• april skincare empties

    Feb-Mar-Apr 2022 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    Live Clean Cool and Fresh Deodorant – I liked this deodorant, it smelled fresh. I had to declutter since I had it for too long though.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? Don’t know, I had to declutter it since it dried out.

    The Beauty of Eczema Skin Wash* – Sometimes the body wash had random globs of product (similar to when paint dries in a bottle). This body wash was a bit runny so I think I used more than I needed to use.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted two months.

    The Beauty of Eczema Bathing Oil* – I used it once a week to relax. I don’t know if I used a lot. Once I found out how much it cost, I made sure to use less. You can either pour it into a running bath or apply directly to your skin and then rinse it off. I think the best way to figure out how much to use is to apply it to your body. When I first read the words ‘oil,’ I was a bit unsure about it, but when I read the directions, I found out it turns into a milk.  

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    How long does it last? The 200mL bottle lasted two months (about 10 uses).

    Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask – I love the scent of this hair mask. I don’t use it too often though since it’s expensive.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? I had it for a year because I kept forgetting about it. I started using more of it later on. I recorded that I used it 20 times, but that could probably be doubled. I think I was using a lot.

    Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free* (read my review) – I found the petals in the toner unnecessary. I did notice that I didn’t have as much redness when I used this, but I don’t know if it was just because of the toner or if it was other products I used too.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? I had some compressed, dry sheet masks lying around, so I started using them with the toner. I think I used this toner quite generously. I will add a few uses to mine. I would say this 250mL bottle would last about 6 months. 

    La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum* (read my review) – This serum was too scented. I got a headache from it, so I started using it on my feet. I would apply it after a shower and then put socks on. My feet did feel smooth while using it.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? I can’t say how long it would last since I didn’t use on my  face.

    La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M Eco Tube* (read my review) – I wasn’t a fan of the smell (it smelled like school glue). I also used it up quickly.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted for a month of daily use (full body). I cut it open when nothing came out after squeezing the tube, I got a few days’ worth of product.

    The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser* – I didn’t find anything special about this cleanser. I would rather use the more affordable Cetaphil or Cerave cleanser that comes with a pump.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? This cleanser was more fluid than others (Cerave, Cetaphil), I feel like I tend to waste more when it’s fluid. Especially when it’s in a bottle with a cap that you turn sideways/upside down, it just flows out easily. This 150mL bottle lasted about 4 months.

    What have you finished lately?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me to try.

  • October 2021 Product Empties

    Aug-Sept-Oct 2021 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a while since I’ve done an empties post. I haven’t finished many products lately. For empties posts, I will now add how long it took me to finish the product. I keep a skincare journal of all products I use in a day, so I’m able to track how long it takes me to use a product. It also helps me figure out what products I’ve been using if I get a break out.

    First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA – My legs and arms feel smoother after using this scrub. I think if you use this scrub, you need to be consistent though. I’ve been trying my best to use it as frequently as directed, but sometimes I check when I last used it and it’s already been 2 weeks.

    Repurchase? I already repurchased a full-size bottle.

    How long does it last? For 1 oz travel size mini, I got 7 uses. I used a generous amount each time – full legs and upper arms, so you could probably get a few more uses if you only use on legs or arms.

    Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – You probably already know that these are one of my fave hydrocolloid pimple patches.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? I used a couple sheets in the last 3 months because I was breaking out from some new skincare and also my diet.

    Cerave Hydrating Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser. It was very gentle and it didn’t dry out my skin. Comparing it to the cheaper Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, I didn’t see a huge difference. I’d rather buy the cetaphil cleanser and spend the money on a moisturizer.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? For 562mL, it took 9 months to finish (250+ uses). I used it once a day – 1 full pump, sometimes I used 2 pumps. I would say you could stretch it out to 10 months’ use if you only used 1 pump every day.

    Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer* – This was a great moisturizer. I noticed that some of my redness went down when I woke up the next morning. I used this day and night.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? For 50mL, it took 4 months to finish (240 uses). I used one full pump each time and used it AM/PM (so 2 pumps a day).

    Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask* – This is the first clay mask I’ve tried that doesn’t dry my face out. I didn’t use this as frequently as directed, so I didn’t see any of the benefits from this mask. I’m kind of lazy when it comes to face masks and I don’t use them that often.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    How long does it last? The 59mL bottle lasted me 6 months, but I didn’t use it as frequently as directed. I didn’t get many uses out of it because I used generous amounts and went down to my neck. Using a regular amount, you could probably get 20-25 (maybe more) applications.

    L’Oréal 8-second Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse-out* (read my review) – It was a cool product to try, but I don’t personally find it worth the $10 for only 10 uses. It worked for me, my hair felt smooth, and it smells nice. For reference, I have straight hair and I haven’t dyed my hair in a long time. I also don’t style it very often, so it’s not damaged or frizzy. I’ve seen a few reviews where this hasn’t helped people with frizzy hair (as it claims).  

    Repurchase? No.             

    How long does it last? For a 200mL bottle, you’re supposed to use 20mL (or more) per use. 10 uses or fewer if you have thicker/longer hair.

    What products have you finished lately?

    Love,

  • skincare hair empties

    May-June-July 2021 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I haven’t finished many products over the past few months, so I combined three months’ worth of empties. I haven’t really touched my makeup in a long time, so I only have body, skin and hair care empties.

    Rael Miracle Acne Patches (read my review) – I love these and I will continue to buy them. I like that there are only 2 sizes of patches and the plastic they’re attached to is perforated so it’s easy to peel them off nicely.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Skinceuticals Phlorectin CF* – I didn’t like the smell of this one (it smells like brown sugar or coffee?). It made my face feel tacky the whole day and I didn’t notice a huge difference in my skin either. Even if this was a more reasonable price (it’s $190 CAD for 30 mL), I wouldn’t purchase because of the scent.

    Repurchase? No.

    Neogen Pore Tight Aqua Mask – I don’t really use sheet masks anymore. I’d prefer to just use moisturizers, serums or sleeping masks. This mask didn’t really align with my face well. The eye holes were really high up, so part of my forehead wasn’t covered and a lot of the sheet mask was under my chin. It doesn’t have a scent, but for some reason, it gave me a headache. It dries down tacky which I didn’t like.

    Repurchase? No.

    Cerave Moisturizing Cream – I like this cream. It keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day.

    Repurchase? Yes

    Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo – I like cucumber-scented shampoos. They’re refreshing.

    Repurchase? Yes

    Dove Nourishing Rituals Energize Shampoo – I like the refreshing scent of the grapefruit and lemongrass.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Australian Bodycare Intim Shave Gel* – I didn’t really notice if this helped with ingrowns or any redness/razor bumps.

    Repurchase? No.

    Pixi Glycolic Body Wash* – I was using this on my legs mostly. I am prone to ingrown hairs, so I think the exfoliating qualities of the body wash were helping my legs.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    What products have you finished lately?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me.

  • April 2021 empties

    April 2021 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm – I’m not usually a fan of rose-scented products, but this one wasn’t too bad. It wasn’t overly sticky and it kept my lips moisturized for hours.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Jouer Essential Hydrating Lip Oil – I started out liking this lip oil because it kept my lips hydrated for a couple hours, but the outside started getting sticky because the oil is so runny.

    Repurchase? No.

    Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara – I bought one of those Sephora Favourites mascara kits with travel-sized mascaras and a coupon to redeem a full size. I redeemed this back in 2019 and never got a chance to use it. Unfortunately, it dried up a bit and I had to declutter it.

    Repurchase? Maybe. I enjoyed this mascara, but it is quite expensive.

    Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel – This brow gel was good. It kept the brows in place, but it did feel a little stiff/crunchy. I didn’t really like the size of the brush because it was huge. I would prefer a smaller brush (like the ones they have for their tinted brow gels).

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    eos Organic Lip Balm Sphere in Vanilla Bean* – This lip balm irritated my lips and it’s not the first time this has happened. In the past, I tried these lip balm spheres and the same thing happened. I decided to try it out again because that was a while back, but they irritated my lips again. My lips felt super dry. I’ve seen some people talk about having an allergic reaction to this where their lips got blistered and crusty from using this balm. I stopped using before it could get to that point, but it did take a while before my lips felt smooth again. I would rather just stick to vaseline.

    Repurchase? Absolutely not.

