Empties/ Products I'm Chucking Out #8

It has been almost a year and a half since my last empties post. I have only been accumulating these empties for the last month-two months, as I had stopped collecting my empties.

Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in 105 Ivory

I adore this powder. It works really well on my dry skin. I have already repurchased it, and I think I have found my holy grail drugstore powder. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3

It has taken me about three (or maybe four) years to use this powder up. When I first purchased it, I liked it, but as time has gone on my skin has gotten dryer and this powder really emphasised my dryness. Towards the end, I was just using this powder on my chin where I have a bit of scarring and pimples to cover it up, as this powder has got a lot of coverage. I would recommend this powder for people with oily skin, but not dry skin. 

bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light N10 

I actually really loved this foundation. I have dry skin, but it did not emphasise my dryness whatsoever. I got this in a set of bareMineral goodies, so I also got the matte version, which I didn't like as much. I ended up purchasing the pressed version of this foundation, and unfortunately it does not perform as good as the loose, as it really emphasises my dryness. I probably would repurchase this as the undertone was fabulous, matched me pretty well, and did not dry my skin out whatsoever. The only downside is it is very messy because it is loose. 

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colourless Powder

I adore this powder. Last year at IMATS, I repurchased two bottles of this powder, and will repurchase two more this year at IMATS. I use this daily to set my undereye concealer, and I have minimal creasing with this product. 

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
This is my holy grail concealer for under the eye. A couple of weeks ago I Back To MAC'd five empty bottles, and I'm almost done with another one of these. This will always be a repurchase for me.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
I actually quite enjoyed this primer. It reminded me a lot of the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer, which I also enjoy (and have repurchased over and over). I would repurchase this, but only when it is on sale (or at Chemist Warehouse where I initially purchased it - makeup is always discounted there).  I don't think this product is a great pore eraser (it has a silicone feeling, but doesn't fill in pores all too well), but large pores aren't a skin issue that I experience.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (x2)
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is a primer I have repurchased over and over. It is the one I use in my freelance kit, and it works great on my skin as well. It is great at smoothing and slightly hydrating my skin.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray 
This is another holy grail in my collection. I have one sitting in my freelance kit, and one sitting on my vanity. Always a repurchase (and can we talk about how great it is that NYX is now stocked in Priceline???)

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray 
This spray was okay. I didn't notice too much when I used this verse when I didn't use it. This product claims to be redness reducing, pore minimising, and oil absorbing. Redness is my only real skin concern out of the three, and I don't think this spray made much of a difference. However, this spray was nice as a pre-makeup treatment and it was a hydrating spray.

Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara (x2)

This is my holy grail brow gel. I go through this brow gel quite consistently, and whenever I see it in the shelf at Priceline or Target, I tend to pick it up as a back up. When the product starts to change colour and the tube is getting a bit empty, that's when I tend to chuck it and grab a new one. 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I love this mascara. I'm currently using a deluxe sample size of this mascara that's almost done as well, and I have a back up deluxe sample waiting to be used. I do find this mascara tends to dry out quickly, so I prefer going for the deluxe sample size as opposed to the full size (there was a point where at Mecca you could purchase the deluxe sample size). 

Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

This mascara was in my freelance kit, and I never used the wand so can't comment on that (my only comment is the wand is actually huge), but this mascara has a good waterproof formula. I did use it on myself a few times (with a disposable wand), and I found the formula good.  I would repurchase this mascara for my freelance kit. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 

This is a deluxe sized sample that I picked up on sale at the Sydney Domestic Terminal earlier this year. I wasn't expecting much from this mascara, but I actually love it. I have quite a few unopened mascaras and I'm trying to keep my unopened mascara collection to a minimal, but I would consider repurchasing this mascara in the future.  

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP

I'm sure this perfume has been in my empties before. This is my holy grail perfume. I go through a bottle a year roughly, and will always repurchase. I abolsutely adore this scent. If you've never smelt Flowerbomb and are a fan of floral scents, make it a point to smell this perfume, and thank me later. 

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick 

This is the first MAC lipstick I have used up. Last year, MAC Velvet Teddy was on my lips about 80% of the time. I have repurchased this lipstick, but tend to lean more towards Whirl. I think when the warmer months come around, I will reach for Velvet Teddy more as it is a lighter shade compared with Whirl. 

Blistex Click Cool Spearmint Lip Balm 

Years ago, I used a peppermint lip balm and it was the most soothing, wonderful lip balm. I saw this in Chemist Warehouse a while ago (it was in a duo with a peach scented lip balm as well), and put it in my basket without a second thought. I loved this lip balm, and would repurchase if I saw it in stores again. Mint lip balms are so refreshing. 

