Empties
Empties #5
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 • Empties, review, skincare, WDDT?
For my fifth installment in this Empties series I decided that it might be more interesting to collect empties over a longer period of time, and discuss what did or did not get repurchased, as well as my thoughts about the actual item itself. Just as a quick reminder, I have oily skin that's become more sensitive over time due to regular prescription-strength retinol use.
1) Clinique Cleansing Oil ($28) 2) GlamGlow Super Cleanse ($32) 3) REN Clarimatte Cleansing Gel ($28)
1) Purity Made Simple Mask ($25) 2) Acure Pore Clarifying Red Clay Mask (~$13.99) 3) Fresh Rose Face Mask ($25-$62) 4) Eve Lom Rescue Mask ($50)
1) Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner (~$15) 2) The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc Serum ($5.90) ~ 3) NuFountain C20+Ferulic Vitamin C Serum ($26.99) 4) La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen ($42.50) 5) Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm ($68, but I found mind in Marshall's)
CLEANSERS
I still love the Clinique Cleansing Oil, and feel like it does the best job at taking all my makeup off without irritating me eyes or clouding my vision (plus there's usually enough slip to massage with). I'm already almost done with another bottle, but won't be repurchasing at the moment because I've got my eye on something new.
The GlamGlow cleanser is another long term favorite of mine, I've been buying it since it was released and this is the last of my bottles in the previous packaging. I freakishly found that I could keep using this as my evening second cleanse even while using retinol, so.... maybe don't rule it out if you're in my shoes? But clearly your mileage may vary.
I switched things up after finishing the last REN cleanser, and while this one was fine, I didn't like it as much as the ClearCalm one AND I went through it just fast. Will not be repurchasing.
MASKS
Now masks are a category that I rarely repurchase in, I tend to think there are so many I want to try that sticking with one isn't worth it, but there are a couple here I'll focus in on. The Acure mask I'm actually on my third tube of now (the line has been rebranded recently, so I'm a little gutted because I'm not sure you can get this anymore) and it's a great all-in-one. I tend to pull it out when I feel a little pimpel-y and it helps calm things down without drying the f*ck out of my face. It is red and a little terrifying looking upon application, and provides a very light physical exfoliation and foams when you add water to rinse it away.
And obviously the Fresh Rose Mask is a favorite. I've been able to avoid buying the full size because of 100pt perks and one sale mask trio, but I have to admit I love it. It feels nice on the face, smells wonderful, and my skin looks bright/plump after I've rinsed it away. Does that mean it's worth $62? Probably, but I also want to try the Body Shop's version before I commit to it.
OTHER
Now this section is SUPER random, so I apologize for lumping it all in together. Generally I would consider these products fine but not great across the board, though the only thing I've repurchased here is in the Mizon toner. And I couldn't even tell you what, specifically, that toner even DOES for my skin. After watching Hot and Flashy's video on antioxidants, I'm probably going to pick up the Timeless serum she loves when I'm out of the Vitamin C product I'm currently using.
And that's it! I would love to hear what products you're using and loving, so if you've got 'em to share please leave a comment below or on my Instagram!
Empties #4
Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Empties, review, skincare, WDDT?
Eve Lom Rescue Mask ($50-$85), January Labs Restorative Tonic Mist ($24), COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (~$5), Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask with Rosemary and Honey ($82), NIOD Flavanone Mud ($39)
As I continue on into 2018 as the slight skincare junkie that I am, I'm making a promise to myself to try - TRY - not to buy new products in a category if I already have a product there working. It doesn't have to be the best thing ever, but if it's doing an adequate job I'd like to try not to spend more money unnecessarily. Thus I hope that you'll all be seeing this series a little more frequently as I work through my stash.
From looking at the products included here I think you can tell that masks are category that gets a lot of love from me. There's something soothing about plopping on (or painting because on particularly bougie nights I will use a repurposed foundation brush to apply them) and sitting with a book or YouTube video for 20min that's super relaxing. The Eve Lom and Chantecaille masks are both recommended, though the Eve Lom is a bit more astringent. I'm not sure I'll repurchase either, but if you've got acne prone skin then I think either is a good buy considering the number of applications you get. The Flavonone Mud mask on the other hand gets a big ol' "shrug" from me. I just never saw the kind of response from my face that would apply it's doing all that much more than a regular clay mask, and the burning sensation you feel upon removal is just weird. The reviews on this product are pretty solid though, so for $39 you could do worse (but it also expires in just 6 months which annoys me).
