Do you know what time it is? It's empties time, fool! And this time there's a truck load of tossed items too. Despite finishing a bunch of the "good stuff", all of the "bad stuff" has resisted emptying. Thus, I was forced to toss a pile of crap in Round 5.
Emptied
Tossed
Tally
Full Size: 9
Deluxe/Travel Size: 8
Samples: 15
Sheet Masks: 10
Tossed: 7
Products I Hate(d) Emptying but Will Repurchase:
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate (reviewed here), Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Lemon (reviewed here), Bison Wakilala Bright Up! Essence (reviewed here), Lush Angel's Delight soap, Lush Lemony Flutter (review to come), Lush Fresh Face Mask in Cupcake, Caudalíe Premieres Vendanges Moisturizing Cream (definitely purchasing the full size!).
Everything else? Nothing worth mentioning or re-mentioning, especially the items being tossed. Tossed items are either a) old or b) old and crappy. The Mentholatum Acnes Tinted UV Milk was actually quite nice but I turned too dark for it after I tanned last year. Since then, the UV Milk hasn't seen any love and the product turned sour to punish me.
Honestly, this round of empties felt quite blah. It brings me no joy to empty truly amazing products and tossing things I spent hard earned cash on. I also feel like my emptying mojo is depleting again... Help! Tell me what you've emptied recently!
Ever since 2012 started, emptying has been a quick process. There was one week where I managed to empty four full sized body products at the same time. This could possibly be my best record so far. And now that it's a quarter way into the new year, it's time for another epic empties post!
Skincare
My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks - My new rule is that every 10 sheet masks will count as one full size product. The count today? 10.
Hada Labo SHA Facial Wash - I still really, really love this cleanser and I am sad to see it go. However, the AHA + BHA cleanser is much more effective so I'll be repurchasing that one more over this one.
Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel - If you haven't read my review on this fantastic gel moisturizer yet, do it now. It will be the perfect moisturizer during the Spring and Summer. It's refreshing, lightweight and cheaper than my old HG - Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief!
Lip Care
100% Natural Lip Roll-On Coconut* - This isn't actually emptied but I'm tossing it on account of it is a strange lip oil?? I feel nostalgic each time I use the roll on but the actual oil inside isn't moisturizing and rather greasy.
Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Pomegranate Lip Balm* - Also unfinished but I'm tossing it out. My lips used to love beeswax-based lip balms but not so much anymore.
Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm - The only lip balm that is actually emptied! I quite like this lip balm and when I thought I had lost it, I bought another tube of it. Soon after, I found the first tube under my car seat. It's cheap and it works, what else can I say?
Hair Care
Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray - This is my second can of Suave's dry shampoo and while I don't use it often, it seems to run out very quickly. It's cheap, it works, I like the scent but it is not available in Canada as far as I can tell. I bought four back ups the last time I crossed the border.
Korres Hair & Scalp Scrub - Discontinued but I'm not mad or sad about it. This stuff sucked big time.
Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner - Average conditioner, not much to say about it. It weighs down my hair if I use it too often and it doesn't fight the frizz too well.
The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter - I love this stuff to death! It's the best deep conditioner/hair treatment I have used to date. It's lighter than most conditioners but I still get that deep hydration my hair craves. It fights the frizz, the scent isn't too salon-ish.
Body Care
The Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot & Basil Shower Gel - I thought I liked the smell of Apricot & Basil until half way through the first bottle, I realized I don't. And by first bottle, I mean that it's the first of three to go.
Lush Honey I Washed the Kids - "Mmmmm" is all I can ever say when I smell Honey I Washed the Kids. The scent doesn't last long but it's enough to make me want to eat my own arm off.
Soap & Glory Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em - UGH. Have I mentioned how mad I am that Soap & Glory prices were raised? I have? Well I'm still pissed. For $20+, I say pass on this body exfoliator. It melts quicker than I can spread the stuff over my body. Between Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em and Scrub, Actually, the latter is much more worthwhile. It works and the squeeze tube packaging is easier to handle in the shower.
eos Refresh Hand & Body Lotion - I will forever hate the smell of this lotion but forever love the formula. If you've ever tried the hand lotion, they're exactly the same. As I hand lotion, I own and use better but as a body lotion, it's great for the warmer seasons. The lotion delivers the perfect amount of hydration without any residue. It spreads easily and it's also fast-absorbing. Though, the SO whom has acute dermatitis can't use this lotion. Each time he's used it, he break out in itchy hives.
