless, I've decided to post an empties for 2014 because I actually used up some makeup products and I'm hoping it will encourage me to get through some more in 2015!

Garnier BB cream 
I loved the Garnier BB cream when it first came out and then when the oily skin version came out (the one pictured above) I couldn't believe that they had made the formulation even better! This is a product that I literally use every single day and I've already repurchased it.

Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer
This was the first concealer I ever bought and I don't even know if they even sell it anymore, but it was pretty good. As the name suggests, it was more for under the eyes but being the unexperienced, new to makeup kind of girl, I just used it on whatever I felt like! I won't be repurchasing this again (if it is even still being sold) because there are better ones out there.

Face of Australia Concealer in Neutral
I really, really like this concealer and I've already picked up another one because it's affordable, a good colour match (despite there only being three shades available) and it does the job well. Face of Australia is one of my favourite brands too!

Essence Clear Brow and Lash Gel
This is my annual empty, I've used up a tube of these every year for a while now I just love it so much. Even when I'm having a no makeup day (and I mean not a scrap of concealer or mascara or anything) I still use this because I have nice thick brows that look amazing as long as they are tamed! I've already got a back up or three of this!

Covergirl Lashblast Length Mascara
I loved this mascara to death and continued using it wayyy beyond its use-by date (don't do it!). Having discovered so many other mascaras I've now realised that this wasn't quite as incredible as I thought it was, however it still is relatively good and served its purpose well.

Face of Australia Pressed Powder in Beige
Technically I only hit pan on this one but I am going to count it as an empty because that's a big achievement for me! This powder was okay but I wouldn't buy it again because I've tried others that are superior (although admittedly more expensive).







Girlz Only Dry Shampoo in Party Nights
Though this isn't the best dry shampoo in the world, it's $2 and it works just fine for me! Dry shampoo has made me the laziest person and I just love it. I've already repurchased a couple more of these.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh
Well what do you know, another dry shampoo! Batiste make really good dry shampoos so if you're willing to spend a little more then definitely go for their products. I've not repurchased because I'm stingy and find the Girlz Only ones work well enough for me.

Dove Deodorant 
I used up way more than one deodorant this year but I only showed this one because they were all Dove roll ons. I don't know why I tend to purchase Dove ones, I guess it's just habit!

Herbal Essences Split Ends Protector Mask
I quite enjoyed this product although it was by no means a huge favourite or anything. I think it did improve the state of my hair, but I've used other intensive conditioners since and I feel as though they all do pretty much the same thing.

Michika Complete Synergist Cloth Masks
This was the first time I'd ever tried one of these masks and I really enjoyed the experience! They were richly moisturising and left my skin feeling amazing. I'm not sure I'd buy these again, or any mask for that matter, because I just don't ever get around to using them.

So there are my empties, probably a dismal amount compared to others but not bad for me!

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Split End Protection Mask

I recently came to the realisation that neglect is not an effective approach for luscious hair. Who knew? But honestly, I had never bothered with more than the cheapest shampoo and conditioner and it seemed to work well for a couple of years until now, and I have been finding that my hair is getting a little dry and scraggly. No one wants dry and scraggly hair, so off I went in search of a solution.

I am an absolute sucker for pretty packaging and scented products so it really was no surprise to anyone when I came home with the Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Split End Protection Mask. Having used their 'Long Term Relationship' shampoo and conditioner in the past I was familiar with Herbal Essence's magical ways, and I appreciate the humour they often incorporate into their product 'spiels' so this was a goer!

This is the first hair mask I have ever tried and I am without a doubt a fan!

Upon first opening this it seems just like an everyday, plain-Jane conditioner - except that it comes in a cute (although kind of inconvenient) little tub. It has that really distinct 'hair product' kind of smell that I adore, and so already we were on good terms and I hadn't even used it yet!

According to the packaging, "Soak me in for 3 minutes. Rinse out and love the ending." Easy enough! I use this as directed once or twice a week applying about the same amount as I would a normal conditioner and it leaves my hair feeling better than ever. Naturally it has quite a significant immediate effect, leaving my hair detangled and silky. After drying my hair remains in a more nourished, luscious kind of state for longer.

Being a hair mask newbie I honestly can't comment on how this compares to other products but for someone like me who just wants a little extra moisture and livening for their hair, it works a treat.

As far as I understand, this really isn't a long term kind of solution for split ends, but in my opinion the only real answer for that is a haircut! I wouldn't rave about this product to the world, it's not groundbreaking, but it is just a darn good product to have handy when your hair is in a bit of a sad looking state. I don't recall how much this cost me, but it's cheaper than many and a worthwhile purchase.

I give this 7 out of 10.

Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner

I don't consider my hair to be particularly difficult to handle. Sure it's long and can get into the most horrific knots you will ever see, but generally it is pretty good. Still, after using the two dollar supermarket shampoo for years, I found that it just wasn't cutting it. It was time for me to switch to another shampoo and conditioner.

The awful lighting in my bathroom



As you walk down the supermarket aisles you are greeted with a lot of options. Why did I buy Herbal Essences? Three reasons:

1. It was the cheapest option

2. The colours were very eye catching
3. I had seen a lot of magazine advertisements and they had worked their advertising magic - I wanted it!

I purchased the red one, Long Term relationship in both the shampoo and conditioner. It was love at first sight! I used that for about a year perhaps, and then found that it wasn't really working anymore.

I don't know, that probably sounds really stupid that it was brilliant for a year and then useless after that, but that is truly what happened.

I then moved onto the pink one, Dangerously straight, and found that it worked magnificently. About a year later, it ceased to work. What?!

So, still wondering what this was all about, I moved onto the orange one, None of your frizziness, and of course, found that it was brilliant.

It hasn't been a year yet (!) and it is working well, although I am currently using Dangerously straight for shampoo and None of your frizziness for conditioner. It seems to be effective so far.

I've had a look around on their website, filling in their little questionnaire to determine which product is best for me. Apparently I want the blue one called Hello Hydration. Well, when stops working I'll give this one a shot. Before you know it, I will have tried every single one of them!

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! They smell amazing, work so well (for a year at least, haha!) and I have the giggles every time I have a shower. Seriously, have you read the back of those bottles, it's so clever and entertaining.

I might have to try their leave in conditioner and split end protector. I'll swap to a new product every year.

If you have tried this and found that it no longer seems to get your hair clean, I would suggest swapping to another product in the line. Maybe it is just time for a change...

I give this product 8 out of 10, after all it really should work for longer than a year!