    L’Oréal Revitalift Fragrance-Free Moisturizer* – I enjoyed this cream. It wasn’t too thick, but it kept my dry skin moisturized throughout the day. I do prefer serums/creams that come with a pump instead of a pot so I don’t know if I would repurchase this one. Especially since it’s on the more expensive side for a drugstore product.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Cerave Moisturizing Cream – I started using this in mid-January and I’ve already finished two tubes (2x57g) and a tub (539g). I kept a tube beside my desk during the day and I use the tub after showering. I have found that when I moisturize my body with it and then put clothes on, it can transfer onto your clothes. A few times, I’ve worn a black shirt and it had white on it (similar to getting deodorant on your shirt). It has been great during the winter. My skin hasn’t felt dry at all.

    Repurchase? Absolutely.

    What did you finish in April?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were gifted.

  • March 2021 Product Empties

    March 2021 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I have a few skincare empties this month!

    Volition Beauty Neroli Complete Crème* – I’ve tried a handful of Volition Beauty products and this one isn’t at the top of my list. I prefer products that come in bottles instead of tubs/pots because it’s more hygienic. It did a good job of keeping my skin feeling moisturized without feeling oily. I liked that my skin didn’t feel tacky after applying it too.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    An empty and a newbie.
    If you have this eye cream, make sure to cut it open because I was able to get almost a week’s worth of cream after cutting it open.

    Pixi Retinol Eye Cream* – I liked this eye cream and it lasted a while since most eye creams are 15mL or less. It’s one of the few eye creams I’ve tried that didn’t give my under eyes milia. Unfortunately, I can’t say if it worked well under makeup.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb – This is one of the few eye creams that didn’t give me milia, but it’s not one that stands out. I would prefer one that isn’t scented.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner – I wanted to try the Briogeo shampoo and conditioner to see what all the hype was about. I decided to try the banana and coconut one even though neither of those are my favourite scents. The shampoo’s scent was fine, but the conditioner smelled more artificial to me. I found that my hair dried faster when I used this conditioner than when I use others. 

    Repurchase? No, but I might consider trying the Matcha + Apple shampoo and conditioner because I think I’d prefer that scent.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – I bought a mini 3-pack of Smashbox photo finish primers. It came with this primer water and the primerizer (my friend took the original primer). I like that it doesn’t make my face feel greasy, but it adds some hydration.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    What products did you finish this month?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were sent to me.

  • feb 2021 empties

    February 2021 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I finished quite a few skincare products last month.

    Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne Purifying Gel Cleanser* – When I first started using this, I enjoyed it. I think I was using it too often for my skin because it started making my face feel dry from the salicylic acid. I think if I used it weekly instead of every other day, it would’ve been okay. I think I prefer to use a moisturizer or spot treatment with salicylic acid instead of a cleanser.

    Repurchase? No.

    Cerave Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin – I got a Costco pack that came with a large tub and the tube. So I use the tub for my body, and had the tube beside my desk to keep my hands moisturized throughout the day. They have been smooth and soft ever since I started using the cream daily.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Tarte Cosmetics Drink of H₂0 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer – My friend had a code to try the FabFitFun starter box, so I jumped at the chance to try. This moisturizer was actually thicker than I thought it’d be. I thought it’d be more of a gel cream, but it’s thicker than others I’ve used. Gel creams that I’ve used would glide onto my skin easily, but this one was more like a cream moisturizer.

    Repurchase? I didn’t mind it, but I probably wouldn’t get it again.

    The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed OilI started using this a few months ago, but it had a smell to it that I wasn’t 100% sure about. I didn’t know if it had gone bad or if that’s how it smells normally. Even if it hadn’t gone bad, I wasn’t crazy about the smell. So instead of using it on my face, I started using it on my feet at night. Unfortunately, I can’t say how it worked on my face, but I think I prefer other facial oils I’ve tried anyway.

    Repurchase? No.

    SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Potent Treatment for Aging Skin* – I can’t seem to find this on their website, I think they’ve renamed it to “Blemish + Age Defense Salicylic Acid ACne Treatment for Aging Skin Prone to Breakouts.” I did notice that my skin looked better while using this and it didn’t make my skin too dry or too oily. Since my skin is already dry, I made sure to use a hydrating serum with it and I only used it on my problem areas instead of using on my whole face (to save product). 

    Repurchase? While this did work for me, it’s quite expensive.

