Between work, personal life, and prepping for vacation (currently writing this during some down time in Taiwan), August was yet another crazy hectic month and updating my blog just fell behind on my list of priorities.
But it’s time for another round of empties since I seem to have been on a roll these past couple of months. I think I’ve finished a lot of my half empty products at this point so it may be awhile before anything exciting comes up.
As with the past few empties posts, I have a lot to share.
SKINCARE
California Pure Naturals Revitalizing Cleansing Gel (gifted) was a really nice lightweight gel cleanser that felt really refreshing. It had more of a gel texture than the Fresh Soy Cleanser and they felt similar on my skin, although I think I still prefer the texture of the Fresh cleanser. If you want a more natural and organic option, the California Pure Naturals would be a good alternative.
Might repurchase.
Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion was a go to cleanser for many years for me, and I’ve probably used about 10 bottles of this through high school and college. These days, I don’t really need the acne clearing anymore so it took me awhile to finish up this last backup I had in my stash. I also have since found a better acne clearing toner for when I do have a breakout…
Wouldn’t repurchase
Paula ̊s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid is my new holy grail BHA toner. It is extra potent and clears up and blackheads and clogged pores without drying my skin out. Like I mentioned I don’t use BHA toners every night – maybe 2 or 3 times a week – so it probably took me a good year or so to finish. I bought a 2-pack during last year ̊s anniversary sale so I have a fresh new bottle already open.
Already repurchased.
Shero Science Power C AM Serum (gifted) was sent to me by the brand to try though it seems the brand no longer exists. This was a fine Vitamin C serum. It worked well to brighten my skin though it wasn ̊t the most effective Vitamin C serum I’ve ever used.
Can ̊t repurchase.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum used to be my favorite vitamin c serum, but they’ve reformulated this in the past year, and this new version has a much thicker texture that feels oily on my skin. It still works pretty much the same from a brightening perspective from what I can tell, but the oily texture makes it a no go in the summer for me. The older formula actually made my skin less oily throughout the day by some weird phenomenon but this doesn’t do the same.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Venn Skincare Age Reversing All-in-One Concentrate (gifted) was a wonderful moisturizing and antioxidant rich serum that made my skin look really plump and glowy. The only downside is that it ̊s super pricey at around $180 per bottle so while I was so grateful to be gifted this serum, I don ̊t think I could stomach repurchasing this.
Might repurchase.
Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm is a great eye cream that is moisturizing and has a little depuffing and brightening effect. I ̊ve been using this at night for the warmer weather, but this would not be too heavy to use during the day either. My eye area never feels dry, and while it’s expensive, I think it works really well. I already have a backup that I found at TJ Maxx.
Already repurchased.
Ole Henrikson Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator is a lightweight moisturizer that claims to have some oil control properties. I actually really enjoyed using this and thought it did actually keep my oil at bay by doing exactly what it claimed – balancing my face and keeping my face hydrated. I have approximately 894327 moisturizers in my stash but I would consider purchasing a full size.
Might repurchase.
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer was just ok for me. It has a light cream consistency and worked well as a moisturizer but it wasn’t anything special.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Skin Owl Maqui Berry Beauty Drops PM was a gift with purchase from Cult Beauty, and I frankly had low expectations for it. But it ended up being phenomenal. I˚m surprised I haven˚t talked about this on here or on my Instagram because it worked so well at moisturizing and soothing, making my skin look brighter and more even toned, and just so healthy in general. I will absolutely be repurchasing this once I finish up a couple more oils..but I might not even wait that long.
Will repurchase.
Amore Pacific SPF Cushion was a colorless SPF cushion that I used to apply over my makeup. I really enjoyed this while I had it but usually prefer a spray over a cushion.
Would not repurchase.
MAKEUP
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer was a deluxe sample size that lasted me nearly 2 years, so it’s safe to say that a little goes a long way with this one. I actually really enjoyed this, and since it’s full coverage, it’s perfect for when I’ve had a long night and need a little extra coverage under my eyes. I actually have another mini deluxe sample so I doubt I’ll need to repurchase this for awhile, but I would.
Would repurchase.
Essence Make Me Brow Gel was an ok brow gel for me. It is definitely a brow product that has more of a tint than any hold, and I usually look for more hold. I enjoyed this while I had it but I recently started trying the Ilia brow gel and like that much better, but this gel is also only $3. I think if I were in a pinch and wanted to get a brow gel from the drugstore, I would try one from ELF as I’ve heard great things about it.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Kiko Color Shock Long Lasting Cream Shadow was from 2014 and actually lasted for a really long time before finally drying out this month. I actually hit pan on this and loved the formula and shade so I definitely feel like I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of this.
Can’t repurchase.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara is holy grail status for me, which I never thought I would think with a high end mascara. I am usually a drugstore mascara girl through and through but I haven’t found a drugstore replacement of this one. Luckily, I can find it on sale through Ulta 21 days of beauty (happening right now!), and can get away with paying near drugstore prices. I already have a backup.
Already repurchased.
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Plushest Punch lasted forever for such a little deluxe sample version. I loved this bright fuchsia shade and I love the moisturizing formula of these. I will probably switch up the shade I buy just to try a different color, but I will definitely pick up another one of these soon.
Would repurchase.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss has been discontinued awhile but I bought a bunch of these when they were out a few years ago. These are standard drugstore lipgloss with a lightweight formula but I like the sleek packaging. I can’t buy them anymore but I did enjoy all the tubes I had, and I think this was my last one.
Can’t repurchase.
HAIR AND BODY
Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask was a lovely deep moisture hair mask that I liked because I could use it in the shower, and I only had to leave it on my hair for a couple minutes. I received this in a set and I usually don’t have a need for a hair mask since I have short hair that I don’t heat style, but I know many people with dry hair really love this. Since it’s kind of an unnecessary product for me I won’t be repurchase.
Won’t repurchase.
Morrocan Oil Dry Texture Spray was just an ok texture spray for me. It added some light texture and volume, but it just doesn’t compare to my beloved Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray that leaves a little bit of grit to actually give some lasting texture. I did really love the fruity smell of this though!
Won’t repurchase.
Redkin Wind Blown Dry Finishing Spray is a little finishing spray that lasted forever for me because I don’t really style my hair anymore. I used to curl it when I had long hair and this was really helpful to keep my style in place. I finally finished it up by just spraying it in my hair the rare once every two months I would style my hair.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Schmidt’s Bergamot and Lime Deodorant is a great natural deodorant. For some reason I think the pot version is more effective for me than the stick version, although the glass packaging means I have to be careful with it. I actually dropped my previous tub of it after using only about half of it and it shattered, but I was much more careful with this one.
Would repurchase.
Tiffany and Co Perfume was a light floral that I actually enjoyed, although it wasn’t very long lasting on me. And while it was a nice fragrance, it doesn’t especially stand out to me.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Perfume is a very sweet scent that I don’t usually like. I used it up over several months when I was in the rare mood for this, but definitely didn’t like this enough to purchase a big bottle.
Wouldn’t repurchase.
Well dang, this is quite an impressive list of empties for this month, right? I hope you enjoyed reading all of these! Also let me know if you’ve tried any of these or what you’ve finished recently.
As always, thanks for reading.
Beauty Unhyped 