Today, I celebrate the thirty sixth episode of the saga of my empty bottles. Because I believe that we must celebrate the small joys and small satisfactions of life, it's always a joy (and pride) to take stock of cosmetic products that I have used in recent weeks .

I still use a vengeance samples and it was definitely a taste. I make great discoveries, I test a lot of products and I never get tired.

Let's start with care, in order of use in my routine (detailed HERE ).

up removal

The melting jelly cleansing from Clarins is one of my favorite products of all time. I'll buy it back for sure! The detailed review is HERE if you want to know what's so wonderful!

Tonic / Acid

I had a heart for the famous pads Alpha Beta of Dr. Dennis Gross . They are really sweet (too much even for my skin now well accustomed to acids), easy to use, well soaked in product and fragrance is light. My ultra sensitive skin tolerates perfectly. I can not get enough of the acid step (soft chemical exfoliation) in my care routines. Just give me the pads "glow" of the same brand (self-tanning) and I intend to offer me the stronger version (= concentration of higher acids) Alpha Beta. If you have never tried this type of product, this ultra-soft version is the best way to start.

misting

This phase is delicious. Spray a hydrating mist on my face gives me freshness, hydration and relaxation. Most often I use a thermal water (Avene, Vichy, La Roche Posay), but I also try enriched mists, like mist Nirvana of Josie Maran . This mist was a disappointment on two levels: the bottle is certainly beautiful but very heavy (glass) and the mist is tiny and can not be used continuously. Must be pressed to deliver a single spritz. I much prefer the pressure continues, as the thermal water bottles. Furthermore, the droplets are so fine that does not feel them on the face. It is therefore necessary to pump at least 30 times on the bottle for wet face ... So I transferred from first use the product in a more attractive sprayer for me (that of Moisture Surge Face Spray Clinic). I was also disappointed by its strong scent, some evenings when my eyes were tired, irritated my eye area. In short, an expensive ($ 48 CA 100 ml) and disappointing. I expected the spray happiness, I've only had the disappointment, I can not redeem it and I do not recommend!

Eye

Two products that I love came in later life recently: the cream high wrinkle correction Capture XP eyes of Dior and care intense Hydraphase eyes of La Roche Posay . Both creams are very similar, except for the price. Both are rich, nourishing and moisturizing, but are neither oily nor sticky. They relieve tired eyes and are very well tolerated by sensitive eyes. I'll buy them, it is a certainty. I highly recommend it.

Serum

I'm a big fan of sera. I always more open, and several in stock, as well as many samples. It is the flagship of a skincare routine, one for which we have to read the labels and do not skimp on the price. I just finished the serum energizing recharge of SOTHYS that I presentedHERE . More I used it, the more I loved it. Its viscous texture applies perfectly to the fingers. It has a soothing and moisturizing immediately.For the price, I do not think me an offer, but the final I have good memories even if the composition always puzzled me.

I was disappointed the Abeille Royale serum from Guerlain , largely because of this mini pump size which left out some marbles intact.Difficult to break them in by hand because the viscous formula was the ride on the skin. And a third of the product remains basically impossible to get them out. I did not like the slimy slimy, sticky, or perfume (which I can not define). In short, this sample test saved me from spending money unnecessarily!

Serum Perfectionnist of Estee Lauder did not impressed me either. I had the impression of applying a makeup base 100% silicone on my face. I did not like that feeling, so I do not intend to invest in a regular format. Again, the sample allowed me to avoid a bad investment!

moisturizing cream

The moisturizer is a thick coat that protects your skin from damage. It is essential no matter what your skin type, but it does not need to cost a fortune (the serum that treats your skin, not your moisturizer). I like to try different because I fit the texture to the needs of my skin and the weather. Although the beginning of winter is unusually warm in Quebec this year, the skin suffers cool temperatures and wind so I stood the thick textures, rich and cuddly.

Cream Evercalm of REN is a must for sensitive skin winter. I had presented HERE . I bought it regularly it is wonderful (except perfume gift strong herbs!).