    Burt’s Bees Lip Gloss in 040 Tulip Spring* – This had a nice berry tint to it, but I’m not crazy about the passionfruit scent/taste. I mostly used this just to finish it.

    Repurchase? No.

    What products did you finish in February?

    Love,

  • Jan 2021 product empties

    January 2021 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I have a few empties for you this month. I decluttered a few makeup items. I know you can keep some makeup for a while, but I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I don’t really want to keep makeup longer than two years.

    Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel* – This cleansing gel was just okay for me. It didn’t really do much more than my Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser which is less expensive.

    Repurchase? No.

    Skyn Iceland Arctic Repair Cream* – I tried it once as a face moisturizer, but I found it too heavy. I really enjoyed this as a body cream. I would use it after showering and I loved that it wasn’t greasy at all. The container is a 100% recyclable jar made from sugarcane. I found sometimes it was hard to twist the lid on nicely. Since it comes with an insert that holds a spatula. It wasn’t a big issue for me, but I would be worried if I put it in a bag.

    Repurchase? For the colder months, I would definitely consider purchasing it.

    NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo & Conditioner* (read my review) –

    Repurchase? I would consider trying a different scent.

    Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light – I really liked this powder. Even though it’s a finishing powder, I used it as a foundation for days I wanted light coverage. I wish they had more shades though. The light shade wasn’t the perfect match.

    Repurchase? Definitely!

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light Neutral – I really liked this powder. It was the wrong shade, but it looked really nice on the skin. I know it’s called a full coverage foundation, but if you use a light hand, it won’t look heavy.

    Repurchase? In a different shade, yes.

    Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 – I purchased this when I bought the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation for my mom. The fluid sheers were on sale and this was one of the shades they had left. It was a good deal and I really just wanted to try it, so I chose #7 (a pinky pearlescent shade). I used this more like an illuminator mixed in with foundation instead of as a highlighter since it was a pink shade. It made my foundation look glowy. I still would’ve preferred to get a different shade, but I liked it.

    Repurchase? I want to try other liquid illuminators from other brands, but if I were to get this again, I would get it in shade #2.

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

  • December 2020 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    Happy New Year!

    I have a few empties for you this month.

    NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo* (read my review)- At first, I wasn’t a huge fan of the scent since it’s a bit sweet, but it grew on me. I liked the shampoo and it did make my hair shine. The bottles are interesting and I like that they sell refills in bags.

    Repurchase? Maybe. I would consider trying one of the others.

    Garnier Fructis Clean & Fresh Fortifying Shampoo + Grapefruit – I liked the clean scent of this one. I don’t really do anything to my hair, so it’s not damaged or anything. So I mostly just buy shampoos that are on sale.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – I love facial oils for my dry skin, but this one seemed to break me out. I’ve tried a rosehip seed oil from Good Molecules and it didn’t break me out. Even though it broke me out, it did seem to keep my face moisturized.

    Repurchase? No.

    Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies* – I was sent these gummies to try. I was expecting the texture to be like gummy candies, but it wasn’t like that. I can’t even think of anything that has a similar texture when you bite into the gummy. I don’t think I tried these long enough for them to help if they even do help digestion and other things.

    Repurchase? No.

    Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion – I liked that it didn’t have a scent. I would use it as a toner as my first layer of skincare after cleansing. It’s nice for the colder months where I need a little more hydration. I’ve tried other products that I prefer more, so I probably wouldn’t repurchase this specific one. I might look into other products from the brand though.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    What did you finish last year?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me.

  • Monthly Empties 2020

    October/November 2020 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I know it’s been a while since my last post. I know I’ve already said this, but I haven’t bought many new products this year, so I don’t have a lot to review. Here are my empties for the last 2 months. I decluttered the makeup items since I’ve had them for a while.

    Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule* – I really liked this product. I was sent it to try, but would repurchase it in the future. It comes in a huge bottle which lasted a long time. When I used this at night, I noticed that it calmed down the redness on my face. The redness wasn’t completely gone, but it didn’t look as bad as the day before.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – This lip mask lasts so long. I wish it came in a tube to make it a little more hygienic since it took so long to finish. I would wake up with my lips feeling moisturized.

    Repurchase? Probably.

    Burt’s Bees All Aflutter Volumizing Mascara* – The Burt’s Bees Mascaras are nice and natural. They don’t look clumpy at all. While it was a nice mascara, it’s a bit more expensive than other mascaras I like better.

