Empties - Vol. 5 {Skincare Reviews}

I have used an insane amount of skincare products in the last month or so, but found some great skincare products.  Here are some mini-reviews about the skincare products that I've been using and loving (or not) lately.

1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  I've mentioned First Aid Beauty before (I brought this along with me on my travels this summer, discussed here), and this is a solid brand.  Whenever I want something basic and effective, I go to this line (or Mario Badescu).  The Ultra Repair Cream is super moisturizing and gentle, so I use it after I've been traveling or whenever my skin is irritated.  I'll definitely repurchase this.

2. Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser.  This is a product that I used in my fall morning skincare routine (discussed here) and I absolutely love it.  This cleanser strikes the perfect balance between being gentle and effective and it's just a great cleanser to use every day.  I of course have a new cleanser that I'm testing out, but I have a feeling that I'll be returning to the Morning Time Cleanser soon.

3. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream.  When it comes to eye creams, I'm so disloyal!  I try whatever samples that I get in gift sets because I've yet to find something that I think is worth buying on my own (except for maybe the Kiehl's one that I used a while back).  I'll add this to the list of decent eye creams that I won't be buying anytime soon.  It's moisturizing, but I didn't really notice any other benefits, so I'll continue looking.

4. NARS Multi-Action Hydrating Toner.  You guys know by now this is my holy grail toner!  I love this and really miss it in my skincare routine.  But in an effort to declutter (and save money) I don't purchase new skincare until I actually run out of something.  Since I'm currently using the Lush Tea Tree Water toner, I haven't repurchased the NARS Multi-Action Hydrating Toner (yet).  This is a great toner because it exfoliates lightly but does not leave my skin feeling dry and tight, so I highly recommend this!

5. Yves Saint Laurent Or Rouge Eye Creme.  This is one to add to the "Good But Not Great Eye Creams" list with the Bobbi Brown mentioned above.  I used this little tube for a couple of weeks and didn't really notice any change in how my eyes looked or felt, so I won't be running out to purchase a full size, especially since it's pretty expensive.

6. Tarte Tarteguard SPF 30.  This is a great sunscreen.  It has a matte finish and doesn't irritate or sting my skin.  However, it leaves a slight white cast, so I will not be returning.  If you have lighter skin, this probably won't be an issue for you, so check it out next time you're in Sephora.

7. Clinique  Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream SPF 20.  Another eye cream for the list, lol.  I love that this has SPF, but it unfortunately leaves a white cast, which is a big problem for me.  The last thing I want on my eyes is something that makes them look gray or ashy, so I actually didn't use up the whole tube.  Again, if you have lighter skin, this may not be an issue for you, so it's still worth looking into because protecting your eyes from the sun is a great idea.

8. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster.  This is a really nice serum and I miss this in my skincare routine!  It sinks in very quickly and is lightly moisturizing.  I notice that my skin feels more plump and soft when I use this.  I definitely recommend this serum if you're looking for something light that will brighten and moisturize your skin.

9. Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray.  If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you know I love this spray!  This is great if your cleanser leaves your skin feeling dry, or throughout the day if you need to refresh your skin.  This is also a great makeup setting spray.  I really miss using this and will definitely repurchase this.

10. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Clear.  This isn't technically an "empty" but I decided to throw this away because it was starting to look dirty.  I've already purchased a new tube because I love using this to set my brows in place.

11. Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream.  I featured this in my fall daytime skincare routine (mentioned here) and really like this sunscreen.  It does not leave a white cast, so this is great for darker skin tones.  It does leave a shiny finish though, so I wouldn't recommend this for oily skin types.  I'm currently testing another sunscreen, and will have a review of that in the next couple of weeks.

Shop some great skincare products below:[xyz-ihs snippet="empties-5"]