Target Essentials Cosmetic Pads

I actually really enjoyed these cotton pads. Next time I'm in Target, I'll pick up another pack. 

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads 

I tend to pick these up every time I'm in Kmart. They're cheap, and they do the job ok. 

Woolworths Select Make Up Pads

I don't really remember these cotton pads all too well, so I'd say they're about average. Probably would only repurchase if I was in need of cotton pads and in Woolworths. 

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Calming Facial Cleansing Wipes

I don't use face wipes every day, but when I do, these are one of my favourites to use. They are gentle on my sensitive skin and do a good job at removing makeup. Most importantly, these face wipes don't dry my skin out. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

I love this mask from the Body Shop. It is a great leave on, overnight mask, and very moisturising. Last year when my Dad was sick and the chemo was drying out his skin, I purchased him a few of the products from the Vitamin E line from the Body Shop, and they worked well for him too. If you have dry skin, or dehydrated skin, I would recommend checking this out at the Body Shop. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Unfortunately this oil made me break out. Towards the end (once I had figured out it was the oil breaking me out), I used it in my hair only. I wouldn't repurchase this product as I prefer other oils in my hair, but I'm happy I was able to use the product up (and that I only purchased a small travel size as opposed to the full size)

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I love this micellar water. I use this to remove makeup (I tend to use a cleansing oil first, and then go over with the micellar water). This is fine to remove light makeup, but not great for heavy makeup. I also use this to remove swatches on my arm. This bottle has lasted me well over 6 months, and when I purchased this (it was from the Priceline 40% off skin care sale a while ago), I did purchase two bottles, and have already started using the second bottle. 

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge

For a while, I couldn't find this product in Daiso. When I did, I purchased 10 bottles. I have used up more than just this one, but have not kept them. I find this is great for removing makeup from sponges, and also great to break down liquid or cream products on brushes (I find it works better than my usual baby shampoo) when deep cleaning them. If you haven't tried this product, I highly recommend it. I still have a few left, but will definitely repurchase when those are used up. This product is also $2.80, so you really can't go wrong. 

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon 

Rose Jam is my favourite scent from Lush. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a few bath bombs from Lush, and had to purchase two of these. I wish Rose Jam was a scent they had year round. Would definitely repurchase this. 

Manicare Mascara Brushes Duo Length & Define 

I either use these mascara wands in my freelance kit, or when I wax mine or my Mum's eyebrows. These are decent, and I would repurchase. I know I can purchase mascara wands cheap on eBay, and I should do that for when I wax brows, but I do like the shape of these wands for when I apply mascara on clients. 

Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm 

I think this product was off when I tried to use it. The scent of this was horrible. I'm just chucking it in the bin, don't want to put this near my face again. 

By Terry Baume De Rose 

I enjoyed using this lip balm at night, and the sample ended up lasting about a week. I do have another sample to use up, but this product is quite expensive and I didn't find it revolutionary by any means, so I would not purchase. 

NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream

This sachet lasted a few uses, and was quite nice. I do need to get into using eye creams again (whoops), but I do prefer the Benefit eye cream I used to use to this one. It was a nice hydrating cream, though. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light 

This was basically a one time use sachet of the oil. I used this in my hair to moisturise after washing.

I have quite the collection of samples, and want to work my way through them, so hopefully I have a few more to include in my next empties post!

Thanks for reading,

X

Top 13 of 2013

I cannot believe 2013 is at an end. This year has been one of the best years of my life, the most significant was my travels to England. For this yearly favourites, I decided to pick 13 of my favourite products I discovered in 2013 - and it was hard to narrow it down! But here it is, my top 13 of 2013!

1. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This is probably the best purchase I've made this year, and definitely number one on my list of best products of the year (and probably my favourite palette ever). This is the perfect palette to accompany any makeup look, single eyeshadow, or palette you have. See my review of the Naked Basics here.  

2. MAC Painterly Paint Pot 

This is the best matte base I've ever tried - I don't know why I put buying this off for so long! Although my whole body is dry, I have hooded eyelids that get quite oily. This keeps everything on my lids. I don't do a makeup look without this base, and although it is on the pricier side in Australia, if you're looking for a good base that'll work, I recommend the MAC Paint Pot in Painterly.

3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

I've found that this year, my skin is much more dry than it has been. I slowly had to move away from powders, and venture into the world of products specified for dry skin. This isn't a holy grail foundation (I know I'll find it someday), but it is a great everyday foundation for dry skin. 

