October Empties

☑ Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer (sample)

I don't usually use primers and I'm not sure this one really did something - at least I didn't notice a brightening effect.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Benefit The POREfessional 

☑ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment

I bought this a long time ago and I must admit I rarely used it. It's basically a clay mask to me (despite its fancy name) and it did nothing special. You could buy a super cheap clay mask at the drugstore and it would work just as well.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Face Mask Duo

☑ Magical Moisture Quenching Face Mask

Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin)

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath

Smells nice in the bottle but almost nothing once poured in the bath. Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

I think this did left my hair softer but I can't really tell as I always use a leave-in conditioner after washing my hair anyway. It has a nice thick texture though!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy

Repurchase: no as I'm sure I can find aloe vera products that work just as well at a fraction of the price

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion

☑ mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit 

I got this a loooooong time ago when I became an Avon rep as reps have access to amazing discounts and this was included in a special mark. starter kit. I use this every morning as a toner instead of washing my face with soap because it's so dry, but I don't feel it really did something for my face. I'm glad I finally used it up!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (60 towelettes)

☑ Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub (sample)

At first, I fell in love with this scrub because of its amazing smell and because it's so gentle... but after continuous use, I realized it did nothing for my skin... and it started to make the area around my mouth burn! Maybe I have an allergy to something in this scrub?


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub 

Review: Elemis FreshSkin Fresh Start Discovery Kit

Your cute take-away freshskin taster! 

Featuring a selection of favourites in special mini sizes, this kit is the perfect introduction to the freshskin range. Ideal for those on the go too!

Includes:

• Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash 30ml
• Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash 30ml
• Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser 15ml
• Dreamy Sleep Night-Time Moisturiser 15ml
• 3 X Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask 7ml sachets

You may remember my previous post on Elemis FreshSkin, which is a range that consists of nine new products designed especially for teens to twenties. These products are formulated with active raw ingredients, such as elderflower, rosehip seed oil, apple, blackcurrant, goji berry, geranium combined with skin kind bases specially chosen for their ability to help cleanse, exfoliate, prevent damage, moisturise and boost skin's elasticity to keep it youthful for longer.

This time, I had the chance to try their cute Discovery Kit. I won't review again the Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser and the Purifying Face Mask because I already talked about them here.

The products come in a handy packaging if you are on the go

Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash

My wake-up call 

Hydrating chicory extract, conditioning elderflower and skin-awakening lemon, leave the complexion beautifully soft and glowing.

I tend to shy away from foaming face cleanser because of my eczema, but I must say I was delighted with this one.

When I first used it, I noticed that it lathered very well, so I immediately thought it would be drying, but it wasn't. My face is not left squeeky clean, but soft and supple, and suprisingly, not even more drier!

I love the delicate lemony scent which is very relaxing.

The pump dispenser is also great and less messy than a tube, and do not fear to let in wander in your purse as it comes with a cap.

Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash

A scrub a day, keeps the grime away... 

With a deep pore cleansing action, this exfoliating facial wash contains cherry powder and jojoba beads to gently polish and help refine skin texture. Enriched with mandarin and aniseed to soften and condition, leaving skin clean, brighter and more radiant.

I'm usually not a fan of exfoliating face cleansers because I'm scared they would trigger an eczema flare-up if I use them everyday, but this one proved me wrong.

I'm really pleased with the texture - before using this product, I thought it would have the texture of a cheap foaming cleanser with exfoliating beads that disappear within 10 seconds of use (yes, I'm talking to you, L'Oréal Go 360 Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub!) - but no, this exfoliating face wash as a dense texture with just the right amount of exfoliating beads.

The cherry powder and jojoba beads are not gritty like sand - they are a little bit bigger than what I'm used to and are just perfect! They won't melt, disintegrate, evaporate or disappear as soon as they come in contact with your skin. In fact, they seem to stay on your skin until you wash away the cleanser. I would be tempted to say that the beads could have been even more exfoliating, but let's not forget that we are talking about an exfoliating cleanser, not a scrub. I think it's perfect for everyday use.

The smell is similar to the Peachy Perfect Cleanser althought a slightly more pronounced.

Dreamy Sleep Night-Time Moisturiser

Good night sweetheart, good morning fab skin... 

Specially formulated with a powerful liposome complex of vitamins A, C and E, this intensely hydrating night-time moisturiser improves skin radiance whilst you sleep. Blackcurrant seed oil and barley extract help to further refine skin texture and increase skin smoothness.

The first thing I look for in a night cream is its texture - I want it to be thick. This moisturizer is not so thick - I would say it falls between a lotion and a cream. I guess it's OK as it's not runny or too light, and it seems to moisturize well (although for me a moisturizer is truly put to the test in the winter because of my super dry and eczema-prone skin).

I was surprised at how fast this product is absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue behind. I don't mind greasy creams so much when I use them at night, but of course it's always better when they are not!

The scent is very subtle and I can't really define it. It smells a blend of plants to me, it's not a cheap chemical scent.

You can buy Elemis FreshSkin Discovery Kit from:

• www.timetospa.co.uk UK (£19.90)
• www.timetospa.com USA ($28.00)

For more locations, click here. 

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.