    Repurchase? No.

    Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in 65 Seductress – I really liked this lipstick and would definitely repurchase in the future and consider other shades as well. It was a comfortable matte lipstick, but it was time to declutter it.

    Repurchase? Yes. I would try other shades too.

    Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (read my review) – It was a good cleanser, but it’s expensive and it didn’t do much more than my Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser which is a fraction of the price.

    Repurchase? No.

    Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Eye Patches – They felt cooling to use, but I didn’t really notice a difference after using them.

    Repurchase? No.

    What have you finished lately?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review or gifted.

  • may 2020 empties

    May 2020 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve got quite a few empties for you this month. I love trying travel-sized products to test things out. I know they’re not the most cost effective, but I’ve found a fair share of products that I don’t like. So I’m glad I didn’t buy the full size versions right away.

    Amorepacific Purify & Polish Set

    Amorepacific Purify & Polish Set (includes Treatment Cleansing Foam and Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder) – Both of these cleansers are so strongly fragranced. I have dry skin and I feel like the cleansing foam was too drying for me.  

    Repurchase? No. They’re both quite expensive and too fragranced for my liking.

    Tosowoong Repair Sleeping Hair Pack* – At first, I enjoyed this because it was a rinse free hair mask and it smelled pretty good. But once it dried, it felt like I had left product in my hair and forgot to wash it out. 

    Repurchase? No.

    Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Gel* – I liked the consistency of this, but it was very fragranced. It reminded me a lot of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel (read my review).

    Repurchase? No.

    tatcha the water cream

    Tatcha The Water Cream – I didn’t want to like this cream because of the price, but it’s quite nice for the warmer weather. It’s very similar to the Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review).

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer – I’ve had this concealer for almost 2 years and I thought it was time to declutter it. I really loved it for spot concealing.

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

    Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brow – I loved the size of this brush. I don’t really have any complaints about it, but I think I slightly prefer the Benefit Gimme Brow because of the selection of shades.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner – This did a good job of cleaning my brushes, but the vanilla scent started to get to me. I originally put this in my July/August 2019 faves post, but I’ve changed my mind. The scent would linger on the brushes and make my room smell like the scent.

    Repurchase? No.

    What products did you finish this month?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were sent to me for review.

  • feb 2020 empties

    February 2020 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are this month’s empties!

    Daiso Razors – I like these for shaving the face. They come with a plastic protector for storage.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Tarte Maracuja Eye Treatment – This cream is quite thick and I finished it a lot faster than I finished other products with the same amount.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil* – really liked this oil.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Kopari Coconut Deodorant (read my review) – I had to declutter this because my underarms got a reaction when I would use it. I think it’s the coconut. It smells nice, but it didn’t do the best job when I would work out. Of course, it is a deodorant and not an anti-perspirant.

    Repurchase? No.

    Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – This is a good cleanser for me to use in the morning. I sometimes use it on the body as well.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – LOVE THESE! If you haven’t tried hydrocolloid patches for your acne, you need to try them! It doesn’t have to be these specific ones, but these and the COSRX ones are favourites of mine.

    Repurchase? I purchase mine from Amazon (4 packs of 24). This is my second time buying 4 packs. It took me about a 8-12 months to finish all 4 packs.

    Moom Aromatherapy Foot Spa Cream* – Why are all foot creams mint-scented? Not that I’m complaining. This was a nice foot cream, but I didn’t notice a huge difference in how smooth my feet felt.

    Repurchase? No.

    Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo – I like this shampoo. I wouldn’t say it’s my fave, but I haven’t gotten any reactions (when I was using a Pantene shampoo, I noticed I was getting breakouts along my hairline and I don’t use many other hair products so it was easy to narrow it down).

    Repurchase? Only on sale.

    Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Face Tonic* (read my review) – I enjoy tea tree oil for my acne-prone skin.

    Repurchase? I would purchase more products in their Tea Tree collection (like the body wash).

    Tula Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – This is a nice salicylic acid acne gel. When I first got it, I would use it every day which I realized was too often and the reason my skin was a bit red. Once I cut down to using it less frequently, it was better and still kept my skin fairly clear.

    Repurchase? Tula no longer ships to Canada, but I’m sure I can find a similar acne gel with salicylic acid.

