It's been a long time since I've put together a post full of products I've used up, but I recently finished off a fair few beauty products all at once and thought it might be interesting to share my opinions on them. Some I love, and some I've been less impressed by, but I think it's important to always share my honest feedback on the products I use, both positive and negative.

First up, we have the La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream. If you're looking to incorporate a retinoid into your skincare routine but are unsure where to start, this is a great option. All retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, but retinol is a far less potent and therefore irritating form than others, like retinal and retinoic acid. La Roche-Posay is a brand known to cater to those with sensitive skin, and Redermic R is formulated to efficiently increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production with fewer undersirable side effects. The fragrance-free cream has more of a thick serum consistency, which makes it easy to spread evenly across the face. You can use it alone as the last step in your PM routine or follow with a moisturiser if your skin is particularly dry. Just make sure to apply SPF every morning whenever you use retinoids to avoid sun damage!

This retinoid isn't the most effective at noticeably reducing wrinkles as it's so gentle, but it's perfect for smoothing texture without leaving your skin in a sorry state. Starting slow and working yourself up to using stronger formulations is key when it comes to retinoids, and La Roche-Posay's Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream is one I always recommend to newbies as it's pretty foolproof. This product provides an affordable introduction to retinol and will help your skin to adjust to the ingredient. I'm somewhat of a retinoid veteran and switch between various formulas, but this is one I come back to if I've had a retinoid break and use on my nights off from stronger concentrations.

MAC's Fix+ is an icon. Setting sprays are now a common fixture in makeup brands' product lineups and a staple product in the beauty bags of makeup lovers, but there was a time when setting sprays weren't much of a thing. MAC Fix+ was one of the first setting sprays I ever came across, and it was the product you turned to if you wanted your makeup to laaast. It would tone down the heavy, cakey look of those full coverage foundations that we used to plaster on and give your base the extra longevity that you needed when dancing in a hot, dingy club. Now that I've swapped clubbing for more civilised nights out, wear significantly less makeup and opt for more natural-looking finishes, Fix+ really helps to prevent my lighter, dewier bases from sliding off my face without toning down their radiance too much.

Since its launch, MAC Fix+ has seen many iterations, but I still adore the original formula. It's refreshing, it's alcohol free so doesn't dry out your skin, and it's full of skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. I was never keen on the spray of the old packaging as it was too direct, but the new packaging apparently delivers a fine mist. My last bottle may have finally come to an end, but I can't wait to pick up a new one with the revamped packaging!

I'm always so gutted to reach the bottom of a perfume bottle, but I was truly heartbroken to spritz the last few drops of my Diptyque Do Son Eau De Toilette. I'm just obsessed with the Do Son fragrance at this time of year as it just screams spring/summer. Inspired by the heady scents wafting along the coast of Halong Bay in Vietnam, it's a distinct white floral fragrance with strong notes of tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom. Although a salty hint elevates and freshens the scent so that it's not too cloying, Do Son remains warm and inviting, making it perfect for both day and evening wear. Of course, like with any Diptyque fragrance, the scent lasts amazingly well on the skin even for an eau de toilette, and I'm able to smell it on my coat or scarf for weeks after wearing it. I'll be purchasing another bottle of this absolute classic the next time I pass a counter, and if you haven't already, make sure to sample it yourself sometime!

I was recently given the opportunity to trial Y'OUR Skincare's personalised skincare service* - it's similar to other skincare subscriptions, but you receive a complete four-step routine (a cleanser, SPF day cream, serum and night cream) rather than just one single serum. You simply answer a set of questions on the website, then AI develops your custom formulas. Having tested out the products chosen for me for two months, I've got mixed thoughts. The standout product from my kit is definitely the SPF moisturiser, which I'd happily continue to purchase. It's super hydrating, layers with no issues and leaves no white cast behind on my skin. It sufficiently protects, provides a radiant finish and sits well under makeup. The rest of the products are okay but haven't really wowed me enough to warrant continuing a subscription. The cleanser is slightly drying, the serum is too thick to work with the bottle's pipette, and although the night cream has a lovely texture, it feels very similar to an affordable one already in my collection. Has my skin been transformed? Unfortunately not.

I must admit that I found the skin quiz to be fairly brief. I wasn't asked to upload any photos, and my kit was developed almost too quickly after only a couple of minutes. When you're looking for a more personalised skincare solution, you want an expert to really take the time to analyse your skin, ask you detailed questions, navigate your uncertainties and explain how the products formulated especially for you will work. That's what I'd expect to pay more for. I didn't feel like the AI element of the service really gave me that experience, and I was surprised that you're only given a very brief overview of the products selected for you after completing the quiz. No detailed information is provided regarding the personalised ingredients actually included in your products, how the products work or what results to expect in the kit you actually receive.

Despite the convenience of having a complete personalised skincare routine arriving on your doorstep every three months, Y'OUR Skincare's subscription service is still fairly costly at $69 a month for a three-month supply of products ($207 in total if you pay monthly or $180 if you pay up front). The quality of my chosen products didn't blow me away for that price, however the brand does offer free formula adjustments and free refills as long as your subscription is renewed. It's also easy to cancel or pause your subscription at any point via your online account. As with any subscription service, just make sure you fully understand Y'OUR Skincare's terms and conditions before ordering to avoid any unexpected charges.

AGB X