Sunday, April 5, 2015

EMPTIES! #5 | Winter 2014

Ladies and gents, it's time to talk trash!  Today's the day for a virtual dumpster dive through my beauty refuse for the past quarter!  Let's get started!

// FACE //
Avène Thermal Spring Water Soothing Serum: This gentle hydrating serum works better for me during the warmer months when my skin needs less moisture.  It's great for spring and summer if you're oily/combination and need something that won't irritate your skin.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub:  I talked about this lip scrub in my February Loves & Lemons post here.  To summarize, this scrub is 99% emollients, 1% scrub.  Would I repurchase? No.
Bliss Fabulous Foaming Fash Wash: This cleanser contains microbeads to gently exfoliate skin while you wash.  I wasn't blown away by it, but I didn't dislike it either.  Would I repurchase? Undecided.
Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate: FELL IN LOVE after one use!  This cream is unbelievably silky and leaves the delicate skin around the eyes feeling incredibly soft and perfectly hydrated without being greasy or sticky.  I squeezed every last drop out of this sample, and bit the bullet and bought the full sized version after only 4 uses.  Another winner from Clarins! Would I repurchase? Bought the full size and love it!
Garnier Smoothing Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin with Jojoba and Macadamia Oils: This was a nice, non-drying cleanser that performed both of it's main claims ("gently cleans + restores softness") well.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
*Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths: If there was an award for the best smelling facial cloths in existence, these would win!  Full review here. *Press sample Would I repurchase? Yes.
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: This product has an interesting texture; it goes on smooth but then gets squeaky as you work it in?  I used this for over a month and didn't notice any change to my eye area.  Would I repurchase? No.
MAC Sized To Go Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil: This was ok, but I prefer Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil.  The MAC packaging is superior, though, in that it's leak-proof and perfect for travel.  I plan to refill this bottle with the Garnier cleansing oil!  Price also comes into play, as MAC's sized to go bottle contains 1 oz for $10.00 and MAC's full sized bottle contains 5 oz for $31.00 versus Garnier's 4.2 oz for $5.99.  Would I repurchase? Probably not.
Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths:  These smell strange to me; like herbal baby powder.  I didn't like the smell on my face, so I used them to remove product from my hands when I do my makeup in the mornings.  Would I repurchase? No.
Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes: These remove makeup like a BOSS but they leave a film behind.  So long as you're following up by using a regular cleanser, or at least rinsing your face off with water, these are great.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask: Didn't love it, didn't hate it.  Happy it was a 100 point perk from Sephora.  Would I repurchase? No.
St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub: What the hell is a pink lemon, you ask?  I really can't say, but if you have dull skin, you need the pink lemons!  This scrub has the perfect balance of exfoliators (not too many, not too few) to get your skin smooth and flake-free without irritating it.  It's powerful and gentle, like a Disney prince.  This was recommended to me by Stephanie Eva, who has dry skin and finds it gentle enough to use daily.  Would I repurchase? Definitely!
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream: This eye cream claims to "Help reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles".  I noticed none of these effects, and the cream itself had a synthetic, mildly salty scent reminiscent of Play-Doh.  Would I repurchase? No. 
Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey Active 16+: What can't you do with this amazing honey?  Mix it into your favorite dry powder face mask for a boost of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, make a hair mask with it for a kick of nutrients that rinses out to reveal shimmering, healthfull strands, add it into your tea to sweeten up both the flavor and the nutritional value of your warm cuppa, mix it up with a spoonful of sugar to create an amazing natural scrub (perfect for the lips!), the uses are truly endless.  Not that this honey needs any additional kudos, but the Wedderspoon people are amazing, too.  Just throwing that in!  Huge thanks to Taylor at My Lucite Dreams for introducing me to this wonder honey! Would I repurchase? Definitely!