Deluxe Samples
Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Complex Gentle Cleanser - When Luxe Box was still called Loose Button, I jumped on the subscription band wagon. In my box was this cleanser. The cleanser has a thin, fluid consistency similar to the Korres White Tea fluid cleanser. However, this cleanser turns into a foamy, drying mess. Although the cleanser is touted to re-balance the skin's natural pH, it does the opposite for me. Do not recommend.
Avène - No idea what this stuff is called but it's one of Avène's makeup removing lotions but with a gel texture. I hate it.
Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover - Love, love, love! To be fair, I will officially review this eye makeup remover when Canada opens its first Target.
Korres Vitamin E Face Primer - No matter what moisturizer I used underneath, this primer would always pill. Instead of a smooth canvas, I ended up with little bits on my face and my foundation would look uneven and streaky.
One 'n Only Argan Oil - My hair dresser gave this oil treatment way back when my hair was damaged to no end. Of course, I forgot to use it until now and even with my healthier hair, I find this argan oil to be "meh". Dimethicone is the very first or second ingredient listed in the back while "argan oil" is further down. This probably explains the "meh" response my hair had.
Pond's Evening Sooth Wet Cleansing Towelettes - Surprisingly good but I won't be repurchasing. Pond's still tests on animals *sadface*
Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser - No good. NO GOOD!
Nexcare Acne Dressing - I am waiting for the perfect angry pimple to review the Nexcare Acne Dressing, I swear. These little sticker things are magnificent and everyone and anyone needs an emergency pack on hand!
Samples
Lastly, the samples I managed to plow through (not many) since January. I mainly focused on hair shampoo & conditioner packets and now it's time to go through some tinted moisturizers and foundation samples. I have many skincare samples to go through too but I'm happy with my regimen at the moment. Time to tally!
Full size: 10
Deluxe/Travel size: 8
Samples: 14
Tossed: 2
I will admit that there are moments where I want to simply throw out a product but when I can help it, I do my best and persevere and that is what makes emptying such a rewarding experience for me. But that's just me.
What about you? What do you like about emptying and how well have you been doing with your emptying challenge?
* Items marked with an asterisk were a part of a giveaway prize.
As diligent as I am with plowing through my stash, I just can't get through it fast enough!
Adopting Liz's rule of thumb, every two travel/sample sized items will equal to one full sized product and one jumbo sized product will equal to two full sizes. The first 3 contenders:
Skincare: Korres Pomegranate Cream Gel, Mask, and Scrub
The Korres Pomegranate Cream Gel and Scrub have already been reviewed but the mask deserves no such mention. It's mediocre at best.
I briefly mentioned the Bioré cleanser in my first empties post but this is my second bottle. I don't use it on my face because it's too drying but it's a decent brush cleaner.
Makeup Removers: Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser + Lancôme Bi-Facil
I will genuinely miss the hot cloth cleanser. I wish it were available at Shoppers Drug Mart but I purchased my tube at Target before the brand was pulled from their stores. Sephora carries it on their website but the price has been raised along with many other Soap & Glory products. I'll give the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser instead of repurchasing Soap & Glory's.
Lancôme's infamous duo-phase eye make up remover - doesn't need further introduction. If you're looking for an affordable dupe of it, try the Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. I absolutely love it and I have to review it soon!
Evolution of Smooth (EOS) Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream + Shiseido Tsubaki Golden Repair Shampoo
I reviewed the Shiseido shampoo at the beginning of the year but count me excited that it's finally out of my shower caddy! Even though it's a huge bottle, I don't count it as a total success because the conditioner is still half full *sigh*.
The EOS shave cream is good; much better than the average shaving foam. It leaves my legs soft and has helped prevent ingrown hairs. Since it goes on sale often at Shoppers Drug Mart, I'll be repurchasing this one over and over again.
Moisturizers: HadaLabo GOKUJYUN Moisturizing Cream + AmorePacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Cream
I actually finished the HadaLabo cream right after my first empties post of the year so this one has been sitting on the counter uselessly for awhile. Click the link above for my first impressions of the AmorePacific cream but if you've already read it, you know I already like it!
Lip Products: Carmex Moisture Plus + C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve + Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm
Now the Neutrogena lip balm is obviously 80% full but it's one of those lip balms that should never be used - it does more harm than good. Stay away - far, far away from it!
