Sunday, August 17, 2014

EMPTIES! #3 | Summer Edition (April - August 2014) ☼ PART 1


I have been putting this post off for so long that the little paper Nordies bag I use to house my empties has overflowed.  Procrastinating on an empties post is rather pointless since the longer you wait, the more tubs and bottles accumulate!  I've been thinking about doing my first ever YouTube video (I thought empties would be a good candidate!) but have never recorded or edited a video in my life and feel a bit overwhelmed by the whole process.  I love seeing blog friends come to life on video, so I will keep on truckin' with the YT idea.  There were so many empties this time that I've had to split the post into 2 parts.  Part 2 will be up on Wednesday!

Onto the magical bottles and tubs of empty air!

MAKEUP & NAILS //
Holy shizballs!  Actual makeup empties, you say?!  Yes!  *heart swells with pride*
1. Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat, $5.75 USD: My #1 favorite top coat ever.  I've tried many quick dry toppers including Out the Door, Orly Sec N' Dry and Seche Vite, and I prefer the Revlon.  It dries faster than Christmas dinner, doesn't cause shrinking or early chipping, and adds a high gloss shine.  
Would I repurchase? Yes! Already have.

2. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, $25.00 USD: This is my #1 favorite eyeshadow primer, followed closely by Urban Decay Primer Potion.  I love this one because it has a doe foot applicator that pulls out just the right amount of product to do both of my eyelids.  It dries clear and has a slightly grippy texture that encourages shadows to stay put all day while feeling completely weightless.  This product pulls out the vibrancy of eyeshadows like nobody's business.  I use this every day without fail, even on mornings when I'm not wearing shadow because it keeps my oily lids in check.  This 0.26 oz tube lasted me around 15 months with daily use!  
Would I repurchase? Yes! Already have.

3. NARS Risky Business Lipgloss, $26.00 USD: Though it doesn't look it in the picture, this tube is half-empty.  I ADORE this gloss.  It's a transparent plum with shimmer that's as gorgeous on it's own as it is layered over lipstick.  Risky Business also subtly darkens lipsticks that are a little too light on me.  I purchased the reformulated version of this gloss and I'm happy to report there's no plastic scent and absolutely no tackiness.  
Would I repurchase? This formula has been discontinued, but the reformulated version is part of the permanent line up.  

4.  Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil, $7.99 USD: Aw!  I loved this so much.  This nub was actually my second one.  This pencil has a slightly waxy consistency so it works as a pencil and brow wax to keep untamed hairs in check.  I also LOVE that it has a spoolie attached for blending.  Thank you, Maybelline.  This is truly the best drugstore brow product I've ever used.
Would I repurchase? Absolutely. 


FACIAL SKINCARE //

It appears that I was cleansing round the clock this summer!


1. Avène Thermal Spring Water, $18.00 USD for a pack of three 1.76 oz cans: I'm going to be completely frank.  Some people think this product is total B.S.  I, however, am solidly in the "it's not B.S." camp!  I love this stuff!  Keep a can in the fridge to mist onto your face, neck, and decolletage when you're hot.  Slip one into your bag for an on-the-go cooling spritz.  Spray a bit onto your face prior to applying serums, moisturizers, or masks to aid in absorption.  Both of these cans accompanied us on our honeymoon to Puerto Rico and they were fantastic!  I kept one in my purse and the other in the cooler so we had chilly refreshment everywhere we went.  Let me tell you, walking uphill in the Puerto Rican rainforest to gaze upon the world's largest single aperture telescope featured in The X Files and Contact?  One gets...toasty.  I was basically showering with the Avene spray when we reached the summit!  They really need a dunking pool at the top of that thing.  Or a log flume to ride back down the hill in!  
Photo credit: Wikipedia 


Anywho, suffice it to say I loved having the Avene on hand.  I also got sunburned on a 3 inch panel of my leg (???) and would mist the angry spot with this before applying aloe.  It felt wunderbar!

Would I repurchase? Yes!

2. NARS Makeup Removing Water, $28.00 USD.  This was only my second foray into micellar water-esque cleansers (the first being Bioderma).  I liked it.  It removed face makeup very well, but was just okay at eyeliner and mascara removal.  It was unscented and didn't leave any residue behind.  
Would I repurchase? No, but I certainly don't dislike it. I find Bioderma works better for me.

3. Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed, $23.00 USD: Love this cleanser.  This is my second tube.  It does a fab job of removing makeup, never breaks me out, leaves my skin feeling balanced, and smells like fresh clean laundry, hot out of the dryer.  Though I've been testing out some other cleansers with good results, this one will be on my favorites list for the foreseeable future. 
Would I repurchase? Yes.

4. RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream, $18.00 USD for 2.5 oz: What a stunning, multi-tasking product this is.  It sings, it dances, it acts!  I'm writing up a full review to go with a fun "how to use" pictorial I made when I had blonde hair, so I'll save my in-depth thoughts for that.  Stay tuned! ;)
[UPDATE: Review here]
Would I repurchase? Yes.

