Empties: Winter Edition 2016

Hey, all! So it’s been far too long since I’ve posted an empties. I’ve had a large collection accumulating since Christmas and in January I did a huge clean out of my stash. On top of that, my no-buy this month has forced me to use up a lot of things in my collection. All of this has lead me to feel very cleansed and renewed, like some good mojo is flowing. I feel like empties are just so satisfying; you finish something up and it’s gratifying, plus you get a reason to purchase something new. For whatever reason though, I was just really excited to write this post. Anyway, let’s jump into it, because I already know it’s going to be a long one today.

Makeup Empties:

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  1. L’Oreal Infalliable Makeup Setting Spray
    • Likes- In comparison, this is an affordable alternative to my usual Urban Decay De-Slick. The amount of product was decent and the mist was nice and fine, although it got a bit choppy in the end. It sets makeup alright, but does not mattify completely.
    • Dislikes- For the drugstore, it is a little on the higher end at $14. I find that is the case with most L’Oreal products. The smell also is also not my favorite. It’s a bit like baby powder, but not very pleasant.
    • Conclusion- I don’t think I will repurchase anytime soon. I liked the product, but did not find it outstanding enough to replace any of my favorite setting sprays.
  2. Boots Expert Instant Matte Shine Control
    • Likes- This was a liquidy solution that I think was mostly a skincare item, but I used it as a primer. I primarily used it in the summer, which worked great for controlling my oily skin. It is also quite affordable and a little goes a long way, so more bang for your buck.
    • Dislikes- There isn’t a ton of product, but its size makes it travel friendly.
    • Conclusion- I might repurchase. I currently am not in the need for a lot of oil control lately and this is very mattifying since the winter has dried out my skin.
  3. Smashbox Primer Water 
    • Likes- This is a very refreshing product and it smells great! It leaves a tacky finish to the skin, so it can indeed be used as a light primer.
    • Dislikes- The price is insane. This mini bottle was $16, I believe. The spray is also not refined as well, and can apply patchy. I didn’t find that this really prolonged my makeup wear, but I think that is because it did not control my oil.
    • Conclusion- This probably works best for normal to dry skin, and is just not suitable for me. I ended up finishing by using it as a sort of refresher inbetween layers of makeup. I don’t think I will be repurchasing this anytime soon.
  4. Duo Lash Adhesive
    • Likes- This is a great affordable lash glue and has always worked well enough for me.
    • Dislikes- This tube actually ended up going bad on me and I feel like I ended up wasting a ton of product since this is still pretty full. It also does not hold the corners of lashes down super well, which is something that I struggle with having monolids.
    • Conclusion- I don’t think I will repurchase for myself anytime soon. I do have a smaller size bottle that came with a pair of lashes that I have in my kit, but I think I want to try an Asian lash glue next, which might be better suited for my monolids. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know!
  5. Revlon Colorstay Foundation
    • I’ve had a bottle of this in every empties so far, I believe, so it’s safe to say that my opinion has not changed. In order to save time, please see a previous empties. 🙂
  6. Forever 21 Liquid Luminizer in Rose Gold
    • Likes- The packing when new is actually very sleek and posh looking. The product itself is not as bad as I expected. The texture is nice and smooth, the shimmer isn’t too glittery or underwhelming, and the pump on this is very functional.
    • Dislikes- For Forever 21, this ended up being quite pricey at around $10, I believe. I picked this up when they first launched their ‘high end’ line, but to be honest I don’t think the quality is equivalent to the price. It’s more like something great from the drugstore. Also, the color is not quite rose gold and is a little more pearly-pink.
    • Conclusion- Even if I could repurchase (it’s discontinued I think) I don’t believe I would. I don’t get much use out of liquid highlighters unless I mix them with my foundation anyhow.
  7. L’Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte Foundation
    • Likes- The finish is great and the lightweight texture is nice. I have a full review on it here.
    • Dislikes- The color selection isn’t great. I found myself awkwardly inbetween shades, but unwilling to buy two since the price isn’t that inexpensive at around $14 a bottle. Also, I found that in the dead of summer this was not sweat and oil proof, but was much more longwearing as things cooled down.
    • Conclusion- I don’t really have much interest in repurchasing it, especially for the price at the drugstore. I think I would rather try something new instead.
  8. NARS Laguna Bronzer
    • Likes- I can see why this is a cult favorite. The texture is fine and it doesn’t apply streaky or patchy. The color is not too orange, but still warm enough.I love the slim and sleek compact packaging and the fact that the pan is nice and wide for a large brush to fit.
    • Dislikes- Although the pan is wide, it is quite shallow. I was expecting more product here than there was, especially for the price, but it did last me quite a while—almost 2 years. It does have some shimmer, though so if you prefer matte shades this isn’t for you. Also, it’s not a super universal shade and probably only suits light-medium to slightly tan. Super light and super dark complexions wouldn’t be able to use this.
    • Conclusion- I think I will eventually repurchase, but I am currently trying out some new things!