Now the COSRX acne pimple patches are fine, but I think I just like the MEDca ones better and you get more for the same amount of money. And finally, despite my damndest, I just don't see a huge difference using the January Labs mist. Caroline Hirons loves it, so I think that if you had dry or dehydrated skin you would consider this a beautiful addition to your day or evening routine, but for me it was just a nice step to use after the NIOD mask but didn't seem to be adding any needed hydration.
Which is all we got! I look forward to sharing more empties with you, and if you come across a great product I just *must* try, make sure to comment below!
Empties #3
Friday, November 17, 2017 • Empties, review, skincare, WDDT?
I was all ready to apologize for never actually doing a second post and turning this idea of mine into a real series, but LO AND BEHOLD I already *did* a second post and three definitely makes it a series! YES!
[Happy Dance!]
[It's the little things people, that get you through the day.]
I think the biggest mental hurdle I have to get over on these types of posts is the idea that I'm somehow not qualified to be giving an opinion. But you know what? I tried these products, used them enough to actually finish them, and have accumulated a few thoughts and feelings that might be helpful to you.
[Happy Dance!]
[It's the little things people, that get you through the day.]
I think the biggest mental hurdle I have to get over on these types of posts is the idea that I'm somehow not qualified to be giving an opinion. But you know what? I tried these products, used them enough to actually finish them, and have accumulated a few thoughts and feelings that might be helpful to you.
Ren Clarifying Clay Cleanser ($32), Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner (~$13), Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream (~$10), CVS Detoxifying/Perfecting Black Facial Mask ($3.49, reformulated), Caudalie S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum ($49), Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Serum ($78), Sunday Riley Good Genes ($105), Estee Lauder Little Black Primer ($25)
Let's just agree now not to do the math ok? Also, take heart that a lot of these were bought over a significant period of time (kinda sorta). For the quick and dirty take I've repurchased the toner and the mascara primer, though that doesn't mean the rest of what you see here was bad.
The REN cleanser I bought at the beginning of my retinol usage and I actually think it's a great soothing/non-irritating cleanser - I just literally went through it in 2 months and for $32 I haven't decide yet if it's worth the repeated splurge. I bought a different one from the line during the Sephora VIB Rouge sale (the oil controlling one) and much less seems to be dispersed with each pump so I've got my fingers crossed.
The eye cream was "eh", so if you're looking for a cheap eye cream I'd say that one was fine but unremarkable, the CVS mask I *loved* so clearly it's been reformulated because the universe hates me, and despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I could not understand the hype about Good Genes. Out of the entire time I used if I felt like my skin looked visibly better maybe once or twice? Definitely not enough to warrant a second bottle.
As far as the Caudalie and Dr. Dennis Gross serums go, I think the only reason I didn't repurchase them is because I'm a "try-er" - my loves to get caught by the new bright and shiny serum, so if I didn't see a fantastically amazing result I move on. The Caudalie I used instead of a moisturizer during the summer - which it did a good job at - but I never felt like I saw the incredible hydrating benefits that everyone raves about in the review section of Sephora. The Dr. Dennis Gross I did actually see visible improvement in the pigmentation/clarity of my skin, enough that I decided to graduate to a strictly Vitamin C serum for even better results.
Oh and the toner was not like, mind-blowing, but seems to be playing well with my retinol for a cheap price point so I'm probably going to stick with it for a while, and the Little Black Primer is probably the only mascara primer I've used and liked (plus it can be worn by itself and over other mascaras/brows to waterproof whatever you've applied there).
While not as quick and dirty as I usually try to keep these round-ups, I hope my very not professional opinion gives you a few new products to consider the next time you're looking at your own empties.
Empties #2
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 • Empties, review, skincare, WDDT?
Oh hey look - am empties post!
Sorry for the few and far between on these guys, but since I rotate through a few different products in a lot of these categories, it takes some times to actually use things up. Still, what I have to talk about today are some of my favorites so I think that makes up for it a little bit!
First up is this GlamGlow cleanser I think I've repurchased 3 - maybe 4 - times? Initially I picked it up to try and combat these patches of congestion I'd get on the sides of my chin, but it's done wonders for my whole face. I wouldn't recommend it two times a day or when you have active break outs (it's a little too gritty for that) but I love how my face feels clean but not stripped after I use it, and I've definitely seen a decline in breakouts since I started incorporating it into my regular routine.
