Hello everyone, I have something a little different for you this evening and this is my first post featuring items I have used up. I have been receiving a few requests in the last couple of months to do an “empties” post – one of the reasons I have never done one is because I tend to bin everything I have finished immediately.

However, I managed to keep a bunch of empties this month (having this post in mind of course) and here are the six of them.

• FRESH SAKE BATH with ginger root extract

S$125 – 400ml, France

A fusion of Japanese bathing traditions. Composed with more than 38% pure sake, this product helps to increase circulation, eliminate toxins, soften the skin and even skin tone. Pine extract promotes easy breathing as pure ginger renders muscles pliable and relaxed. Inspired by geisha who perfumed their baths with real peaches, an infusion of exquisite peach makes an unparalleled experience.

This lightly peach scented bath foam smells divine. The look and feel of it is almost like oil but it’s a light and watery form of soap. I pour a fair amount each time into a tub of warm water and it bubbles up slightly – the bubbles will eventually evaporate and the amount of bubbles is nothing like your typical bubble bath.

No doubt it’s relaxing and calming each time I use it but ain’t all hot baths suppose to feel like that?

This bottle lasts approximately 8-10 baths depending on how much you use per bath. My skin feels soft and nourished after bath. As much as I like this product, I do have mixed feelings about it – I may not like it enough to purchase my second bottle.

• SHU UEMURA WHITEFFICIENT* clear brightening gentle cleansing oil

S$55 – 150ml, Japan

Removing melanin-filled dead cells is the first step to brightening care. Fortified with the Ultimate Removal System, the lightly textured formula effectively removes accumulated melanin and heavy makeup. Empowered with advanced brightening technology, this brightening cleansing oil contains an innovative combination of Mito-White Complex and Vitamin C to help prevent the accumulation of melanin deep within. Day-after-day, the skin looks clarified and brightened with an even-toned complexion.

This is one of my favourite Shu Uemura cleansing oils. The lightly textured formula feels luxe on the skin – cleanses without leaving skin dry and traces of any face makeup. When it comes to eye makeup, I think this formula still has room for improvement – I usually use a separate cleanser to remove my eye makeup thoroughly.

When I first started using it, I used it continuously for at least 3 weeks and my skin is visibly brighter and clearer (the skeptical side of me feels that it could also be due to the brightening skincare products I am using). Whichever, now that I have finished this bottle of press sample, I think I will commit to the 450ml bottle soon.

For technical information about Shu Uemura Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil can be found [here]

• L’ERBOLARIO AMBRALIQUIDA LIQUIDAMBAR BATH GEL with vitamin E micro-spheres

S$TBA – 250ml, Italy

A highly aromatic balsam is obtained from the hard bark of Liquidambar, liquid Storax, which popular tradition has elected as an infallible panacea for the wildest range of skin problems. Introduced into the gel of this bath foam in the form of an extract, the ancient properties of Liquidambar orientalist are present here, providing the skin of the body with a precious toning, astringent and protection support at every wash. The important amount of Vitamin E which are amber micro-spheres introduce into the product provide the skin with vital assistance in the fight against aging process.

L’Erbolario is very generous when it comes to giving out samples. Every time I visit the store, I get sachets of samples consisting of shower, hair, face and body products to try. When I want to travel light, I will pack all the sachet samples. Each sachet for a day, morning and night.

This is one of the sachet samples I brought along with me during a vacation – I fell in love with it and came back to purchase the full size.

The amber bottle gives a masculine feel but the juice is somewhat unisex, both Mak and I love the calming scent. It’s soothing and the scent lingers for a bit but nothing too overwhelming. The micro-beads massages the skin without having too much friction – I highly recommend checking out their wide array of products.

• CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH CREAM-MASK for dehydrated skin

S$65 – 75ml, France

An oasis of comfort for devitalised skin. This soothing formula restores an ideal moisture balance to dry, dehydrated skin in just 5-10 minutes. Katafray Bark extract attracts moisture to skin – then seals it in to smooth fine lines and restore a soft, supple texture. Sorbier Tree Bud stimulates micro-circulation, boosting cellular renewal for a healthy-looking glow.

This is possibly my third tube since I started using it. I kept repurchasing it and have just bought another tube. I love the scent, the creamy texture is easy to apply – I usually apply my masks with a brush but finger tips will do the trick too. I apply a generous layer of mask over my entire face and neck – leave it on for 10 minutes and use a pair of damp sponges (pre-soaked in warm water) to remove the mask.

After masking, my face feels soft and supple. The warm sponges also aid in stimulating micro-circulation to promote a healthy-looking glow.

For more details on other masks I use and how I use them, please refer to this post [here]

• CLARINS SHAPING FACIAL LIFT lipo-drain serum

S$102 – 50ml, France

A pioneering serum that helps restore more harmonious, refined facial features. Indispensable for those whose facial features have become heavy-looking over time. Both the front as well as from the profile, the face looks more refined, its overall beauty is visibly enhanced.

My third bottle and I have a backup of it in my drawer. I think this product is god-send but I am also aware that it doesn’t work on everyone. It worked well on me but worked wonderfully on Mak and my sister. After approximately 4 weeks of continuous usage, Mak and I noticed a reduction of double-chin and a more defined jaw line.

I have been using this for over a year now, I started using it every night and I use it 2-3 times a week now – I mainly target the lower half of my face. There is a set of massaging steps (view video here) that goes along with this product which I don’t follow – I reckon if you follow the steps closely, results may be even more significant.

• KIEHL’S CUCUMBER HERBAL ALCOHOL-FREE TONER for all skin types, particularly dry or sensitive skin

S$TBA – 125ml, USA

The mildest of Kiehl’s toners, this elegant non-drying, alcohol-free Cucumber-based toner is made with the finest gentle herbal extracts for a natural soothing, balancing and mildly astringent effect. Leaves skin soft, clean, soothed and toned with a beautiful, elegant after-feel.

I fell in love with this product when I used the given sachet samples during a trip to India earlier this year. I love how cooling it feels upon contact with my skin, it feels like splashing cold water on without the harshness and pain that is. My skin felt instantly hydrated and it’s such a great way to freshen up after being outdoors for half a day.

Due to the amount of toners I have at that point, I didn’t want to purchase the actual size so I bought the 125ml from DFS Galleria. It’s a handy travel size or a good size if you want to try an array of toners.

Occasionally, I soak cotton pads with this cucumber toner and leave it on a specific part of my face – to calm down red and irritated skin or when my skin is feeling dry and flaky skin. I will also use this method to “cool” down a freshly popped pimple. I have not tried masking with this toner tho, do you think it will work?

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Hope this post has been interesting and helpful. I had fun doing it and let me know if you would like to see more in the future. If you do, I must start collecting empties instead of throwing them away.

Thank you for reading.