I also finished cream Pro Even day of Vichy . I used as serum, but it is a fluid carefully. I had you presented  HERE . Combined with a full routine, this treatment has helped reduce my brown spots (which are now rather caramel, and much less visible). Again, I'm not fond of the composition, but apparently it is effective. It is possible that I offer myself in a tube.

I discovered with delight the massage mask The Lift of Chanel . Rich thick texture, easy to massage, I applied two nights in a row thickly, I have left my skin massaged and drink. A stroke of heart even if the fragrance is too far for my taste. It is possible that I let myself be tempted by a regular size one day.

Another heart stroke, cream Solution 10 of Chanel . New for 2015, this cream consists of 10 ingredients is only intended for sensitive skin.Well played Chanel, your care are becoming more intelligent and credible. I will certainly offer me a tube of this cream that feels almost nothing and soothes the skin.

Finally, I fell in love with the cream Multi Active Day of Clarins I've worn for years (my college years were my years Clarins). He'll have to offer me a pot to make me nostalgic sequence. The texture of this cream is divine, a sort of rich and nourishing whipped cream, perfect for winter.

Samples care

Big disappointment with the care Oxygen Meteorites of Guerlain . It feels so strong violet it irritates my eyes. And it's full of silicones and pearlescent for cheating on healthy glow. For me it is not a treatment, it does not add much to the skin. So I used as a makeup base. Move along, nothing to see here!

In contrast, milk Progenius of Nude is interesting. This is not a milk but a light cream, more compact and richer than milk. Regardless, it applies perfectly to the fingers, it is moisturizing and nourishing the skin. I intend to offer me a regular size one day despite his strange and little sexy fragrance.

Be retried Double Serum from Clarins makes me want to buy me one. It has long been my favorite serum because despite the strong presence of mineral oils, there is a savior of sensitive and dehydrated skin. He saved my skin during harsh winters. I still love it.

New Clarins this fall: the concentrated multi intensive eye area . This sample seduced me, I intend to offer me this winter tube. It reminds me a lot the 2 treatments eye presented above (rich but not greasy, and very well tolerated).

Heart stroke also for cream Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief from Clinique . The gel texture penetrates the skin to hydrate and its effect lasts for hours. Congratulations Clinic, I want one pot!

Finally, I was blown away by the moisturizer Top Secret to Yves Saint Laurent . It is very rich, very fat, very nutritious, but is not sticky.An enveloping texture and comfortable for the winter, I'm seduced.

Cotton

I use some cotton for my sensitive skin does not support contact with this often harsh and irritant. However, the liquid tonics require cotton for the application because they are too fluid to be applied by hand. The only cotton that I tolerate, is that of Shiseido . The pads are rectangular, large, thick and do not fray. They are soft as a sheet and glide over the skin. I use nothing else, all other cottons that I've tried have irritated me or are breaking and fraying fast. I would recommend them, they could change your life, no less!

Makeup

I was pleasantly surprised by the satin foundation of Sothys . He does not score at all fine lines, pores, dry areas. It is quite covering but gives a natural. The color was too dark for me, but I would not say no to a vial suitable for my skin tone, I think it deserves to be known!

End of my Sun Beam of Benefit loved. This is my favorite illuminator winter because it has a smooth texture that does not dry out. His report is dimmed once ultra natural and her outfit is amazing. Its small brush is super convenient, I'm going to buy one that is no doubt. I you had presented HERE .

I finished a SkinFlash of Dior , the equivalent of Touche Éclat by Yves Saint Laurent, but less fat. This is my safe bet to give some light to my face when my skin is dull. I have several shades to vary seasonally. I often come back.

Finally, yet another tube of mascara Diorshow Iconic Overcurl  of Dior died this fall. I love Dior mascara and this is one of my favorites.His brush banana shaped well separates lashes and gives a natural that I love, all without pâtés.

Nails and hands

My fetish for dissolving nail polish is without hesitation the apricot dissolving of Dior . It is perfect, all the details are HERE . Of course, I have already begun a new one ...