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  1. Maybelline Pumped Up Mascara
    • Likes- This was a very natural mascara and I preferred it for the lower lashes. The brush was a nice natural bristle, the formula is on the drier side, and it’s very affordable.
    • Dislikes- This really wasn’t the mascara for me. It is great at multiplying and volumizing but not much else. It doesn’t darken or lengthen, which is what I primarily look for.
    • Conclusion- I don’t think I will repurchase this. There are plenty of other mascaras I’d be more willing to try.
  2. Maybelline The Rocket Mascara
    • Likes- This ended up in my favorites a few times now, and I really did enjoy it. It makes my lashes very dark and pretty long with a lot of volume. It gives a very nice seperated effect, which I prefer for my lashes.
    • Dislikes- The formula is on the wet side which makes it difficult to handle at times. I like what the brush did for my lashes, but the hard plastic can be a bit pokey on the delicate eye area.
    • Conclusion- I might eventually repurchase, but probably not anytime soon. I feel like mascara is one of those things that you can constantly try new types of.
  3. Younqiue 3D Lash Fiber+ Setting Gel
    • Likes- I did a full review on the duo of this here. I like the effect that this gave my lashes, and the natural bristle brush is nice, but this is just the gel. It dried up and I still have plenty of the fibers left.
    • Dislikes- I don’t like how I had more fibers leftover than the other. It’s like when you run out of conditioner and still have shampoo. It can get clumpy fast though and the fibers can fall out and irritate my eyes sometimes, especially since I wear contacts. I have real mixed feelings about the product because I liked it at first and it even ended up in my 2015 Favorites, but I’m not sure about it now. The price is also quite expensive for a mascara.
    • Conclusion- I’m not going to repurchase (I should say purchase since I was sent product for free). I just don’t think the system is quite right for me. However, I am very grateful to the gal that allowed me to test out the Younqiue products, as I was very curious about at least trying them. If you are looking to purchase any Younique but do not want to deal with interacting with a pushy saleslady, check out Lorraine’s page as she is very sweet.
  4. Pixi Brow Duo
    • Likes- The angled shape is nice, sort of similar to the new Anastasia Brow Definer but fatter. The shape allows for a very natural looking brow. The color is a great ashy black, and not too grey or harshly dark. The gel is nice and I like having it on the other end, as it is very convenient.
    • Dislikes- The shape doesn’t allow for a very precise or dark brow and isn’t that ideal for sparse brows. There also isn’t a very large color selection and the price is on the higher end for the drugstore at $16. Also, the pencil end ran out before the gel, so again with that shampoo and conditioner analogy.
    • Conclusion- I might repurchase eventually, but I’m not looking for a product like this right now.
  5. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer
    • Likes- I adored this concealer under the eyes! It’s so brightening and awakening. It’s so affordable too!
    • Dislikes- The packaging with the brush end is not the most hygienic. Also, it is not a very high coverage concealer and is better for highlighting.
    • Conclusion- I will repurchase once I’ve finished a few other concealers in my collection.
  6. Anastasia Brow Wiz Mini
    • Likes- I loved this so much I ended up buying the full size. The color is perfect and there is a large selection and diverse amount of undertones. The size of the tip is great for carving out a real precise brow.
    • Dislikes- As far as this mini size goes, it’s terribly small. It didn’t even wind up and was just one twist worth of product. It came with a mini pair of tweezers and gel though which are great quality and reasonable sizes.
    • Conclusion- I have no reason to purchase this particular tiny size, but I think I will continue to repurchase the regular size after I try the Brow Definer.
  7. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium Cool
    • Likes- This is a great moussey texture and very lightweight. The color works well for under my eyes, and the selection has a nice range of cool and warm undertones. It is a very nice medium-full coverage.
    • Dislikes- I wish I had a darker shade to use on spots, as this color works best for under my eyes.
    • Conclusion- I have a backup of this that a friend got for me while she was in London. I like that I can use this when I have darker and more prominent circles.
  8. Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer
    • Likes- This is my second tube of this product. I really enjoy it. The texture is lightweight, it mattifies well, and the scent is divine. It is more natural than a silicone based primer and does not irritate my skin.
    • Dislikes- As far as primers go, this is actually pretty affordable for high end but still not in the slightest inexpensive ($33).
    • Conclusion- I won’t be repurchasing anytime soon, but I still really love this product.