// HAIR //
Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo with Almond Oil: LOVE.  This shampoo magically makes my dry scalp happy and keeps my oily hair in check.  How can one's scalp be both dry/flaky and oily?  I have no idea, but this shampoo is a miracle worker.  Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.
L'Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm: This smelled really fresh and deeply hydrated my hair from root to tip.  It's a little heavy to be used as a daily conditioner on my fine hair, but it works perfectly as a deep conditioning mask.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
MoroccanOil Moisture Repair Shampoo: This is the most incredible smelling shampoo EVER!  This treated my fine, oily hair like gold, leaving it soft but not overly flat.  MoroccanOil, when will you start making perfume?  Because I'll be first in line to buy it!  Would I repurchase? Yes.
Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo: This is the one dry shampoo I have repurchased time and time again!  Full review here.  Would I repurchase? Yes, to infinity and beyond! 


// HAND & BODY //
Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream: This was my bedside table staple this winter!  It soaks in incredibly fast and leaves your hands feeling soft and hydrated overnight.  Great for anyone with an aversion to strongly scented hand creams since its fragrance free.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
Bath & Body Works Merry Cookie Nourishing Hand Cream: Smelled like fresh baked cookies, but wasn't hydrating enough to be my go-to nightly hand treatment.  Would I repurchase? No.
Bath & Body Works Shower Gels in Vanilla Bean Noel and French Lavender & Honey: You guys know my obsession with Vanilla Bean Noel is real!  I stocked up during the holidays and just opened a new bottle and mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.  Favorite B&BW body wash of life.  I liked French Lavender & Honey in that it smelled fresh and not overly sweet, but it didn't hold a candle to VBN!  Would I repurchase? VBN: YAS!, FL&H: No.
Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Mini Look Ma, New Hands: This is one of my top 3 favorite hand creams of all-time.  Crazy hydrating and smells EXACTLY like the juiciest fresh tangerines you can imagine.  This was my winter purse staple, and I may or may not have wiped away a tear upon finishing the tube.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Cream Body Wash: This was another literal lemon from my February Loves & Lemons.  Very chemical scent, not the Meyer lemon adventure I was hoping for.  Would I repurchase? No.
rms beauty Organic Raw Coconut Cream: Reviewed. I lot of people scoff at the price tag, but this isn't the coconut oil you can find at any grocery store for a few bucks.  It's unlike any other coconut oil I've used before; it's organic, it smells like coconut cake, and it can fix a multitude of skin and hair issues.  I've used grocery store coconut oil for years, but the rms Coconut Cream is in a league of it's own.  I have extreme underarm issues every fall and winter.  They become so sensitive and painful that I can't use any kind of deodorant or anti-perspirant and I have to sleep with my nightshirt turned inside-out because the seams bother them so badly.  The rms Coconut Cream was a godsend this winter!  I can apply a tiny bit to my underarms and it hydrates, helps alleviate the chapping, and works as a 100% organic deodorant!  If you love coconut oil but have never tried the rms Coconut Cream, do your skin a favor and shell out the $18.00 USD for the 2.5 oz pot.  Even with daily use, the small jar lasted months.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter: This was a gift from my sweet friend Stephanie Eva, who spotted it on my Beauty Wish List Pinterest board!  How cool is that?!  Like all TBS body butters, this one was incredibly hydrating and keep my cold weather skin in check like a champ.  Would I repurchase? Yes, but I'd buy a different scent next time because I love variety.