5. Lush Santa's Lip Scrub, $8.95 USD: I'd never felt pissed off by a lip scrub before using this.  Yes, it tasted like cola and it did exfoliate my lips, but the mega dose of red coloring stains your lips, the skin around your lips, and your fingers bright clown red and has to be washed off with cleanser.  I also felt like the formulation was off; the sugar grains didn't seem as chunky as other Lush lip scrubs I've used.  I would recommend getting the Bubblegum Lip Scrub over this all day long!
Would I repurchase? No.

What was your favorite makeup, nail care, or facial skincare product you finished this summer?  Are you close to hitting pan on anything?

29 comments :

  1. I've heard so many great things about the NARS primer -- my UDPP has lasted me years (literally) but when it's finally done one day, I may consider getting the NARS one! Also, can't wait to hear your thoughts on the RMS Coconut Cream. I'd also LOVE to see your YT videos, Kristen!! :)


    I'm actually bummed that I'm almost done with my NARS Hydrating Freshening Lotion (a toner). It was really great for my oily yet dehydrated skin! It looks like NARS has discontinued it/no longer sells it, and I'm wary of buying off random sellers on Amazon. So glad that there are other brands that are coming out with new toners these days though (Clinique and EL come to mind).

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  2. I hear so many great things about the NARS Primer, I must try it. My lids have become oily, so weird, they weren't.
    So sorry about the lip scrub, I almost purchased it awhile back, glad I didn't but I'll keep the BubbleGum one in mind!

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  3. Oh dear! Sorry your lids have become oily, Lily! What is up with that?! Maybe it's just the hot Texas weather?! Your lids will love the NARS primer. It's been a game changer for me! I'm so glad you skipped the Santa's Lip Scrub! I've gone through tubs of the Bubblegum and have loved every single one. If you like serious exfoliation, you will dig it! The Popcorn version is another cult fave, but I wasn't a huge fan of the scent/flavor. It did exfoliate just as well as the Bubblegum one, though! Hugs! :)

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  4. Hii Kristen! Thanks so much! Yes, boo to discontinued products! I think you're so personable -- reading your blogposts and your comments are always so enjoyable -- so I feel like that would come across so well on YT. :) I know it's definitely intimidating to get started on YT, but know that your blog readership/fanbase will be there to support you! Hope you had a great weekend!!

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  5. i don't finish nearly enough makeup like i do everything else!

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  6. lol, glad I'm not the only one who still using Santa's Lip Scrub until summer! I personally didn't dislike it though. It felt fine to me. And I never noticed that it colored my lips red...

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  7. Yay Yay!! An empties post!


    I was really happy to see the Avene spray you'd mentioned awhile back was not on your empties. I have to agree about sprays in general, THEY ARE SO NOT BS. I laughed so much reading your photo "you are here..."!! HAHAH. Totally second the flume ride back down, although I'm kind of petrified of roller coaster-esque anything.... But still. That would be pretty cool. Can't even FRONT on it.


    Can't wait to read the RMS post coming up!! I have been supah busy recently so I've been sticking to normal habits and not trying anything fancy. I told myself I'd break out the RMS oil tonight. I'm so excited, like it sounds dumb but I've been thinking about it all morning hahaha. I'M SO WEIRD, HELP ME.


    Good to know this red coloring problem from the Santa lip scrub from Lush! I have the Bubblegum and it was lovely the first like two uses and then as you describe with your Santa one, the formula must have been off because I kind of feel like it was a pointless effort... No real scrub-a-dub.


    I lurved the empties post. Really any post where you list out your products. You are like the god of explaining what is amazing and what needs to stay on the shelf. THANK YOU!


    MUCH LOVE,
    -SS/BBBF/CF1

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  8. Good job !!!
    The only nail products i made empties is top coats, and ofcourse removers.
    Xoxo
    Michelle
    Http://WondersReviews.wordpress.com

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  9. I know! This was my first empties post that included makeup items! When I hit the end of that Maybelline brow pencil, best believe I was doing the Dougie all the way to the empties bag! :) I have a few items that are nearing toss stage b/c they're started breaking down. I know there will be some mascaras in the bag next time!

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  10. Yep, it takes a while to get through an entire lip scrub! I remember you'd reviewed this one around the holidays. Who knows, maybe mine was a bad batch situation? I remembered yours also had the classic Lush scrubby texture whereas mine seemed busted, lol!

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  11. Spritzing is the bomb!! It just...IS. FACT! :D I used to be BIG into roller coasters but the last time I rode one, I was flipping biscuits before we even crescendoed over peak #1. Here it is: someone taped their ride from the front row. When we crested that first peak, I felt like I was out of my damn mind! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwMCKiUzU-s


    Some people didn't have any issues with the red in the Santa's Scrub staining their skin, but I've definitely read a few reviews where they did have the staining so it probably just depends on who made the batch! If any water gets into the scrub, it will start melting and breaking down everything. I had it happen with my first lush lip scrub that I was keeping in the shower to use. Great concept, but somehow, water got in and broke down the grains! Boo!