4. Essence Lash and Brow Gel

2013 was definitely the year of the eyebrow for me. This brow gel sets everything in place, and is relatively cheap - under $5. Even if you don't fill in your eyebrows or apply any product to them, it's always good to set them and smooth everything out, and I recommend this brow gel. 

5. Benefit Coralista Blush 

This is the blush that made me fall in love with blush. I absolutely adore this blush, and since then have tried incorporating blush in my everyday routine (something I never really did). On paler skins this is beautiful, and on darker skins it is beautiful. I love this blush.

6. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

My Seche Vite is basically all gone, but this is the greatest top coat I have ever used. It dries super fast, is glossy, and everything I want in a topcoat. I highly recommend this product if you haven't tried it yet! 

7. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Perfume 

This is one of my perfume favourites of 2013. I picked this up on my way back from England at Heathrow, and I absolutely adore this perfume. I'll probably invest in the original parfum next time, but I love the scent of this. I love floral scents! 

8. YSL Parisienne Perfume

I've included two perfumes because this was the year I ventured out into different scents. Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is my all-time favourite scent, but when I got a sample of this earlier in the year I had to buy it. I purchased this a week or so before I went to England, so every time I wear this perfume I'm reminded of that time away, and this is definitely a scent I'd purchase over and over again. 

9. Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie

For when my eczema flares up, I love this stuff for in the shower. It's like a clay almost, and is super soothing. 

10. Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleaner 

This is the greatest thing to clean makeup sponges. For regular brushes, I find it mediocre, but it just sucks liquid makeup out of brushes. 

11. Sigma Small Angle E65 Brush 

This is the only brush I will use in my brows. It is much smaller than the other angle brushes I own, and is perfect for filling in brows. I think I'll need to invest in another one soon, because I also adore this brush for gel eyeliner, or black eyeshadow on the lash line. 

12. Sleek Face Form Palette in Light 

This palette (at least the contour) has seen better days! The contour is absolutely lovely for my light skin, the highlighter is also nice. My only vice with this palette is the blush - on light skin tones, I really can't work this. When I was in England, my cousin who is dark skinned used it and it looked phenomenal on her! But on me, no! However, I'd recommend this palette just for the contour alone - I love it.

See my review of the palette here.

13. Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (Bad to the Bronze)

This was a purchase I made in England. I've been a fan of the Colour Tattoos since they came to Australia in late 2012, and although this has been a favourite, I never picked it up until I was in England - another product I put off buying for so long!

And those are my top 13 of 2013. Happy New Year everyone, see you in 2014!

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #5

David Jones Deeply Purify Facial Cleanser 

I got this cleanser in a set of samples from David Jones a couple of months ago. The next cleanser also came in the set, and although I enjoyed this cleanser the Burt's Bees I enjoyed more and would repurchase it over the David Jones. This cleanser worked well. 

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser 

I LOVE THIS. The scent is pleasant, and it feels so refreshing to use. I've repurchased the full size, and I think I've found my holy grail cleanser. 

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel 

I'm not really one for sickly sweet smells, but I absolutely adore this shower gel! I got the smallest size available, but I'll have to stock up before its gone. 

Bioderma Cleanser

I purchased the smallest size available from eBay awhile ago to try this product out. This is a super soft cleanser and removes makeup. I definitely will repurchase this, and now it's available from Priceline which makes it super accessible to Australians. 

Alpha Keri Intensive Ointment

I use this on my eczema, and will continue to repurchase this product.

Schwarzkopf Taft Flexible Hairspray 

I actually did like this hairspray, but I don't really have a preference with hairspray. This one was quite flexible, did not leave my hair stiff. 

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge 

This is amazing at cleaning makeup sponges. It just drags out foundation in no time. I love it, will continue to repurchase. 

Cutex Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover 

I purchased acetone free because I have acrylics on. This works well, and I'll most likely repurchase it in the future. 

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream

I've mentioned this in empties before, and I will continue to purchase this day cream. For when my skin isn't super dry, this works wonderfully. 

Vaseline Total Moisture Dry Skin 

I love this moisturiser. I use it allover my body. A pack of three of the large bottles were available at Costco, so I stocked up last time I was there. I'd recommend this to anyone with dry skin. 

MAC Fix+

I've been through at least 3 bottles of Fix+ now. I love this stuff, and will continue to repurchase it. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour Deep Treatment

This was a sample packet I purchased in England. I liked this, but it isn't my favourite deep treatment. When I go back to England, I will be stocking up on this stuff though as it is good value for money.