Makeup Tools Empties:

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  1. Beauty Blender x2
    • Likes- I can understand the hype around these, they apply foundation beautifully. I preferred the texture and lightweight application of the white one the best.
    • Dislikes- These tore super easily when I washed them and were very difficult to clean. I’m not sure if it was because I bought these in a set, but I feel like the quality wasn’t as high as I’d hoped for. Plus, the price is pretty outrageous.
    • Conclusion- I almost feel as though I didn’t really have the chance to give these a proper go, as I don’t think the quality is on par with the singles. I’d love to eventually try the black one, one day before making a decisive conclusion on the infamous Beauty Blender.
  2. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
    • Likes- I loved the way this applied foundation! The density is great and it buffs foundation beautifully. It’s great for when you want a bit more coverage from your foundation. The price is also quite affordable! It’s a great quality with such soft bristles for the price.
    • Dislikes- I had hoped that this would have lasted me a bit longer, but it performed nicely all the same. It didn’t shed until the very end when it kind of just gave up on me all together. It was very difficult to clean, however, as the bristles are very tightly packed but makeup settled into the bottom, making it hard to reach.
    • Conclusion- I will eventually repurchase to have in my collection, but I’ve been preferring sponges lately.
  3. Real Techniques Buffing Brush
    • Likes- I used this mainly to apply powder and never really got the chance to use it as a foundation brush. It’s nice and dense and the bristles are soft as well.
    • Dislikes- This also did not last as long as I had hoped, maybe about a year. It shed more than the Expert Face Brush did.
    • Conclusion- I don’t know if I will repurchase because I believe you have to buy it in a set. If it comes as a single, I’ll probably pick it up when Ulta has a sale on them, as they are constantly having BOGO 50% off on these.
  4. Swissco Precicion Blending Sponge
    • Likes- I really love this sponge! It’s more dense and bouncier than the Beauty Blender. I like the way it absorbs water nicely. Also, it’s SO affordable at $6.
    • Dislikes- I’ve learned that you have to be a bit gentle with these so they do not rip. I originally bought this to use on clients, and when I washed it between applications, it became very delicate and ripped within the day.
    • Conclusion- I have already repurchased a replacement and I think I will continue to.
  5. Sonia Kashuk Dual Foundation & Concealer Brush (new set)
    • Likes- I’ve had these for years now and they were a gift and some of my first ever higher quality brushes. I’m a bit sad to see it go. The bristles are nice and soft and a good quality. They are from Target so they are on the more affordable side.
    • Dislikes- This began to shed rather decently towards the end of its life, which made it apply streaky.
    • Conclusion- I will not be repurchasing this, mostly because it came in a set and also because I don’t really like to apply foundation with a flat brush so much anymore.
  6. Sonia Kashuk Crease Brush (no longer available)
    • Likes- This was a great dense brush for intensifying the color at the outer corner. Also, quite affordable.
    • Dislikes- This was a bit too large for my eyes, but I made it work all the same. It also tended to shed a ton towards the end.
    • Conclusion- I won’t repurchase as I have other brushes that are more precise and work better for my eye shape.