The Carmex Moisture Plus Tint and infamous C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve are legitimately empty though. I'm actually really depressed that the Carmex tint has been polished off but that's why I got back ups *maniacal laugh*.
Whether you use Smith's or C.O. Bigelow, a tin of rosebud salve lasts forever. I hope to finish my two back up tins quicker than this one as it is no longer a must have for me.
In total there are 13 empties; 6 samples, 8 full sizes, and 1 jumbo sized product. This has been a very successful run but not as successful as the first. I am still very proud of myself though and I promise to do better on the third run!
What have you emptied lately?
Before Korres jazzed up their packaging and reworded product names, Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum previously went by as "Wild Rose Brightening Serum". The ingredients and quantity has stayed the same but only a few items went through a price change.
The Korres Wild Rose Face and Eye Serum I have came in a skincare gift set so it's not in the prettier, popping-red bottle but I'm certain the old and new bottles are of the same model.
It took awhile to commit to using this serum but it had to be done.
Korres Description
A serum that brightens and smooths the face and eye area.
For All Skin Types.
Key Features & Benefits
- An ultra-concentrated vitamin C serum that brightens and smooths the look of fine lines of face and eyes.
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin discolorations.
- Baobab-tree polysaccharide, in combination with a wheat proteins agent, provides a line-smoothing effect, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Key Ingredients
- Wild Rose Oil: a natural source of vitamin C, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin discolorations.
What it is formulated WITHOUT
- Mineral Oil
- Silicone
- Propylene Glycol
- Enthanolamine
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
Four Things I Like About the Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum
1) Available online and in stores at my local Sephora - this is easy to purchase and/or get a sample of!
2) The $US/$49CAD (before taxes) spent on a meager 30ml/1.01 oz of serum is considered generous.
3) The pump bottle is easy to use and hygienic. It's also efficient what with the expiration date on the bottom (month and year). None of that "12 month after opening" crud.
The pump disperses the same amount each time. One pump is enough for around the eyes/cheekbones, on smile lines and forehead.
4) The serum is non-greasy despite the semi-rich and runny formula.
Two Things I Dislike About the Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum
1) It's crucial that I apply the serum religiously or I lose the brightening and line smoothing effects just like that.
2) The serum is heavily scented of roses (duh) and I'm not a fan of it. It's a touch sweeter than the rest of Korres' Wild Rose line but I know those sensitive to scents (especially floral's) will despise this.
Bottom Line:
The Korres Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum will satisfy preventative needs but those with severe cases of dullness and fine lines may not find this useful. Try a sample (or two) before committing to this animal-friendly serum. The ingredients may satisfy the tiny green been within you.
Ingredients
Water (eau), Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, PEG-32, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance (parfum), Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, PEG-8, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Phytic Acid, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycine, Sorbitol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Alcohol, PEG?40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pyrus Cydonia Fruit Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1 , Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Life hasn't been the same without the CURE Natural Aqua Gel. Cure wasn't a miracle but watching my skin "peel" was loads of fun. Now that I've found the perfect chemical exfoliator I must find the perfect physical exfoliator.
Today I'm reviewing the Korres Pomegranate Scrub which is a physical exfoliator. I have about 3 other physical exfoliators in my stash to test but because I'm a fan of Korres, I decided to try their scrub first.
This is another Korres product suited for oily and combination skin that I'm trying on my dry-combination skin.
Korres' Description:
A creamy scrub containing naturally derived exfoliating grains that refine pores, leaving skin radiant.
For Oily to Combination Skin.
Key Features & Benefits
- Formulated with Greek olive stones to effectively refine the look of pores and remove excess sebum, leaving skin radiant.
- Provides antioxidant benefits.
- Gentle yet effective exfoliater.
Key Ingredients
- Pomegranate extract: rich in tannins, tones the skin
- Olive and Calendula extracts: provide antioxidant benefits
What it is formulated WITHOUT
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMO
- Triclosan
- Mineral Oil
- Propylene Glycol
- Ethanolamine
Sensitive and thin-skinned skin types should steer clear of this scrub. The skin around my cheeks is thin and I'm prone to broken capillaries but I find I can only use the scrub once a week. If used twice or more, my skin becomes blotchy.
The scrub is made up of a mixture of seeds which are large and quite rough but they swim in a creamy base that helps protect/moisturizing the skin from feeling raw and unbearably tight.
The problem with this scrub is that even though it's so tough on my skin, I still find flakes of dry, peeling skin around my nose and forehead.