Johnson's Baby Conditioning Shampoo

This is my go to brush cleanser. It leaves my brushes soft and cleanses well. Will continue to repurchase. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in 10 Fair Clair 

I thought I'd never use this under eye concealer up, but I got there! I did enjoy this, but at the moment I am loving the Rimmel Match Perfection more. This is a good under eye concealer, and I recommend it!

Revlon Colorstay for Normal/Dry Skin in 150 Buff

I loved this foundation, but the bottle always leaked! I'm happy they have changed the packaging to include a pump, and I've already repurchased this foundation. 

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15

I was so happy when I finished this foundation up! I love this foundation, and I've repurchased it in NC20. My perfect shade is between the two, however, so I will repurchase NC15 soon. 

Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie 

Favourite for eczema. This is like a clay, and I wash my legs (which is where I have eczema) with this stuff when it flares up. Works to calm it down, will always repurchase. 

Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream

This isn't my favourite night cream, but it was quite moisturising. I'd recommend this to anyone who doesn't need a super hydrating night cream for an affordable price. 

Clinique Moisture Surge 

This was a good moisturiser, quite hydrating. This is on my list of potential hydrating day creams.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water 

I decided to try out the Lush toners. This was the first one I have used up, and I also am trying Eau Roma Water. I loved the scent of this, it didn't dry my skin out and I think is perfect for us dry skinned people. I think I will have a comparison post later on once I have tested them all out. 

Johnson's Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes (x5)

I bought a bulk of these from Costco, and while I used them up I find them too harsh on my dry skin. 

BeautyCareCo Makeup Remover Pads

These always feature in my empties. Can't say much about them, they do the job! 

NYC Glamour Lashes

I picked these up when I was in England, I mentioned the first pair in my last empties post. These were okay, nothing super special. 

Eylure Katy Perry Lashes in Oh, My!

These lashes are full on, and I love them! I wore them to a friends 21st, and I loved the look! I adore these lashes, and definitely will be repurchasing a pair for New Years Eve!  

ModelCo Flutter False Lashes in Flamboyant 

These were also another pair of full on lashes, and I wore them to another 21st. I loved these lashes too, and when I bought them they were only around $9, which I think is quite reasonable. 

Manicare Glameyes Taylor Lashes

I don't really remember these lashes, so I can't really comment. The past two months have really been about lashes. 

Daiso Lashes

For $2.80, you really can't go wrong. Every time I go into Daiso, I pick up at least 2 pairs of lashes to add to my drawer. 

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #4

I have a ton of empties this time! I even had to break the photos up into categories. Let's start with hair.

VO5 Hot Oil Give Me Moisture Treatments

I purchased these awhile ago, and I forgot about them. There was only four in the pack, but I honestly don't think they did too much for my hair. Probably won't repurchase these, but I'm open to trying other hot oil treatments. 

Edward Beale Argon Oil Leave-In Treatment

I like this leave in treatment, and I have mentioned it in a previous Favourites post, long ago. I definitely do need to repurchase this. 

Schwarzkopf Normal Balance Leave-In Treatment

I've had this treatment for a while, it took forever to use up. I finally used it up, yay! This was okay, but I don't think it did anything magical for my hair. I would not repurchase. 

Clear Total Nourishing Care Nourishing Shampoo 50mL

I bought this small size when I went to Canberra in April (eek!) I also had the conditioner, but I'm not too sure where it went. 

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo (x2) 

My favourite dry shampoo, just not favourite scent. These were only $4, so I bought quite a few of these. Would repurchase the Blush scent (and I have!) 

Peace, Love and Juicy Couture Shower Gel
This was a shower gel I got with the matching perfume, and it smelt nice, but I have dry skin and it wasn't the best for my easily irritated skin.

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge 
This stuff is awesome at cleaning beauty sponges, but it goes super quickly. I have repurchased two of these recently, but I will only designate it to cleaning sponges. It's only $2.80 as well, which is awesome!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion
I love this moisturiser. I'm considering purchasing once I've used up all the other moisturisers I own.

Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Mud Mask
I love this mask. I bought the sample size to try, but I've already bought the full size. I love the smell of this mask.

QV Face Moisturising Day Cream
This was an okay day cream, but it's not a favourite. Probably won't repurchase this.

Woolworths Select Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover 
When you have acrylics, acetone-free is your friend. This nail polish remover did the job.