Skincare Empties:

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  1. Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil (renamed)
    • Likes- This removed makeup like a dream! It was lightweight and non irritating to my skin. The scent is also lovely.
    • Dislikes- I feel like it took several pumps to remove a full face of makeup. The price is pricey, but not unreasonably so for the ingredients.
    • Conclusion- I loved using a cleansing oil, but there are so many others I want to try.
  2. Julep Elixir (discontinued?)
    • Likes- This is my second or third bottle of this I believe. It is simply Argan Oil which I use as a moisturizer. I love the way it balances my skin and is not too greasy or heavy.
    • Dislikes- The price is on the higher end.
    • Conclusion- I won’t be repurchasing once I run out of my stash of these, simply because I would like to try other oils. I still do really like this product however.
  3. Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
    • Likes- I have a full review on this product here. To be honest, I didn’t like it much, at all.
    • Dislikes- This dried out my skin and left it feeling stripped and dehydrated. I could use it on my eyes, but I was not effective at removing waterproof mascara at all.
    • Conclusion- I was so happy to finish this product so that I could use something else. I will not be repurchasing.
  4. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
    • Likes- I love that this is all natural and that it helps treat my acne well.
    • Dislikes- This is very potent and can be drying.
    • Conclusion- I will not repurchase after I finish the ones that I have, at least for some time. There is a sample that I tried (which you will see later in this post) that I want to buy a full size of instead.
  5. Yes To Grapefruit Moisturizer
    • Likes- This is a great lightweight moisturizer that I like to wear in the day. It does bring a bit of radiance to the face. The additional SPF is also a great bonus.
    • Dislikes-It’s a bit pricey for the drugstore, around $13 I believe.
    • Conclusion- I won’t repurchase because I wasn’t particularly impressed and because I’d rather try something new.
  6. Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water
    • Likes- It’s an alright cleansing water, still doesn’t compare to my Bioderma though. It has a nice scent, but it is quite strong. It does leave a bit of moisture to the skin instead of being drying.
    • Dislikes- It can be harsh on the eyes and it is not as gentle as Bioderma.
    • Conclusion- I will not repurchase. I still have other micellar waters in my collection, and I think that I will eventually go back to Bioderma in the end.
  7. LUSH Cranberry Festive Face Mask
    • Likes- I loved this mask! It cleaned out my pores nicely and left me with such a clear complexion the next day! The lemongrass gave it a lovely smell as well. Also, I’m quite excited to have finished this as now I am only 1 container away until I can get a free mask.
    • Dislikes- Usually LUSH fresh face masks come in at around $7 or $8 but this was in the $11 range. Also, I am quite bummed that this was seasonal.
    • Conclusion- If LUSH brings this back for the holidays coming up, then I will gladly repurchase and probably stock up. I hate that this isn’t available year round.
  8. Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water
    • Likes- This was very calming and refreshing to the skin. I loved using this to finish off my skincare routine. It balanced the skin nicely. Also, it is quite affordable and easily available in the states.
    • Dislikes- I have no dislikes!
    • Conclusion- I want to first give the La Roche Posay Serozinc a go before I get this again, but I will probably repurchase eventually.