I liked the hand cream L'Occitane en Provence in Iris Blue & White Iris (presentation of the collection HERE ). A real treat that feels good and effective. The hand cream L'Occitane never cease to amaze me!

Parfums

Many empty bottles to the radius of perfumes, because I use my samples almost every day.

The Ideal Man of Guerlain has not seduced mine. Too strong and heady, he did not win his heart even though I found it very interesting.

The Rose of Fruits & Passion is so very surprising, a heart stroke. I expected a low-end water bath that smells of grandma, actually the rose fragrance is light and discreet, very nice and very "young". A case that deserves to be studied in depth ...

Nice discovery with eau de parfum Black Women of Tom Ford . It is present without climbing to the head, I wore the evening as it is, to my nose too big for the day. A beautiful creation.

Chance of Chanel always leaves me as puzzled. Some days I love it, others I find it too violent and too alcoholic. I remain mixed.

The eau de parfum Chloé by Chloé is still as lovely in my nostrils, the scent of my 2000, I could offer me with nostalgia again.

Lady Million by Paco Rabanne , like Chanel Chance, very fluctuating in my esteem. In any case, I reserve the evening because it is strong enough and far.

The eau de parfum For her to Azzaro is very interesting and enjoyable, but it does not at all on my skin. I feel the most at the end of 3 minutes, unfortunately. That's why I will not offer me even though it feels very good.

I also used a sample of Alien by Thierry Mugler , I loved but I hate the bottle ...

Toilet waters Replica are pleasant and thoughtful, like Lazy Sunday Morning that is pleasant to wear. Unfortunately, they are very ephemeral that is why I have not yet succumbed to a regular bottle. I'm just samples.

The eau de parfum The little black dress of Guerlain is a stroke of heart for a long time. This sample ended up pushing me to buy a regular bottle, to my delight. Shalimar , another classic of the house, will be one of my next purchases of perfume, I had forgotten how good it is nice (and perfume Breath version will be perfect for spring).

I did not like Bonbon of Viktor & Rolf . I have not been able to identify the dominant notes, it's a mess for my nose, I have not hooked at all. Anyway, I find it horrible bottle (and when I do not like the bottle, I do not buy perfume).

Finally, Panther of Cartier is still outstanding. A perfume that I have chosen to wear regularly (in samples) and I would like to offer me one day.

Here are the results of my empty bottles in recent weeks.

If you share some blows of heart or some disappointments with me, let me know!

I love the Chanel makeup with passion. I find lipsticks, rouges, mascaras and other beautiful illusion Shadow, high quality and if you follow my blog, you will see quickly. There several years, I had tried the Chanel care, but the composition, efficiency and extremely powerful scent were soon discouraged me. Recently, Chanel released the HYDRA BEAUTY. I tested several samples and I documented on the issue. After reading dozens of glowing reviews, I relented and offered me the microphone Hydra Beauty Serum and Lotion Hydra Beauty Very Moist . I'm not disappointed, they are actually exceptional ...

My skin is a permanent desert plagued by dehydration. I have to bring him water constantly, and often, I must also bring him fat as a bonus, it dries.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Lotion Very Moist

This is a lotion in gel form, which becomes liquid at the application in contact with the skin. So I prefer to apply directly to the fingers rather than cotton.

There is a Moist version lighter. I preferred the Very Moist winter version.

For starters, I like the packaging. The pump bottle is perfect: beautiful, strong, tough. The pump is convenient and allows measurement of the amount of will to lotion.

Composition:

PEGs are out in force, but the right ingredients too, like betaine (a powerful moisturizer), the camellia flower (nourishing, restorative and anti-aging), ginger root (anti-inflammatory and anti-aging promoting circulation) or sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of even more potent hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin to retain water). Note that this lotion does not contain alcohol.

This lotion is applied to clean skin clean, slightly damp, just after cleansing and before serum. Upon application, one feels the plumping and soothing effect. The skin is plumped and supple. If you have used a product based on hyaluronic acid, you will understand this feeling of relief.