I don't have large pores so I can't say much about the look of "refined pores" but I do find my skin looks brighter.
The scrub is contained in a squeeze tube with twist off cap. It's hygienic and travel-friendly but a flip-cap would be sweeter. What is sweet is the scent which is similar to the Korres Pomegranate Cream-Gel; mildly stronger and still fresh but doesn't last at all.
Price wise, the scrub is expensive. The ingredients not used to produce this scrub would more than make up for the $26 price tag. However, at 1.35oz, I don't see this living past 3 months if used twice or more weekly.
Bottom Line:
I didn't find my perfect physical exfoliator in the Korres Pomegranate Scrub so the search continues.
I wouldn't recommend this for dry, sensitive or, thin-skinned skin types but I think those with tougher skin will thoroughly enjoy the roughness of this scrub. I don't recall a drugstore brand that produces a scrub similar in texture to the Pomegranate Scrub and even so, the ingredients here could be potentially safer.
P.S. Has anyone noticed the new and updated packaging for Korres products? I have and I like ;)
Ingredients
Water (eau), Olea Europaea (Olive) Seed Powder, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Hexyldecanol, Glycerin, Isodecyl Laurate, Hexyldecyl Laurate, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polyisoprene, Octyldodecanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Fragrance (parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Potassium Sorbate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Punica Granatum Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder.
Boy, what a depressing blog title...
Don't fret dear, I'm only talking about all of the products I have used up since January to July!
Besides showing off my most amazing purchases, I also love to brag about using up a pile of products. It's insanely hard to use up anything when you're a hoarder like me, believe me.
I'll start off with the small stuff:
My new favorite hair products. If only the Suave dry shampoo was available in Canada.
Good thing I picked up two bottles of it when I was in Seattle because I only used my first bottle ten times before it went empty (wtf??). The Body Shop shampoo & condition will be reviewed very soon. It's good stuff!
I finished a few full sized tubes of mascaras too but I accidentally threw those out yet I remembered to keep the sample sizes... Let's blame my selective memory for that.
I'm really glad I get to throw out this small collection of eye make up though.
The Physicians Formula Eye Booster serum in Clear doesn't work. I'm glad there was a full rebate sticker included because I seriously want my money back.
Clinique mascaras are horrible for my thin, pin straight lashes. They weight down my lashes (can't hold a curl for the life of it) and smudge at the tiniest sight of tears. I have tried Benefit Bad Gal twice now and I still hate it.
Lancome Définicils is the best mascara I have tried for lengthening but it's not something I'd purchase. I don't pay for mascaras over $10 unless it's a Japanese brand. I've been spoiled by Kiss Me Heroine Make and Dejavu Fiberwig!
A random assortment of cleansers and make up removers.
I used the Bioré cleansers to clean my facial clothes and make up brushes. Good for the brushes, bad for my face. The make up removers to remove make up of course. I prefer cleansing oils/waters now but these duo-phase make up removers are good. Too bad they're a waste of cotton pads and tissue. Can't you see I'm trying to shrink my carbon foot print??
The Vaseline lotion was only half full (or empty) when I started using it in January. The SO left it with me so he didn't have to take it back home with him on his last visit (lazy); yet it took me half a year to finish it. My excuse is that I have been rotating various lotion samples throughout this time. The Elizabeth Grant Lubricating Body Cream was from a Luxe's May order. Do not like it - it's sticky and smells like glue. Do not like Nivea's lotion either but I had to use it all up, including this extra sample packet of it from an Elle magazine.
When did I buy this exfoliator? It feels like I've had it forever but it can't have been too long.
I actually really like this and will probably do a review on it. If I didn't have the Salux, I would repurchase this or try out the infamous Soap & Glory Flake Away scrub!
Another random assortment of cleansers but toners as well. Eye spy a sad and empty bottle of CURE Natural Aqua Gel, do you?
I have reviewed most of the items in this picture or have spoken briefly about them. The only products I am not a fan of is the Lancôme toner and the Clinique toner. Something about mid to high-end toners always ticks me off. It could be the amount of alcohol that's in them or my skin but I'll stick to softeners and lotions from now on. Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion, anyone?
So this is my collection of empty bottles and tubes dedicated to a post where I can brag about the stuff I have used up instead of stuff I have purchased! I am upset that I can't brag a bit more because of empty bottles that have gone missing but there's always a next time.