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  1. Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea
    • Likes- I liked the scent of these and the fact that they are more natural. The packaging is also nice, as it reseals.
    • Dislikes- These are quite drying and don’t remove makeup all that well. I mostly used them to take off swatches.
    • Conclusion- I won’t repurchase.
  2. Formula 10.0.6 Wipe Your Face Off Make-Up Removing Facial Wipes
    • Likes- The price is affordable and the packaging is nice as it reseals.
    • Dislikes- These aren’t super effective at removing makeup, and are quite dry with not a lot of solution on them.
    • Conclusion- I won’t repurchase.
  3. Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths
    • Likes- I loved these wipes! They even made it into my Fall Favorites, I believe. They are great at removing grease and very refreshing. The textured side is a great gentle exfoliator as well.
    • Dislikes- These are not cheap wipes whatsoever.
    • Conclusion- I think I might repurchase the travel size of these again, eventually.
  4. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes x2
    • Likes- These remain my favorite wipes for removing makeup. They are the most effective at removing makeup and I love to take these for convenience when I travel. (These are the travel size)
    • Dislikes- I don’t love that these aren’t eco-friendly or have natural ingredients, otherwise I would continue to repurchase frequently.
    • Conclusion- I won’t be purchasing the full size, as I’m trying not to buy wipes when I can. However, I will probably buy some when it comes to travelling.
  5. Masque Bar Brightening Sheet Mask
    • Likes- I finished this entire box with the help of my cousins on Christmas Eve. We all did face masks that night. I like that these are refreshing to the skin and help hydrate.
    • Dislikes- These can be irritating when I have a lot of acne.
    • Conclusion- I probably will not repurchase soon, as I have plenty of sheet masks to use up at the moment.
  6. Masque Bar Anti-Blemish Mud Mask
    • Likes- I also finished this box with the help of my cousins. These mud masks are great and really purifying.
    • Dislikes- These can be quite drying. Also, the amount per sachet is enough for two people, which I can find to be a problem if I’m by myself, as it can be a bit wasteful.
    • Conclusion- I won’t repurchase soon, but perhaps eventually.
  7. Tony Moly Panda’s Dream Eye Patch
    • Likes- These were very cooling and refreshing for the eye area. It left my eyes feeling less puffy and soothed.
    • Dislikes- These were not the shape or texture I expected, but were still nice all the same.
    • Conclusion- I might repurchase, but I would prefer to have a gel texture than the sheet mask like formula of these.

Nail Empties:

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  1. Up & Up Brand Advanced Acetone Formula Nail Polish Remover
    • Likes- This worked pretty well for removing gel polish at home and it very affordable.
    • Dislikes- Since this does have a higher concentration of acetone, it can be a bit drying for the nails.
    • Conclusion- I’m not sure if I would repurchase. I like this for when I do need to remove a gel manicure at home, but I don’t necessarily need such an intense formula for everyday use.
  2. Kocostar Slip-On Gel Removers 
    • Likes- These were a very peculiar sort of accessory. These were like a little glove for each nail with a sponge inside that you soaked with nail polish remover and sealed off with a piece of special tape. These were much more effective than I anticipated, though. Also, you are able to use a touchscreen while wearing these, supposedly.
    • Dislikes- These were not what I expected at all. I was anticipating them to come with remover. Also, they essentially do what a cotton ball and bit of aluminium foil do and are not even a much higher quality replacement as one or two ripped while I was wearing. They are also very difficult to apply and a bit expensive for what they are.
    • Conclusion- I will not be repurchasing these, I think but I’m very interested in the other Kocostar products such as their conditioning nail treatment and foot treatment.
  3. Essie Chinchilly
    • Likes- I absolutely adored this polish and am sad to see it go. It was the perfect greige color, with a bit of a purple undertone.
    • Dislikes- The formula of Essie polishes never last that long for me, but do perform better than most cheaper drugstore polishes.
    • Conclusion- I think I will add another bottle of this to my collection, as I constantly reach for colors like this.
  4. Sally Hansen Triple Shine Sparkling Water (discontinued?)
    • Likes- I loved the intricate color of this polish! It’s a beautiful and complex duochrome. The brush is nice and wide and gives a very smooth application. I love the formula as well. It dries quickly as well.
    • Dislikes- I hate how this dried up on me; that’s the downside to having a quick drying polish. You leave it open even the slightest bit and it shrivels up. It’s so sad because the color is so lovely.
    • Conclusion- I would repurchase this color if I could find it, but I think it has been discontinued, as the entire line is very hard to find now.
  5. Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
    • Likes- I love this cuticle cream! It’s a wonderful balm formula, has a lovely scent, and a little goes a long way! It’s also very affordable.
    • Dislikes- You do need to really work to move the cuticle, it does not instantly ‘melt’ away, however I am willing to pay this sacrifice if it means using a less harsh formula full of chemicals.
    • Conclusion- I probably will end up repurchasing this.