// MAKEUP //
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown (formerly Brunette):  I love Brow Wiz!  The super skinny mechanical pencil is the easiest brow product I've ever used, and has a handy spoolie built in for brushing the pencil through the hair.  I have two, this one and Medium Brown, which is still going strong.  I prefer Medium Brown as it's a bit lighter and feels like a better match for my brows.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream: This *was* the Meyer lemon adventure I was hoping for!  Smells and tastes like lemony goodness, and nicely hydrating.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 01 Rose Shimmer: A sheer, hydrating liquid lip balm that smells like creme brûlée.  What's not to love?  The felt tip applicator is a nice touch, as well.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Bamboo Pink: A beautiful brown-based pink with silver micro shimmer.  It went on incredibly creamy but I found it drying over the course of a day's worth of wear.  Also, the silver shimmer can look a little over the top if applied too heavily (a plethora of swipes).  This was the first lipstick I've finished (maybe ever?!) and I was very excited by my ridiculous "accomplishment"!  Would I repurchase? No.
MAC Mini Fix+: While Fix+ has a multitude of useful jobs, I used it mainly to wet eye makeup brushes for shadow application.  Loved it.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base: This was the first makeup primer I ever purchased!  Seeing that I bought it back in 2011, it's quite old and needs to be discarded.  This is the only silicone primer that doesn't cause my skin to produce oil like a madman.  In general my skin is so oily that I don't use a primer, especially one containing silicone, unless my endgame is for my makeup to slide off in 120 minutes or less.  If I do use one, it would the Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer (Reviewed), my silicone-free friend.  Would I repurchase? No.
MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack: This jet black twist-up liner was okay but not great; it skipped during application and I had some issues with color transfer on primed and eyeshadow-covered lids.  This was my first ever black eyeliner!  Would I repurchase? No.
Nivea Raspberry Rose Kiss Lip Butter: I love this.  Very hydrating, the raspberry scent is divine, and the tin fits into pockets and purses of all sizes and shapes.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
YSL Matt & Radiant Pressed Powder: This was my favorite setting powder ever.  I used it every day without fail.  It kept my oily skin in check all day, and never caked or looked overly powdered.  Well worth the price of admission.  Would I repurchase? Yes.

What did you finish over the winter?  Any new HG's?  


18 comments :

  1. Wowee!! That's a lot of stuff gone. And well done on using up a lipstick!! That's a mean feat my friend. I finally ordered myself a brow wiz, and also their dipbrow pomade. I'm waiting for them to arrive so I can try them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! Lotsa stuff used up! And a lipstick too! You should get an award haha!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oooh, that YSL powder. You made me curious about it months ago and now that curiosity is revived again. I think you just sold me on the Clarins eye cream but I've already listened to Tracy and picked up an Avene, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh yay more goodies to research and try! (; I have been loving the Caress Fine Fragrance body wash collection. I've finished two bottles and it's serious the best body wash I've ever tried. If you like to smell really pretty I guess. (; It does have a strong, lasting scent. I can't say I've ever used an entire lipstick. Challenge accepted. (;
    www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the Empties series and I like the quick mini reviews to see what worked and what didn't. You use up a lot of products, my dear! The MoroccanOil products are amazing, I know we talked about it before!


    Have you reviewed that YSL powder before? It looks interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  6. you killed it in the empties dept!! if you liked that garnier cleanser, you might like the one from them for waterproof makeup--i shared it a few weeks ago.

    ReplyDelete
  7. OOOOOOOOOOEEEEE LAWDY. LOL at trash talk. I see what yah did there you little pun-nugget. Lovin' the Brow Wiz, too! Glad you introduced me to it, otherwise I'd still be on that powder-brow tip. EGEA:LKAJ:LHKA. Now I'm spoiled..
    LOLOL at the St. Ives Disney Prince reference. That is a perfect way to describe it! You rock! Thankies for the shoutout! <3 HAhahah AHH oh my gosh and TBS butter! Double shoutouts. Glad to hear it works like the others. Yes scent is vital! The papaya one you sent is half way done. LOVE the tropical vibes for Spring.
    I'm a huge fan of the Nivea butters. I love Raspberry Rose Kiss!
    -Question; have you ever tried a Micellar cleansing water? My computer is in Dutch and I watch a fair amount of Dutch youtube videos so I'll get the occasional Dutch Youtube Ad.. One was for Simple's Micellar Water, cleansing water... I've seen a cleansing water before in Holland but never anything in the U.S. I just feel like these are right up your alley though.. Off to search for Simple MCW in Target (pronounced fancy Tar-jay).....