In fact, I have a few bottles nearing it's recycling death but I'm saving that for later!
What have you used up recently and do you ever recycle afterwards? I'm thinking of joining Terracycle.com but I normally put my empties in the blue recycling basket for weekly recycling.
As you can tell, my eagerness got to me. I originally decided against testing the Korres Pomegranate Regimen Kit but I figured a new cleanser & moisturizer would do me no harm.
My dry and combination skin simply adores the texture of gel-based moisturizers so it's what I opt for all year-round. They absorb the quickest and hydrate the best while being extremely lightweight. They are also very kind to my oily t-zone.
Today's focus is on the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer/Cream-Gel.
Korres Description:
Lightweight cream-gel moisturizer provides immediate and lasting hydration while simultaneously balancing oily and combination skin.
Key Features & Benefits
- Lightweight cream-gel with Carob tree polysaccharides and Pro-Vitamin B5 provides immediate and long-term hydration while simultaneously balancing oily and combination skin.- Pomegranate extract, rich in tannins helps to tighten pores and tone skin.
- Vitamins C and E, in combination with Avocado extract, provide anti-oxidant benefits.
Key Ingredients
- Pomegranate extract: rich in tannins, tightens the pores and tones the skin.
What it is formulated WITHOUT
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMO
- Triclosan
Now I understand why Cream comes before Gel in the title as the texture leans towards cream. As this moisturizer is suited for oily to combination skin, I find the formula too rich for oilier parts of my face. My t-zone feels greasy after applying this moisturizer and it doesn't fully absorb. Yet I notice the area around my nose and cheeks are dry and a bit patchy. Perhaps my oil glands are overcompensating by producing extra oil but what ever the case is, this moisturizer isn't balancing my skin whatsoever.
I have no visible pores either so I can't tell if there's any tightening or toning. The bright side is that I haven't broken out due to the Korres White Tea Fluid Gel Cleanser or this.
As for the scent, I find it questionable. I can't pinpoint a fruit or flower to associate the scent with and I had hoped to smell pomegranates but there's none of that here. It's still a light and fresh scent but it will dissipate within minutes anyhow.
Bottom Line:
My skin type isn't a match for this moisturizer so maybe oily/combination types will fair better. However, I urge those with dry to combination skin to skip this even if you're a gel-aholic like me. The price is alright ($32/1.25 fl. oz.) but it needs to actually work with my skin to be worth any amount of money. Remember to check the ingredients below if you have any ingredient concerns and allergies!
Ingredients
Aqua, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Mannan, Pentylene Glycol, Punica Granatum( Pomegranate) Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis(Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Titanium Dioxide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aluminium Oxide, Aluminium Stearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Geraniol, Glycerin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Lauryl Glucoside, Limonene, Linalool, Methylparaben, Panthenol, Parfum, PEG-8, Persea Gratissima(Avocado)Oil Unsaponifiables, Polyglyceryl -2 dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate-20, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Zinc PCA.
Korres is a new favorite cosmetic brand of mine. The scents of their products are usually a miss for me but the products themselves are great. I also appreciate the fact that the brand is cruelty-free!
Since mid-May, I've been using the Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser and while I have had no ill effects because of it, you must know all of the perks of this cleanser.
Korres Description:
Formulated with vegetable-derived soap substitutes-deeply cleanses and refreshes without dehydrating the skin.
Key Features & Benefits
- The gel with oat proteins rinses off easily, while softening and moisturizing the skin.
- Mild liquid gel is fine - lathering to avoid over-stripping the skin.
- The Selected combination of naturally derived cleansing agents ensures excellent tolerance to skin.
What it is formulated WITHOUT
- Parabens
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMO
- Triclosan
This Korres cleanser is extremely basic. While it doesn't foam up as much as I like or remove thick layers of make up, this is the type of cleanser I'd recommend for the whole family or skeptical-about-skincare-boyfriends (such as mine).
Easy to describe, the scent is a lick of lemon and wash of white tea. Imagine: Hong Kong-style Lemon Tea. It's fresh and a bit calming; not overly-bright thus suitable for all sexes.
This cleanser foams up very lightly due to the SLS-derivatives but luckily my skin hasn't dried out because of it. To get the most out of the derivations, my favorite method to using this cleanser is taking two wet silicone face scrubbers and rubbing them together. This will generate enough bubbles to tame my bubble-holicism. The Clarisonic works well too but two scrublets is more affordable than a Clarisonic!