Shower Empties:

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  1. Venus & Olay Violet Swirl Shaving Gel
    • Likes- This is my favorite formula of shave gel by far. It leaves my legs very hydrated and leaves me without any nicks or razor burn. The lavender scent is also very nice as well and the price is affordable.
    • Dislikes- Nothing.
    • Conclusion- I will most likely repurchase, if not this exact scent this particular formula.
  2. Ogx Argan Oil Shampoo
    • Likes- This has made it into plenty of empties before, so it’s safe to say I love this stuff. It’s very moisturizing and leaves my hair silky smooth, never stripped or dry. Plus, you can’t beat the price!
    • Dislikes- Nothing!
    • Conclusion- Although I love this, I think it’s time to try something new. I think I will try some other formulas from the same brand and I am also looking to try a higher end line as well, just for the sake of it.
  3. Philosophy Sparkling Cranberry Bubbly Shower Gel
    • Likes- This is actually a 3-in-1 that can also be used as a shampoo and bubble bath, although I find that it really only works best as a shower gel. It’s pretty standard, foams up nicely, and smells delightful!
    • Dislikes- These bottles are very difficult to get the last bit out of, and even then they are really large and hard to use up. It took years to finish these.
    • Conclusion- This was gifted to me, but I don’t think I will buy it myself.
  4. Philosophy Maraschino Cherry Lemonade Shower Gel
    • Likes- Similarly to the previously mentioned shower gel, it’s all pretty much the same.
    • Dislikes- The scent is not as pleasant as the Cranberry one and again the packaging is not my favorite.
    • Conclusion- I won’t purchase this.

Other/Toiletry Empties:

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  1. Bausch + Lomb Re-Nu Contact Solution
    • Likes- I really only used this as opposed to my usual solution since I ran out of my usual. It’s a pretty standard solution. Nothing quite special.
    • Dislikes- It is nice, but the cooling effect can have a slightly stinging/ tingling feeling to the eyes.
    • Conclusion- I won’t repurchase, as I prefer my usual Biotrue.
  2. The Body Shop Argan Oil Body Butter
    • Likes- This, like its companions, is a wonderful whipped texture and super hydrating formula. The scent is a nice warm, rich scent. The size is also a great for travel, which is what I primarily used it for.
    • Dislikes- I don’t dislike anything about this.
    • Conclusion- I probably won’t repurchase this particular scent, although it is lovely, but I will continue to repurchase these body butters.
  3. Bath & Body Works Caribbean Escape Hand Sanitizer
    • Likes- These are my favorite formulas of hand sanitizer and this is by far my favorite scent from them. It smells like a tropical vacation!
    • Dislikes- I hate how pricey these have become, especially for the little amount of product. Also, the packaging tends to leak sometimes, especially if you have it in the holder.
    • Conclusion- I will probably repurchase when I run out of the ones I have. I usually buy these on bulk when they are on sale to save money.
  4. Crest Complete Toothpaste
    • Likes- This is a pretty standard toothpaste. It did a bit of whitening and didn’t make my teeth sensitive.
    • Dislikes- It did not whiten as much as I would like and the flavor was not my favorite.
    • Conclusion- I will not repurchase.

Candle Empties:

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  1. Bath & Body Works 3 Wick Mahogany Teakwood
    • Likes- I love this warm scent for winter! It’s so cozy and it’s like being embraced by a nice smelling man. It burns nice and evenly as well.
    • Dislikes- The scent can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially if it burns very long.
    • Conclusion- I will probably repurchase later, after I finish off the candles I have now and when it is the cooler months again.
  2. Rewined Rosé Candle
    • Likes- I love the light, slightly floral but mostly warm scent! It’s also a soy based wax which burns cleaner for better air quality. The packaging is also made from recycled wine bottles, which I love the concept of. I love this candle so much it made it a favorites post.
    • Dislikes- It did not burn as evenly as I had hoped.
    • Conclusion- This was a gift, and I would gladly accept more, even in their other scents! I’m not sure if I would purchase another right away.