    Grounded Sage Pure Amore Gel Facial Cleanser* – I didn’t love this cleanser mainly because it came I a glass jar. I prefer a pump because I don’t want to stick my wet hand into the jar and I also tend to use more.

    Repurchase? No.

    Nars Velvet Matte Foundation Stick in Fiji – This wasn’t my favourite stick foundation I’ve used.

    Repurchase? No.

    Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in 09 Red Berry Glam – I wanted to try this lip oil and I won it in a giveaway. It wasn’t the shade I wanted, but I got to see if I liked the formula. I was expecting it to be more of an oil, but it’s basically like a gloss (quite sticky).

    Repurchase? Maybe, but in a different shade.

    Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara – I like that this is a fiber mascara. You just have to wash it off with warm water and you don’t get raccoon eyes. Unfortunately that means it’s not waterproof if that’s what you’re after.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Sephora Solid Clean: Solid Brush Cleaner – This is a nice little thing to travel with and it comes with a little silicone pad to help get a deeper clean.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    What did you finish this month?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.

  • november 2019 empties

    November 2019 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve got quite a few empties this month! Keep reading to find out which ones I’d repurchase.

    Tula Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – I like this gel. It doesn’t dry out my skin or irritate it like other salicylic acid products. Unfortunately for me, Tula stopped selling outside of the United States.

    Repurchase? I would if I could.

    Dr Paw Paw Original Balm (read my review) – This product was okay, but it didn’t do much more than Vaseline (which is a lot cheaper).

    Repurchase? No.

    Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit* (read my review) – I liked this lip balm, but it tasted like artificial grapefruit.

    Repurchase? Yes, in a different flavour.

    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this eye cream. I didn’t really notice if it brightened my under eyes, but it didn’t have any scent to it and wasn’t too thick. It didn’t cause any reactions under my eyes. It wouldn’t be hydrating enough for Fall/Winter, but I liked it for Spring/Summer.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser, but I don’t think it’s worth splurging. It didn’t do anything special compared to cheaper options.

    Repurchase? No.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – This is one of my favourite primers. I’ve already repurchased one to replace this.

    Repurchase? Absolutely.

    Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer – This is one of Tati’s (GlamLifeGuru) favourite pore-filling primers. It is a great primer, but it comes in a jar and it’s a bit thicker than other pore-filling primers. You also have to make sure to press it into the skin, don’t rub it in or it will pill. If you use too much, it can get cakey. It’s a great pore-filling and blurring primer.

    Repurchase? Probably not since I’ve found others that are easier to use.

    Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge – This was denser than I thought it would be. I didn’t love it and didn’t hate it.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    What did you finish this month?

    Love,

    Products with (*) were gifted to me.

  • september product empties

    September 2019 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I don’t have many products for you this month. While I did finish some skincare products, I only have a handful of mini reviews. Keep reading to find out what I’d purchase again!

    The Honest Company Perfectly Gentle Bubble Bath in Sweet Orange Vanilla – This was more expensive than I usually spend for a bubble bath. In the past, I’ve bought the generic drugstore brand ones. I will say that this one didn’t irritate my skin at all. Sometimes the fragrance in the others would irritate my sensitive skin. This is a really nice bubble bath that smells like a creamsicle. You can smell it more when you sniff from the bottle, it’s more faint once you’ve poured it into your bath.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides* (read my review) – It’s a nice product, but it’s not geared toward my skin type. If you have oily skin, you’ll enjoy this one. If I did have oily skin, I would probably buy it again.

    Repurchase? No.

    ANHYD Organics Organic Facial Moisturizer* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this moisturizer. It’s one of the few products that I’ve been sent that I would consider purchasing myself.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser* – I got a deluxe sample from Topbox. I didn’t like this one. It cleansed my face, yes, but I didn’t like the smell of it.

    Repurchase? No.

    Rael Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Healing Patch (read my review) – LOVE THESE! I originally said it was a tie between the COSRX and these patches, but I think I love these more now. They don’t fold on themselves when I peel them off the plastic. The plastic has perforations where you can tear it and easily peel the patch off without accidentally folding the patch onto itself (like when a bandaid sticks to itself and you can’t tear it apart).

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

    I love that all of the bottles from my empties are really nice and I can re-use them for something else. I don’t know what, but I will hoard them and use them for something.