The stock photo shows a fussy pump-less bottle but since I have a squeeze tube sample, I can't comment on the packaging. My main concern is how easily this thin fluid cleanser can be diluted. Too wet of hands will rinse away the SLS-derivatives and the whole cleansing process will be less fun. It's safest to use two wet scrublets and a dry face. While the negative seems tedious, it also means the cleanser rinses off easily.
Bottom Line:
If you're interested in a basic cleanser good for yourself, usable for the family or beau then I highly recommend you try this. At $21 for 6.7 oz, available at Sephora, you can give it a try and return it easily if you dislike it. I understand some people need a cleanser that removes make up effortlessly but I enjoy a separate make up remover for that.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Betaine, PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sucrose Laurate, Capryloyl Glycine, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydrolysed Oats, Arginine, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castoryl Maleate, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Lactic Acid, Linalool, Magnesium PCA, Manganese PCA, Panthenol, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Coceth Sulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Zinc PCA.
*Bolded ingredients indicate SLS-derivatives.
Hello and welcome to Makeup Kismet. My name is Ashley and I hoard lip balms!
Compared to the average person who owns about one to three lip balms at a time, I own over twenty-six at a time...
If there are other crazy(er) lip balm ladies out there, please stand up and join me. I don't want to be the only crazy person at this party.
One chapped lip, 26 balms to use:
Depending on how much water I drink per day and if I use my new love and holy grail, Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, I don't find myself needing lip balm all that often now.
The stuff works extremely well and I already have two more flavors coming in the mail.
This lot may last me a year and a half. Hopefully less because I'm sick of rotating the same lip balms over and over again. I literally have to ask my mom to hide JB from me or I'll finish the little sucker in a heart beat.
I still enjoy EOS, Aquafina and Softlips but the love is dying. Everyone knows and agrees that EOS has the best scented lip balms out there and the cool sphere design will always have a place in my heart but the performance of the product is so-so.
Aquafina and Softlips are just okay lately but who knows, my mind changes all the time.
Once again, I conclude another random Hoarders entry and as always I am willing to take review requests in the comments below!
One more thing, be prepared for my 50+ giveaway which will be up and running on Friday ;)
Cheers!
I love getting mail and that's no surprise.
I especially love large parcels, thick yellow bubble-wrap envelopes but regular mail is great too ;)
Sometimes I'll even make a small orders online just so I'll have something to look forward to as the weeks go by. When I'm having a day but suddenly find mail with my name on it, I light up and things are good again. It sounds ridiculous and expensive but most purchases don't exceed a $5 limit.
When I came across the BeautyBar.com half-off gift certificates on Hautelook, I carefully asked the SO if I could buy a few. The SO is not the biggest fan of online or in-store shopping unless it's a MUST. Luckily, I actually needed to replace something so he happily agreed to this purchase.
Since BeautyBar only ships within the U.S., the SO had to wait for the items to be sent to him so he could send them to me. A month later and this is what I find in my mailbox:
Confession time... the Clarisonic Delicate Brush Head replacements are the only things I need but my mom needed another Philosophy Help Me retinol night treatment so I picked that up for her. It's not pictured as it's an early birthday present for her (I love my mummy<3).
For the miscellaneous purchases, I chose the LORAC Close Up: Real Life to Red Carpet Eye Tutorial as I have had my eyes on the kit for over a year now. There just wasn't a better time to buy it so I happily paid $18 for the set that retails for $36 but is valued at $110.
The Pomegranate Regimen Kit by Korres was a "Buy Before You Think" purchase which means I regret the purchase. I still have loads of cleansers and exfoliators to go through so I have no idea when I'll be able to try this kit altogether. I may just use them seperately but that defeats the purpose of this new "Regimen Kit"...
I must note that the products are much smaller than the box it's stored in. It's quite deceiving but better I pay half of $19.75 (regularly $39.50) for deluxe samples than super tiny sample packets!
The (last) super unnecessary purchase - Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF 25 in Lemon & Chamomile. As unnecessary as the purchase is, the item is very useful and possibly HG-title worthy. It came with a bonus Jack Black Sun Guard too!
That's it for my May edition of "I've Got Mail". Be prepared for a June edition because I am expecting more goodies courtesy of the SO :P
Have you received anything nice in the mail lately?
(P.S. I'll be writing up another Hoarders post soon and it'll be on my lip balm collection so you can see why I'll be going on a lip balm ban for the next 3 years...)