Sample Empties:

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  1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
    • Likes- I took this sample when I travelled. I already knew that I liked this product, but wanted to limit the amount of liquids I would take since I was flying with only a carry on. It gives me great texture to my hair and helps me blow dry it straight.
    • Dislikes- Nothing.
    • Conclusion- I have 2 deluxe size samples that I will use up first before I conclude whether or not I’ll purchase a full size.
  2. Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Likes- I also took this when flying. I loved the soft, beachy texture it gave my hair.
    • Dislikes- It can be a bit drying.
    • Conclusion- I’m thinking of trying out a high end shampoo and conditioner soon, and if I do, I think it will be from Bumble & Bumble, but I’m not sure it will be this one.
  3. Bliss Triple Oxygen Radiant Protection Serum
    • Likes- This is a really beautiful pearlescent color. It has a nice citrus scent as well.
    • Dislikes- I didn’t see much improvement to the radiance of my complexion.
    • Conclusion- I won’t buy this in full.
  4. Glamglow Supermud Mask
    • Likes- I had high hopes for this, as everyone raves about this. It washed away quite nicely to a nice foam.
    • Dislikes- It was not as deep cleansing as I had hoped.
    • Conclusion- After trying this sample and not being impressed, I will not be spending a grand amount of money on this mask.
  5. Michael Todd Hydration Boost Serum
    • Likes- This really left my skin hydrated and plump feeling. I used this in my Holiday Pamper Routine over on My Violet Delights.
    • Dislikes- I didn’t use this enough to know if I had any distinct dislikes.
    • Conclusion- I think I will try a full size of this eventually.
  6. Makeup Forever HD Primer (discontinued)
    • Likes- I used this back in the day, but I think that it’s been reformulated since then. I prefer this formula much better. I think it compares to the Lancome La Base that I’ve been using recently.
    • Dislikes- I do believe that this has been discontinued.
    • Conclusion- I will not purchase this.
  7. Benefit It’s Potent Eye Cream
    • Likes- The caffeine in this is very effective at depuffing.
    • Dislikes- This dried up on my fairly quickly, and I didn’t notice too much of a difference in terms of hydration or dark circles.
    • Conclusion- This is not the eye cream for me, and I won’t be purchasing.
  8. LUSH Grease Lightning 
    • Likes- I absolutely LOVE this stuff! This is the spot treatment that I think will replace my Body Shop Tea Tree Oil. It contains tea tree oil as well but also aloe vera to soothe and rosemary to refresh.
    • Dislikes- Nothing so far!
    • Conclusion- I’m very excited to get a full size of this after my no-buy is complete!
  9. Bumble & Bumble Thickening Conditioner
    • Likes- This was such a small sample, I hardly have anything to say.
    • Dislikes- Not so much of a dislike, but I knew right away this wouldn’t be for me. I already have thick hair, and don’t get much use out of this.
    • Conclusion- I won’t purchase this.

Alright, I know this post was incredibly long, so if you’ve stuck around this long I thank you a lot! If you have any product recommendations for me leave them below!

 

All my love,

Megan

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13 Replies to “Empties: Winter Edition 2016”

  1. Loved reading your empties and your thoughts on them!! Reviews of empties are the best! I would love it if you checked out mine! futurenursemiriam.wordpress.com

    xx,
    Miriam

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Holy cow, I’m overwhelmed! This was the empties post to end all empties! I think I’ve tried about 5 of the products that you finished up. I also was disappointed with Simple micellar water, but for different reasons. It badly irritates my eyes so I can’t use it to remove my eye makeup. On the other hand, it does a good job of removing my foundation/face makeup. I don’t think it dries out my skin, but then I use a cleanser afterwards and then follow with serum and moisturizer so I wouldn’t have noticed. I’m going to try the Garnier next coz Bioderma is just too pricey for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha yeah Allison, I already knew going into it that it was going to be SO long! Thanks for sticking it out though 🙂 The Simple Micellar Water was a huge letdown for sure. I have the Garnier and I’ve been using it on and off. It’s definitely worth a try and I think it’s the best drugstore one I’ve tried so far, but nothing still compares to my Bioderma ❤ It is starting to get cheaper on Amazon though!

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    1. Yes, Ursula it was kind of insane to write such a long post! I’m glad it helped me weed out my collection though and you’re right— now I know more about what works for me! Can’t wait to see yours coming up 🙂

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    1. It takes a lot of dedication to use up product, I’m usually really bad about hoarding things so I usually have to force myself at least once a year to do something like this!

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  3. Wow you sure used up a lot of products. Way to go! I Sad about the beauty blenders, I’ve had some for years and they hold up still well after all the washing I do to them, same with the real teachniques brushes…too bad.

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