    What did you finish in September?

    Love,

    Items marked with (*) were gifted to me.

  • physicians formula murmuru butter butter bronzer pan

    August 2019 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are my empties from August. As you can see, I finished my Butter Bronzer. Keep reading to find out what else I finished this month!

    Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – I think most people have tried this bronzer and love it. I also love it, but I wish it didn’t have fragrance in it. Why does a powder need fragrance?! For this reason, I will be trying out different ones. I may come back to it if I can’t find one that performed as beautifully as this one.

    Repurchase? Maybe. If they came out with an unscented version, I would absolutely buy it!

    Simple Foaming Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser. I used to love foaming cleansers, but I’m starting to prefer cleansing milks, oils and gels now.

    Repurchase? No.

    Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – This is a great cleanser for a great price (especially at Costco). I use it in the mornings and I sometimes use it for the body.

    Repurchase? Absolutely.

    Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – It was time to declutter this little guy. It’s a great mascara. While it’s not my fave of all time, I would definitely consider getting it in the full-size.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Picture taken when I first got it.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – I really enjoyed this primer water. It was great as a primer and as a setting spray. I don’t know if it necessarily prolonged my makeup, but it helped my powder products blend in with the skin.

    Repurchase? Yes!

    Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches* (read my review) – These were great pimple patches. They’re like the Rael or COSRX Clear Fit ones. It comes in a pack of 18 x 10 mm patches.

    Repurchase? Probably not. As a Canadian, it’s cheaper for me to get the COSRX (from Chuusi.ca) or Rael ones (from Amazon).

    What did you finish this month?

    Love,

    *Products were gifted to me.

  • july 2019 beauty empties

    July 2019 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I have quite a few cleanser empties this month! I use several at a time (one for morning, one for night). I also switch them up to test different ones out for a bit so that I can post a quick review on Instagram. I also have a few makeup empties for you this month, keep reading to see what products I’d repurchase!

    Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser – I didn’t love the herbal smell of this cleanser. It cleansed well, but I’d rather use Cetaphil which is unscented.

    Repurchase? No.

    Pixi Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel* – This cleanser was okay, I tended to squeeze out a lot more than I needed because the cleanser was more liquid than other cleansers I’ve used. The scent of this cleanser reminded me of kitchen cleanser because it smelled like lemons.

    Repurchase? No.

    Youth to the People Superfood Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer (read my review) – Love this moisturizer! It’s clean at Sephora and has no added fragrance which is great for my sensitive skin.

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

    Holika Holika Pig-Nose Clear Black Head Massage Gel – I wouldn’t say this worked super well for blackheads, but in the beginning, it worked okay as a peeling gel for my nose. It would moisturize my nose and also get rid of some of the dead skin.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Holika Holika Golden Monkey Glamour Lip 3-Step Kit – I really enjoy this 3-step lip kit. It turns chapped lips into smooth, ready for lipstick lips. First, you exfoliate your lips and then put a lip mask on and follow up with some honey to moisturize. Personally, I could do without the honey. I’d rather just put some lip balm on my lips because the honey is so sticky.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel – I enjoyed this peeling gel. It sloughed off dead skin well and it was a good price for the amount. I’ve used others that work a little better, but this is a gentle one that’s inexpensive.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Rael Acne Healing Patch (read my review) – I love these!

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation in 025 Beige Naturel – I really enjoy this cushion foundation. It’s a lightweight, buildable coverage. The shade is a bit off though – it looks a bit orange sometimes, so I might have to find a better shade match.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Setting Powder – This is a translucent pressed powder that’s supposed to give you a glow from within like the Hourglass Ambient powders. I’ve swatched the Hourglass ones before and they look beautiful, this Bobbi Brown one just looked like I had shimmer on my face.

    Repurchase? No.

    Catrice Light Illusion Loose Powder in Yellow Matt – I didn’t like this powder. I wanted to try a banana powder, but I prefer translucent powders.

    Repurchase? No.

    Wet N Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (read my review) – This is a cult favourite for good reason. I was only able to get my hands on the shade Precious Petals which was too dark for my skintone, but it was still beautiful. I used it a lot as an eyeshadow instead because it was just a bit too golden for me.

    Repurchase? Yes, in a different shade.

    Love,

    items marked with * were gifted to me.