The Hoarders series was created so that I'd post more often and give some insight as to how massive my make-up collection is. Like many other things, I've neglected this series in favor of other posts.
Fortunately, I've finally found the time (and inspiration) to update the series. Today, I'll be showcasing my bronzer stash which I find shockingly small. Take a look:
I own a total of 9 bronzers. Drugstore brands - E.L.F., JANE Cosmetics, N.Y.C. Cosmetics, Physicians Formula, Prestige and, Wet n Wild - dominate the stash with a count of 7. Thus, Benefit and Korres count as the last two. N.Y.C. Matte Bronzer in Sunny was the first bronzer I ever tried and to this day, it's the most used. It's a foolproof bronzer that doesn't break the bank. Who wouldn't appreciate a matte, never orange-y/muddy bronzer? The Physicians Formula Bronze Gems come in second but they aren't very pigmented but that also means I can never overdo the "healthy glow" look. It's a perfect face powder for the winter, when I'm much lighter too.
I don't appreciate shimmer in my bronzers so I hardly use the Wet n Wild, Prestige, or JANE bronzers. My preferences may change when I develop better application skills.
Overall, I don't think my bronzer stash is too out of control. What do you think?
If you'd like any swatches, ask in the comments below!
I've got mail and it's not bills or spam mail, lucky me! It took two weeks but in the past two days, I've received two of my most prized packages. Before yesterday, I had a parcel arrive in late November from my boyfriend aswell! I'm still expecting two more packages in which one should've arrived yesterday but maybe it's just late. I hate imagining lost packages... In the mean time, I'll satisfy my cravings with what I have which is... a lot!
Yesterday, I received the second of two very special parcels from the S.O. & of course I have the magnificant parcel from November. When combined, the two parcels are ah-mazing! The S.O. also surprised me with a small package containing one McDonalds x Sanrio 50th Anniversary watch!! The S.O. bought me the KEROPPI (my favorite Sanrio character!) watch which arrived a day before the second parcel. The day the Keroppi watch arrived, I also received something equally special from Tracy of Beauty Reflections! Tracy held a Christmas Contest back in December which conviently, I won!! The prize is the highly coveted, limited edition.... MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Stereo Rose! I could not believe my luck when she emailed me... I still can't believe it but the MSF is in my hands so I musn't be dreaming! I want to thank Tracy so much for hosting the contest! I need to host one of my own sometime aswell. Maybe when I reach 50 followers?? Anyhow, here are the photos!
Keroppi watch & Christmas card from the S.O :)
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Stereo Rose from Tracy :)
The whole loot!
Benefit Some Beauty To Love & Too Faced Echanted Glamourland Palette - gifts from the boyfriend. I got those in November.
Korres Brightening & Anti-Aging Rose Collection, Domo Sticker Box, Domo Photo Frame, Domo Media Holder, and Keroppi watch - Christmas gifts from the boyfriend.
Swatches.
(From Left-to-Right: Too Faced Glamour Gloss Volumizing Lip Gloss in Pillow Talk (soft pink-nude with red and gold sparkles), Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose (rose-red), Too Faced Shadow Insurance (translucent), MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose, Benefit Coralista Blush (peach-pink with gold shimmers, Benefit Eye Bright (pale pink, almost cool).)
Also included in the Christmas gift is..... *drum roll*
Rock and Republic Contrived Pressed Blush in X-Rated and Immoral.
These were gifts from myself but I had my boyfriend ship them to me when he shipped the Christmas gifts. I have yet to use them, hence, no swatches! I swear Immoral looks less frightening in person. My camera didn't pick up the colors perfectly but I also used indoor lighting.. I'm not the world's best photographer but I'm working towards a new camera!
Now you see why I'm the happiest and luckiest girl in the world. I'm having surprisingly good luck with blog contests and giveways, got a great boyfriend and, loads of beauty products to play with!
See you soon,
Ashley!
Disclosure
Make-Up Kismet is a personal blog written and edited by myself. This blog was created to share my experiences with whom ever reads it.
All reviews posted are written by me and are my honest opinions. All products reviewed are purchased by me for personal and/or review purposes unless stated otherwise. Each person is different, as are our experiences. With that said, I cannot be held responsible for any unsatisfying reaction to a product I review or recommend.
Photos on this blog are either from Google, other Bloggers or, my own. I try to depict all products as accurately as possible. I may edit photos for this purpose.