The Kensington Apothecary toner I talked about soon after I bought it, and it continues to be a staple in my routine. I've switched using it to the mornings, just because some of my evening products are being moved around, and it hasn't left me greasy or effected how my makeup sits. I happily recommend this gentle toner to everyone!
And finally, the Korres 2 step peel. I haven't talked about this one before, but it's one of the best products I've purchased in the last year. Not only is it non-irritating, it does an incredible job at brightening my complexion while magically treating break outs. I don't know why it works like that for me, but it does. If I had to list a con I'd say it is the fact that the actual peel portion of the product, the jar, runs out faster than the prep part. Knowing I have more product in there just makes me yearn for more to put over it! As part of a more long-term strategy to get as close as possible to unrealistically perfect skin (gotta have goals right?) I've switched to the brightening sleeping facial, but I'm not ready to say it works as well. At least not yet.
Sorry for the few and far between on these guys, but since I rotate through a few different products in a lot of these categories, it takes some times to actually use things up. Still, what I have to talk about today are some of my favorites so I think that makes up for it a little bit!
GlamGlow SuperCleanse ($39), Kensington Apothecary Rose Water Exfoliating Tonic ($28), Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Petal Peel ($64)
First up is this GlamGlow cleanser I think I've repurchased 3 - maybe 4 - times? Initially I picked it up to try and combat these patches of congestion I'd get on the sides of my chin, but it's done wonders for my whole face. I wouldn't recommend it two times a day or when you have active break outs (it's a little too gritty for that) but I love how my face feels clean but not stripped after I use it, and I've definitely seen a decline in breakouts since I started incorporating it into my regular routine.
The Kensington Apothecary toner I talked about soon after I bought it, and it continues to be a staple in my routine. I've switched using it to the mornings, just because some of my evening products are being moved around, and it hasn't left me greasy or effected how my makeup sits. I happily recommend this gentle toner to everyone!
And finally, the Korres 2 step peel. I haven't talked about this one before, but it's one of the best products I've purchased in the last year. Not only is it non-irritating, it does an incredible job at brightening my complexion while magically treating break outs. I don't know why it works like that for me, but it does. If I had to list a con I'd say it is the fact that the actual peel portion of the product, the jar, runs out faster than the prep part. Knowing I have more product in there just makes me yearn for more to put over it! As part of a more long-term strategy to get as close as possible to unrealistically perfect skin (gotta have goals right?) I've switched to the brightening sleeping facial, but I'm not ready to say it works as well. At least not yet.
And that's it for me! I hope my experiences help you in making your next skincare decision, and if you have any questions let me know!
Empties #1
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 • Empties, review, skincare, WDDT?
Oh look, another inconsistently consistent series! Though this one is going to be inconsistent by intention, since I don't actually go through products *that* quickly. But just as I'm always strangely interested in people's haul videos, or holy grail product posts, I thought it'd be fun to share the bits and bobs that have lasted on my shelves long enough for me to finish them off. And repurchase!
1) Stridex Acne Pads (Maximum Strength)
4) Murad Clarifying Mask
Every single one of these items, with the exception of the cleaning oil which I just repurchased for the first time, have been staples in my routine for years. I have oily, acne prone skin, that's also a bit dehydrated because of the makeup I wear regularly and the acne products I use.
The Stridex pads and Murad Cleanser are the two primary sources of salicylic acid in my skin care routines. I use the Stridex pads at night after my toner and before my benzoyl peroxide product. The Murad cleanser is incredibly gentle and non-foaming, so I use it in the morning. I've heard some mixed reviews on the Stridex pads, I think the maximum strength version could be a bit of a deal breaker for really sensitiveness skin, but I would recommend the Murad cleanser for everyone.
The FANCL cleansing oil is freaking awesome. Non-foaming, no smell, it melts away makeup without stripping the skin. I double cleanse regardless, but I haven't noticed any issues with left over residue. It's not the cheapest cleansing oil I've ever used but I do think it's the best - I even love the texture, because it's slightly thicker and clings better to my face when I'm rubbing it in. This is also when I do a little bit of Lisa Eldrige's facial massage, and this oil is just slick enough to stay pliable when I'm working to stimulate blood flow.
Finally, the Murad Clarifying Mask is a summer staple to help treat acne and control oil. It's too drying to use over the winter months (I tried, it wasn't pretty) but in the summer it does just enough to keep everything in check. I always see a noticeable difference in my breakouts after I use this mask, and in conjunction with their rapid spot fix I can keep everything under control even when the DC humidity is work overtime.
Are there any products you just have to have on
your shelves at all times?
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