Well, I'm not quite sure when I started this little experiment but it feels like a lifetime ago and I am well an truly fed up with it. Yes I broke down today and bought some new goodies - haul time soon! (Smiles all round..!)
Did I reach 20? No
Did I learn some things? Yes
Here's a little run down of what I
did manage to use up:
(beware - it is a LONG post. I completely understand if nobody makes it to the end..!)
1. Aussie Dual Personality Curl Definition and Soft Feel Serum
Meant to 'revive and separate curls & keep your hair soft and curvy.'
For me, I like the smell (typical Aussie) and it does make my hair soft. Softer then any other serum? Well, no not really. As for the curls - I have come to realise my hair is more wavy than curly and I sadly don't think any product will give me the movie star curls of my dreams.
Will I repurchase? NO
2. Olay Beauty Fluid
A classic product that is suitable for all skin types.
I just found it a bit blah. The fact that it is suitable for all skin types just makes me think that it doesn't really do anything?? It didn't mattify, didn't really hydrate, it was just there. In the end I just ended up using it for my elbows etc when in a rush. I think this is more suited for a more mature skin that doesn't really a specific type of skincare.
Will I repurchase? NO (Until I hit my 60s anyway...!)
3. Tek.nique Straightener Spray
This bottle which I picked up from Sally's promises a multitude of things. Smooths and detangles; adds body and lift; protects from heat; sun protection - to name just a few...
In reality, the heat protectant is its only real use for me. I most definitely still had to use serums and hair sprays etc to get the smoothness and volume I so wish for..
Will I repurchase? NO
4. Nivea Goodbye Cellulite - Anti-Cellulite Gel Cream
I actually won this from a magazine a good few years ago so I can't really give a definitive review as any active ingredients will have faded away in that time. What I will say, it does feel lovely and cooling on the skin but I'm not sure I believe a product can help with the dreaded cellulite. I personally saw no results but then I only had enough product left for a week's worth of usage. I'd love to know if anyone actually had any real results..
Will I repurchase? Probably not
5. L'oreal Elvive Styliste Non-Stop Volume Mousse
Unfortunately this had no effect on my hair whatsoever :( I really couldn't tell the difference if I used it or not and backcombing and hair spray was still a necessity. I do have quite long, heavy hair though so for all you trendy girls with pixi hair cuts, this may work wonders!
Will I repurchase? NO
6. John Freida Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfector
Oh my days I hate it. I rarely say that but I honestly hate it. It just turned my hair into a horrible crispy mess. Not even a slightly-crispy-beachy-I'm-cool-with-my-Ke$sh-inspired-hair-mess. Just a crispy, crunchy mess.
Will I repurchase? NO
7. Fructis Bamboo Flexihold Hairspray
I actually...wait for it....really like this! Wheyyyy! It smells like Apple Sourz and gives me hair lots of volume and hold. Perfect!
Would I repurchase? YES!!!!
8. Boots Time Delay Gradual Tanning Moisturiser
I think I bought this on a whim with one of those £5 off vouchers that are always floating about. This actually smells like a really expensive cream and does make my skin feel soft and rejuvenated. Unfortunately, it makes my eyes water an insane amount and does not give me any hint of a tan.
Would I repurchase? NO
9. L'oreal Perfect Clean
I absolutely love the scrublet that comes with this product but that is as far as the love goes. I am technically cheating with this as I haven't used it up at all but it unfortunately broke me out so I don't want to risk using it again. I have heard great things about this though so don't take my word on this. I do really want to try the other versions for sensitive skin and exfolation.
Would I repurchase? Not this version
10. Simple Oil Balancing Moisturiser
I bought this years and years ago when I had quite oily skin as a teenager. It therefore is no surprise that this smells very weird as it most probably went out of date a long time ago. I did give it a try for a few weeks though and I have to say it is very good at mattifying the skin. However, as my skin is now more dry than oily, it just holds no use for me anymore. I would recommend it though to anyone with an oily complexion.
Would I repurchase? NO
11. Dior Capture Totale
This was thrown into a bag when I made a Dior purchase and I never really gave it a second thought. I have used up the entire pot now though and it is a gorgeous cream. I think it is probably aimed at an older age group than myself but it did feel really luxurious. It is very thick and for this reason I only applied it at night to allow it to sink it. It smells amazing and I did wake up to amazingly soft skin in the morning but for right now I cannot justify actually buying a full size pot.
Would I repurchase? Perhaps in the future
12. Superdrug Natural High Brightening Eye Cream
I love this eye cream. It is cheap as chips, really readily available and makes my undereyes visibly more moisturised. It contains arnica which is typically used for bruises and therefore really reduces the blueness than can occur under the eyes.
Would I repurchase? Absolutely yes
Conclusions?
All pretty negative really?!! I guess the reality is, the fact that I didn't use up these products in the first place speaks volumes. If I had liked them in the first place, they wouldn't be sitting gathering dust.
What have I learnt?
A) My hair is wavy; not curly. It therefore will always require heat to achieve any sort of desirable style. Any products I buy from now on will therefore be for keeping my hair in tip top condition, protecting it from heat styling and for keeping it set in a style for as long as poss.
B) My skin is now basically normal but on the dry side. I need to focus on protecting it from the sun, keeping it hydrated & plumped up and attempting to even it all out. I am not 16 anymore! Don't I know it...!
Got this far?! I salute you - I am bored with myself!
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