Three skincare empties that prove that your skin’s needs are constantly changing

Rebuying a skincare product you finish using is a sign that it’s been doing what it says on the tin, tube or bottle. Here are three that I won’t be buying again, but they might suit you

Every skin is different. What works for one person will not work for another. And even more than that, what works for your skin one month, might not work the following month. I have one (or five) too many shelves of skincare in my bathroom, my husband’s puny little skincare selection pales in comparison, but so would most people’s I’d imagine. I could be described as a skincare hoarder. So actually being able to finish a bottle or tub or tube of something is rare enough.

Related: Getting your makeup stash organised for 2019

This Christmas, I polished off no fewer than three items, squeezing the last drips from the vessels. I loved using these products, and yet, right now they are not suiting my skin. However, you might like to give them a go. Here’s why.

PRODUCT 1:

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehls’ Ultra Facial Cream, from €29

Anyone who knows me (or who sees my skincare collection – it can be seen from space) will be aware of my deep love for Kiehls produce. Their Ultra Facial Cream was what my skin needed when my face was calling out for hydration, moisture and rich textures in November and December. But as I neared the end of the tub, I realised that my makeup wasn’t staying on as it usually does, and I was waking up oilier than John Travolta’s hair in Grease every morning. It turns out, the Ultra Facial Cream is just that bit too rich for my normal skin. While it helped when I needed it, now that my face is back to hydration, I’m back to my lighter serums and creams.

PRODUCT 2:

Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi Glow Tonic, €23.50

When I first got involved with this glycolic toner, there didn’t seem to be very many with the same percentage of glycolic acid available, and certainly not for such a reasonable price. I went ahead and bought it and it did the job. My skin saw the smoother texture it promises. But I didn’t particularly care for the smell of the product – experiential aspects of skincare are important to me and this one didn’t smell nice. If that sounds like a diva statement, well… It is. Either way, I finished the bottle and my skin looked great. But have since graduated to the Paula’s Choice BHA toner as my toner of choice and will be happily staying there for the foreseeable.

PRODUCT 3:

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream, €120

To be clear, I love everything Charlotte touches, and I believe her skincare range is one of the best from a non-skincare focused brand, if you know what I mean. She’s got the makeup side of things pretty much nailed, and ticks loads of my boxes when it comes to skin – her Magic Cream is tops. But lads. This night cream is not for me. First of all – it’s pricey at €120. I felt I needed to get every ounce of that value for my outlay. In terms of the product itself, it was the experience of using it again that turned me off. It’s a bit gloopy. The smell doesn’t offend me, but when you’ve to sleep in something you want it to smell pleasant, not just inoffensive. This cream would be great if you were feeling a little more affluent and needed a really thick moisturiser for very dry, winter skin.