    You are so sweet and hilarious! I really appreciate that you enjoy my POV on beauty stuff! I always love empties posts in general because you see what the person actually finished and what their final thoughts were on the products. I love reading them! Do you have any empties on deck? It always feels so weird to be keeping a bag of recycling in our guest bedroom, lol!!


    Lots o' love and hippos!
    -KB/BBBF/CF2

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  12. Yay for Nars Smudge Proof! I couldn't believe how long it lasted. I bought a new tube during the spring Sephora F&F sale because I knew the current tube would give out in the next week or so. Then it just kept on rockin! And yas! Coconut Magic - comin' up ASAP! :D

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  13. Wow hats off to you on being ableto finish so many products Kristen. Im so embarassed everytime I read these types of posts...i barely have any empties. Ok..I have none. But I will..some day ..maybe lol. I'll have to try the NARS eyeshadow primer just because SO many people have raved about it. I'm perfectly happy with my UD primer potion and my coastal scents shadow worx ( phenomenal for the price) but ...so curious!! THe coconut cream has me intrigued as well. I'll wait for the pictogram..chart..diagram:)

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  14. Quite a few empties here, Kristen!! And you finished the Nars eye primer?!! HOW?!! I have had it for years and it's still no where near finished! Granted, I have not been using it every day but still!!! Kudos to you!!!!

    That observatory place looks like a lot of fun! I know how it feels to walk uphill in hot sun. I was basically walking up and down mountains when I was in Thailand, too, in hot sun and without any protective clothing - and I sweated so much that it scared me lol. I'd never seen myself sweat that much before in myl ife!! I'm glad I had bottles of water and cooling towelletes with me to prevent myself from heat stroke. Haha.

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  15. That NARS primer is a CHAMP! It lasts and laaaaasts! I was shocked by how long it lasted, actually. Definitely a primer that's worth the $$$!
    The Arecibo Observatory was awesome! I'd wanted to see it in person ever since I watched that episode of The X Files where the 2 main characters go there to investigate! It was lovely and so nice to see it in person versus via Google Earth, lol! I'm glad you were hydrated and had cooling towelettes in Thailand. That place is know for being MEGA HOT and HUMID to the max! I've had heat stroke twice in my adult life, both times it happened in Florida, and it was not fun! I never want that to happen again! Misting and drinking water is where it's at! :)

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  16. Hee hee! You're going to need to prepare the tissues then because I've nominated my NARS Deep Throat blush for Project Make A Dent! I want to see some pan on that bad boy! I've had it for going on 2 years. I'm working on a full post of my nominees! PR as a whole is a magical place. Happiest people on Earth. Best food ever. Beaches, rainforests, mountains - PR has it all, and you don't even need a passport! HEAVENLY PLACE! Wish I was there now actually...

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  17. Empties-posts are the best! You're really able to do a proper review on a product after you've finished it. The NARS primer sounds amazing! I use the Urban decay primer potion or the Artdeco Eyeshadow base, both pretty good :)

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  18. Hi Cheryl! I agree about empties posts - you really can reassess the product after you've finished it. I always love reading empties posts! I've used the UD primer and loved it, but have not tried the Art Deco one.

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  19. Thank you for stopping by, Divya! Where do you live that it's already getting colder? I am so jealous! I can't wait for fall, but living in Atlanta, I'm going to have to! I love the Cottonseed cleanser so much. I will check out the NARS cleansing oil!

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  20. Thanks Michelle! And hey! Top coats and removers are still empties! :)

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  21. Hey Kristen! Im in India! Actually different parts of my country have different degrees of hot and cold but where I live the temperatures don't fluctuate to much and it's mostly very pleasant! the rains here make it cold and then of course it remains that ways till December and January.

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  22. I really like the sound of the Clarins cleanser. I have a few (a lot ) of skincare to finish before I can indulge in new stuff.

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  23. I've started waiting until I finish skincare before buying new, myself. I realized after "reorganizing" the under sink cabinet for the 4th time in what felt like weeks, the problem wasn't disorganization, it was just TOO MUCH STUFF! I've been systematically using things up ever since. It feels good to not hoard! And yes, the Clarins cleanser is a dream.

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  24. India!! I've always wanted to go there! I'm in love with the kind people and the beautiful colors EVERYWHERE. What a great place! <3 I'm so excited that you stopped by my blog as I've seen your name on comments around the beauty blog circuit and always thought it was so pretty!

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  25. Hey Kristen! That is such a sweet thing to say! :D Thank you!

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  26. Thank you so much, Carolyn! This comment really made my week! I appreciate your kindness and friendship so much! <3

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  27. Aww, right back at you, Kristen! You are one of my fave bbloggers and I'm so glad I found you through Jaa! :D

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  28. Definitely give it a shot! I'd say it's not as thick and "glass-like" as Seche Vite, but it also doesn't cause polish shrinkage and is much more wallet-friendly! I'd love to know what you think if you pick it up! :)

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  29. Will do soon! I'm almost done with my Sally Hansen one. Have one may seche vite and another random brand one to use up before I'm allowed to buy more X.x

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