The scent is not as present as you might fear. This lotion smells clean, fragrance is light and does not persist on the skin. Nothing irritating.Besides, my hypersensitive skin perfectly tolerates this lotion (and serum).

Price: CA $ 76 for 150 ml.

An equivalent product? Dior soft lotion is a cheaper but equally effective option (see HERE ).

Chanel Hydra Beauty micro sérum

The serum is the key product of a care routine. This is THE product for which we do not skimp. It must be adapted to your primary concern (hydration, pigmentation, anti-aging ...). You can even layer multiple.

We find the same practical and solid packaging, with the pump bottle that allows to dose the product.

It is clear micro beads, which are split with the release of the bottle.

Composition:

We find the same ingredients in the lotion presented above. It does not contain alcohol. We thus find the same effects (skin plumped, soothed, relaxed) but longer. Texture being thicker, the penetration is slower. Especially since the skin has already drunk before the lotion.

The effectiveness is undeniable, my skin loves it. The use is really nice and the scent quite tolerable (light, fresh and not hard). This is an excellent product, I totally understand the praise made to it.

Price: $ 125 30 ml

More photos on the slideshow below:

This is the ideal time to make annual reports. I'll start by introducing the 3 brands that have me most packed in 2015 by the quality of their makeup. Of course, this is relative, and that kind of ranking varies depending on the tastes of each. Personally, my 3 favorite makeup brands in 2015 are:

CHANEL . I've worn a lot of Chanel makeup ago ten years. Then I was often disappointed, mainly by lack of pigmentation of the shadows, they tend to be dusty and do the falls. So I abandoned the brand for a long time. But since 2014, I continue to go good surprise in wonder.The quality of the shadows completely changed, each collection is totally seduced me and my tastes. 2015 has been a great year for Chanel I think this is the brand I most purchased and used.

The collection of spring 2015 (Paris Reverie) was romantic and poetic at will ( ICI ), the collection was soft and bewitching Pearl ( ICI ), the summer collection (Mediterranean) was warm and colorful ( ICI ), the collection of fall (the Automnales) was completely successful and perfectly stuck to my tastes ( ICI ), and what about the sublime collection of Christmas Red Black Absolutely ( ICI ) except that it represents exactly Christmas in my eyes?

2015 was definitely a year Chanel. Will I also won in 2016?

Guerlain . Guerlain is, in my opinion, capable of the best and the worst. Some products are excellent (as the Terracotta), others disappointing (as palettes of eye often starved of pigmentation). In 2015, I expanded my collection of brand perfumes (I have always been an inveterate romantic fragrances of the house), but I also discovered sublime makeup products of impressive quality, like the palette bayadère (ICI ) or the magical Christmas collection entitled Snows and Wonders ( ICI ). In 2015, I returned Guerlain after several years of disappointment (except for perfumes and Terracotta remaining in my safe bets and must-haves). I hope to continue on this road in 2016!

TOM FORD . This is THE discovery of the year. Each product that I offer is perfect. Quality, pigmentation, packaging, colors, this is a fairy tale. I spoke of the pallet Nude Dip  which was a real stroke of heart. It is absolutely necessary that I present lipsticks, they are to die. Tom Ford is the revelation of the year!

I could also have cited MARC JACOBS as revelation of the year. After worshiping the pallet The Enigma and other small wonders ( HERE ), I have other products in my radar. 2016 will therefore be a year Marc Jacobs!

IF you follow me on the blog or on Instagram , you know I'm a real DIOR addicted. This brand has fascinated me for many years, including the quality of its products for the complexion, its polish and its lipsticks. However, in 2015 I was less excited than usual, largely because the colors, themes and proposed effects were not to my taste. The collections were overall very metal (such as Cosmopolitan ) or lacked originality (as the Christmas collection that seems to be a barely reworked remake of that of last year). In short, if I remain a large consumer and worshiper of Dior (many of my everyday products are signed Dior), I have not been struck down by what they proposed in 2015. 2016 does mark the return Dior?

And you, what were your 3 favorite makeup brands in 2015?