    Luuuuurve and Hugs and Lamb Chops!
    -Stephanie Eva

    ReplyDelete
  8. MAN that's a lot of empties! How do you do that?! :-) The Brow Wiz sounds pretty awesome. And that YSL powder? Must check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think I'm going to start doing these on a monthly basis, instead of every 4! There's just SO much stuff, it's kind of mind blowing! I can't wait for you to try Brow Wiz and Dipbrow! I love them both!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Definitely going to start doing empties on a monthly basis versus quarterly b/c it's just too crazy! LOL at getting an award! :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. That YSL powder was a dream. I think I'm going to buy it again soon b/c I've been making due with other powders I have ever since I finished it, and it's just not the same! Ha! I'm glad you went with the Avene eye cream. I ended up having a reaction to the Clarins eye cream! BOOO! Looks like I need to check out the Avene!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've never tried the Caresse Fine Fragrance collection, but you've got me intrigued, Kiki! Finishing 2 bottles is a good sign! I love a scent that lasts, so I will definitely check out the line ASAP! THANKS! LOL - good luck on the lipstick finishing challenge! You can do it! *sending power* ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. No, I don't know why but I never formally reviewed the YSL powder! So ridiculous. I think I'm going to pick it up during the Sephora VIB sale and I *will* review it this time! It's my favorite. And yes, the quarterly empties is getting out of hand. It's just too much information (I think), so I'm going to start doing them monthly instead. I'm going for short n' sweet! And girl, YAS! YOU are the reason I've ventured into the MoroccanOil skincare line! I have a soap that smells incredible! I really wish they'd release a perfume!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ha ha! Thank you, Elle! I'm going to go check out your post about the Garnier cleanser for waterproof makeup! YAY!

    ReplyDelete
  15. PUN NUGGET!!! You are hilarious! :D
    So happy you're a satisfied Brow Wiz customer! I knew you'd love it! I too live of the tropical Papaya TBS body butter spring vibes. It makes me feel like I'm vacationing in the tropics, when I'm really just in a bathroom in the city!
    A to your Q: Yes, I have tried several micellar cleansers (Garnier, Bioderma, and I can't remember the third one!), and I liked it, but didn't love it. I feel like I have to use so much cleanser and cotton balls to get all of the makeup off that it takes forever. I still feel like maybe I'm not using them properly?! Is that possible? I guess in the end, I prefer the quickest possible method, which is a pre-soaked wipe or cleansing oil. Of the 3 I used, I liked the Bioderma a lot more than the other 2. And you can now buy it in the US exclusively at Beautylish! Do you ever feel like the US is unbelievably slow at catching on to worldwide beauty advances? I mean, cushion makeup has been around for seemingly forever in Asia, and we're just now getting cushion options from a handful of brands. And BB Creams took ETERNITY and look how popular they are! Anywho, I'm always amazed at our slowness, LOL!
    Lurve bugs and barge hoppers!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ha! I know, it's crazy. I'm going to start doing monthly empties posts instead to keep the post size from getting so out of control! 1 month versus 4 months should help, lol! That YSL powder is a dreamboat, Melissa! I'm getting another one ASAP. I've been using other powders I have on hand ever since I finished the YSL and it's just NOT the same. And you know in the spring and summer, oily-skinned people must have a powder they can rely on! :D

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you super de duper much about the little micellar water review! I'm not 100% how you use it, but I have seen it as a "deep clean" instead of the main cleaning agent. I'll just have to pick some up and experiment! Haha! I can imagine though how time consuming it would be to just use the micellar water to take makeup off. NOT ABOUT THAT LIFE!! I think I'll look for Bioderma's. Gracias! And yes, hahaah. The US slow game is real! Even with food ya'll catching on centuries late. BB Cream yes!!! That was HUGE in Asia, too!
    What cracks me up THE MOST though is this "new" sparkling fizzy iced tea. Lipton (or Nestea, one of those brands) has this new commercial where these people are like floating because they had a "NEW" iced tea that's carbonated.... In Holland, if you order iced tea you get that. It's been like that forever! When my cousins came to the US when we were younger and ordered iced tea they asked why it was flat! Hahahah. Oh, America....
    :D

    ReplyDelete
  18. You're killing it with your empties Kristen! I agree with you on the MorroccanOil scent - it's amazing!

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments! Thank you for leaving me a little note!