I don’t know about you, but 2019 is already kicking my butt. If that’s not a convincing first line, I just originally typed 2017…..instead of 2019. Apparently my brain is lagging behind 2 years (though I’m quite happy to leave 2018 behind anyway).
Over the past month, I managed to use up a ton of full-size skincare products, which is quite an accomplishment for me. I’m so happy to clear these out of my collection, since despite denying that I’m not a skincare hoarder, I’ve amassed quite a collection of skincare over the past year.
SKINCARE
I have a few makeup removers that I finished, and I have wildly different opinions on all of them.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water used to be one of my favorite micellar waters, but for some reason, I don’t love it anymore. Though it removes most of my makeup, it felt like there was still some filmy residue on my skin afterwards. Maybe I’m just too used to my Bioderma micellar water now.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel – This was a really nice all in one cleanser that got rid of most of my makeup pretty easily, with the exception of my super waterproof mascara. I could have used this as my only cleanser, but most days, I still went in with a second cleanser afterwards just to get every trace of makeup off. I think this worked really well, but I still prefer a traditional cleansing oil, so I’m unsure if I’d repurchase this.
Might repurchase.
Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Removing Lotion was….weird. It definitely felt like a lotion, but it was supposed to emulsify into a balm, and I don’t think it did that very well. It was impossible to rinse this clean unless I used a washcloth with it. I don’t usually use a washcloth to wash my face as it can be a little too rough for me, but it was the only way to wash this off. Did not like.
Would not repurchase.
Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover was just ok. It didn’t remove my waterproof mascara as easily as my favorite Clinique makeup remover, and it also stung a little bit when I got it in my eyes, which just seems wrong for an eye makeup remover.
Wouldn’t reepurchase.
Murad Clarifying Cleanser used to be my HG cleanser, when I got acne more often. These tubes last FOREVER. I think I had this one for almost 2 years, and I used it almost every night. I think this is a fantastic cleanser for keeping my acne at bay, but my skin isn’t quite as acne-prone anymore, so I don’t feel a real need to keep buying this. I may keep a small travel size lying around for emergencies though.
Might repurchase.
Skin Saviours Congested Skin Serum was from a Birchbox awhile ago. It didn’t do anything for my skin.
Would not repurchase.
Daniele Henkel Eye Luminous Eye Cream was sent to me from the brand over the summer, and it was such a nice eye cream. It was ultra moisturizing without feeling too heavy, and I think it did help keep my puffiness at bay. I was so sad this was empty as it just felt so cushiony and comfortable around my eyes. It’s a bit out of my price range at the moment, but I would consider this for the future.
Might repurchase.
Estee Lauder Daywear Multi Protection Anti Oxidant Creme SPF 15 is actually a surprisingly good day cream. I loved it on colder days when my skin needed more hydration, but it still didn’t feel too heavy or greasy. I don’t feel so strongly about it that I would go out and purchase a full size, but I did enjoy it.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Clinique Moisture Surge Gel Cream was such a great moisturizer. It was particularly useful during the transition months between fall and winter as it offered a decent amount of hydration for me without being too heavy. I think it was reformulated, so I will have to try that one out because I enjoyed this a lot.
Would repurchase.
The Ordinary Rosehip Oil is a great oil for my oily skin. It wasn’t too heavy, and I generally prefer rosehip oils to keep my skin moisturized without making it greasy. I liked how affordable this was, and would consider buying this again, but I’m also not married to getting it from The Ordinary. I can pick up Rosehip Oil at brick and mortar, which are just usually more convenient for me to go to.
Might repurchase. .
KNC Beauty Collagen Infused Lip Mask are still not my favorite. I don’t feel like they actually do anything, and they slide off my lips almost immediately, so I have to be lying down to use these. I find that the lip masks from Patchology stay on my lips much better and have some more noticeable effects, so I’ll stick with those.
Would not repurchase.
Tony Moly Ceramide Moisture Care Mask was a really nice moisturizing mask. I love ceramide products for soothing irritated (and wind-blown!) skin, so I loved how this mask worked as a short treatment. I am still skeptical about how effective sheet masks are – even though I’ve used SO many of them – but I’d buy this again.
Would repurchase.
MAKEUP
There weren’t too many makeup products I finished last month. Oh well, maybe this month will be more exciting!
Winky Luxe Brow Pencil was a sleeper hit for me. I got this in either an Ipsy bag or Birchbox awhile ago and was honestly not expecting much from it. I ended up LOVING it. It only comes in one “universal” shade, but it was actually the perfect shade for my brows. It filled my brows in quickly and naturally, but I could draw on the very tail end of my brows, since they are pretty short. It was so easy to use and the pencil lasted about a year of near daily use.
Would repurchase.
Kiko Eyeshadow Stick in #6 was a beautiful gold-bronze cream eyeshadow stick. I love the Kiko eyeshadow sticks for being so affordable while having a huge variety of shades. I used this pretty often, and I’ve had it for awhile so I’m glad I finished it.
Would repurchase.
Etude House Mr. Mascara Fixer is a great mascara primer that helps my lashes hold their curl while adding some serious volume to whatever mascara I add on top. I’ve used a couple tubes of this, and always love the results. Since it’s a Korean brand, it can be kind of tricky to get my hands on it since I have to order from Amazon, and I’m not SO devoted to it that I would go through special effort to get it. I do pick up a tube whenever I’m in Taiwan, though.
Would repurchase.
FRAGRANCE
Versace Bright Crystal was actually a really nice scent. It’s a bright floral while also feeling fresh and not too….flowery. I was surprised that I actually liked this, though I wasn’t so in love with it that I want to get a full-size bottle yet.
Might repurchase.
MISCELLANEOUS
Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant in Jasmine is one of my favorite natural deodorants. It smelled amazing, and it actually was a decent antiperspirant, which is my main concern. I actually have a shocking number of deodorants stocked up, so I’m going to try to finish them, but I will definitely be repurchasing this.
Will repurchase.
Sephora x OPI glitter Nail Polish dried up. It was a fine glitter polish but I wasn’t too attached to it.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Herbacin Kamille Hand Cream is such a great hand cream! The tin is tiny but it was really convenient to keep in my bag. It was super lightweight, but SO moisturizing! I bought mine from Anthropologie, and it was about $4. Since it’s a German brand, I have a feeling it’s much cheaper if you buy it there if you happen to be there. Thankfully I still have a lavender version of this to use up.
Would repurchase.
Ulta Makeup, Brush, and Sponge Cleaner – This was such an easy way to clean off my brushes in between deep cleans. I haven’t gotten around to repurchasing this yet, but I plan on it. It is super affordable and works just fine for me.
Would repurchase.
I hope you enjoyed seeing all my skincare empties! I’m excited to be using some new products in my collection, thought I am definitely focusing on finishing some makeup this year.
What have you finished lately?
As always, thanks for reading!
Beauty Unhyped 