Vaseline Total Moisture Dry Skin Moisturising Lotion
This is my favourite body moisturiser. Since finishing this up, I have purchased another, and it is nearly finished up. Will be repurchasing again.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bomblicious Perfumed Shower Gel 
This came with a gift set of one bottle of Flowerbomb I had. It was a nice shower gel to use because it smelt like Flowerbomb.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover 
I love this eye make-up remover. I have a Maybelline one at the moment, which I don't like very much, so when that finishes I will be repurchasing this.

Rexona Sexy Deodorant 

Favourite deodorant. Always repurchase. 

Rexona Cotton Fresh Deoderant 

This was okay. Favourite brand of deodorant, just not my favourite scent. 

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturiser (x2)

I got these sample sizes this year I think, and I took one to England to use as a night moisturiser. It worked well, but I have other night moisturisers I prefer. 

Alpha Keri Ointment 

I use this to calm my eczema and irritated skin. I've repurchased it, and I would repurchase it again. It's thick, so I ideally use it at nighttime. 

Neutrogena Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator

This smelt like citrus, and I enjoyed it. I still have a bit of a Soap & Glory one to use up, and I just purchased a Lush one, but I would consider repurchasing this after I use those two up. 

Skin Wisdom Instant Benefit Peel Off Face Mask

This was a face mask I brought back from England. I liked it, but I don't think I'll be able to purchase it anytime soon.

Lush Ultrabalm

This stuff is awesome for eczema, dry and itchy skin. I have repurchased, but I don't know where my second tub has gone so I may have to go out and get another one. 

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume 

This is my favourite perfume. For my birthday, I received another bottle. This will forever be a repurchase. If you haven't smelled this perfume, you need to. 

Swisspers Make Up Remover Pads 
These did the job.

BeautyCareCo Makeup Remover Pads 
These are okay makeup remover pads, I really don't have much of a preference.

Priceline Cosmetics Set 
This set came with same pads, cotton tips, it was a really nice combination of things. Next time I'm in Priceline I might pick up another one.

Swisspers Naturals Original Facial Cleansing Wipes and Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Cleansing Wipes 
I like both the Original and Green Tea wipes, both feel nice on my skin. After I use up the ones I currently have, I'm going to go back to purchasing these.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes 
You can get a bulk pack of these from Costco, and I recently picked some up. I'm realising now that maybe these are too harsh on my skin, so after I use up the packets I have I'm going to go back to buying the Swisspers Natural face wipes.

Avene Hydrance Rich Creme
I got this sample from Priceline a while ago, and this was a good moisturiser. I may have to go purchase this, as my skin is super dry at the moment.

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent 
This was an okay setting powder, but I much prefer the Face of Australia powder.

Elf Lengthening and Defining Mascara 
Used this somewhat as a brow gel, although it stayed in my drawer for the longest time. Wouldn't repurchase, love the Essence brow gel.

Australis Eyeshadow Primer 
This was the first eyeshadow primer I ever bought. If you don't have oily eyelids, I recommend it. It did a good enough job, but I have since found other eye primers that work better for me.

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara
Favourite mascara. When I get through the million mascaras I have, I will repurchase.

1000 Hour Metallic Nailz 
These are those mirrored nails. When I was attempting to clean out my nail polish stash (which failed), I found these. The nails that fit my nails are all used up, so into the bin it goes.

I've even used up some nail polish. I've now found my holy grail top coat, so I am trying to get rid of all the others I have in my collection. 

Essence Nail Art Express Dry Drops

I thought this would be like the OPI equivalent, but it's not. Would not repurchase, too oily and doesn't really dry your polish quickly. 

Rimmel 60 Seconds Top Coat

This is my second favourite top coat. I repurchased another one before trying Seche Vite, but after I use that up I probably won't repurchase it. 

OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat (x2)

This was an okay base coat, but not my favourite top coat. Both have dried up really badly, so I need to throw them out. 

OPI Natural Base Coat 

I love this base coat, definitely a favourite. I will repurchase this is the near future. 

OPI RapiDry Top Coat (mini)

I don't like RapiDry. This lasted only a few uses because it is a small bottle and it dried up a little. Would not repurchase. 

Eylure Katy Perry Lashes in Sweetie Pie 

These, from memory, were quite natural lashes. 

NYC Glamour Eyelashes

I got these lashes when I was in England. I actually don't remember much of what these looked like, so I don't think they were all too special. 

And those are all the empties I have! I'm quite happy with what I've gone through the last two months. Thanks for reading, and if you haven't, please follow me on Bloglovin'!