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.
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!
After lining my eyes (perfectly) with the help of Physicians Formula CreamLiner's, I knew I had to write a review ASAP! The sun was blazing today so I was able to take AMAZINGLY-AWESOME-FANTASTIC swatches too. I can't wait to show them!
First, the official Physicians Formula description:
- Three custom shades provide a glamorous look to define and enhance your eye color.
- Unique gel cream formula glides-on effortlessly and smoothly while providing the definition of a liquid eyeliner.
- Long-wearing, water-resistant and smudge-resistant formula provides 24-Hour definition.
- Includes Pro-Eyeliner Brush for effortless and precise application.
Stackable eyeliner pots can be pulled apart for individual use on-the-go.
Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Approved. Fragrance Free. Paraben Free. Safe for Sensitive Eyes and Contact Lens Wearers.
I have the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel CreamLiners in Hazel Eyes and Blue Eyes. These liners costs roughly $14.99 in most drugstores. Luckily, I purchased the both of mine at nearly half the price! While the price seems absurd for drugstore prices, it comes out to be $4.99 a pot. What other drugstore brands do you know that sells GEL eyeliners for $5 or less? Wet n Wild has one at $6.99, Maybelline's at $9.99 and L'Oreal's H.I.P. line but that isn't even available in Canada >:@
Unlike all Physicians Formula brushes, the one included for the Gel CreamLiner trio's do not suck. The bristles are too stiff and drag across the lids WITHOUT scratching the lids. So while it isn't soft & flexible, it works alright.. better than an angled eyeliner brush, I say.
The quality of these gel liners is terrific.
Think: Extremely creamy and easy to apply. It applies unevenly but only when I didn't have enough cream on my brush. Each shade is pigmented and has it's own pizazz and you'll see that in the swatches.
I don't agree with the long-wearing, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant claims.
The eyeliner is long-wearing as long as it doesn't come into contact with water. I could swim with the eyeliner on and it wouldn't run down my face. However, I've noticed after contact with water/once the water evaporates, the eyeliner begins to flake and smudge and doesn't stop unless the eyeliner is removed. Luckily, the eyeliner itself does not transfer or crease into the hood of eyelids which is a huge concern for me!
Now the removal process is fairly easy. It can't be removed with simple soap & water but an oil-based make-up remover will do the trick.
How about some swatches before the final verdict ;)
Pigmented, no?? The Blue Eyes trio contains a deep navy blue, brown with a golden sheen, and black with blue micro glitters. At first I thought the black liners were standard blacks but the colors in their pots/packaging is ultra deceiving!!
The Hazel Eyes trio contains a brown that has an olive-green tone to it, purple with magenta tones AND silver micro glitters, and a black with purple micro glitters.
I had a very hard time capturing the micro glitters so excuse the blurry-ness of the not-your-standard-black-eyeliner swatches ^^;
The final verdict:
I recommend these gel/cream liners 100%, end of discussion!
Hope this review & my swatches help your future purchases.
INGREDIENTS:
ISODODECANE, POLYETHYLENE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, PVP, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, WATER, BHT, PHENOXYETHANOL. MAY CONTAIN: CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, CARMINE, CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS, BLACK 2, FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE, FERRIC FERROCYANIDE, IRON OXIDES, MANGANESE VIOLET, MICA, SILICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, TIN OXIDE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ULTRAMARINES, YELLOW 5 LAKE
Great friends are hard to come by.
I mean, would your gal pal let you purchase the last Wet n Wild *Limited Edition* Pixie Holiday Palette in Night Elf even though she found it first???
If your answer is no - your friend is average.
If your answer is yes - your friend is SUPREMELY AWESOME like mine!
*Short rambling. Ignore if you prefer, swatches below!*
If you haven't caught on yet, I now possess the uber coveted Night Elf (eyeshadow palette) and it's all thanks to my great friend, Nina.
I would have never noticed the palette if it weren't for her hawk eyes! I literally stood in front of the palette not noticing it until Nina saw it and proceeded to scream and jump in my face. Since she saw and held it first, it was only fair that she should buy it. The disappointment in my face must have been draining the life out of her because she ended up letting me buy it!
All Nina wants is the MAC Club/Too Faced Label Whore dupe which is (conveniently) included in the new Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection 8-pan palettes. I (the Queen of Hoarding All Limited Edition-items) want the palette to complete my collection. I am only missing the Sugar Plum Fairy palette now! :D
After much rambling, I shall shower this post with (comparative) swatches of Too Faced Label Whore and Wet N Wild's supposed dupe :)
Left Side(s): Too Faced Label Whore, Right Side(s): The Dupe
(Click swatches to enlarge!) 
Lastly, the palettes altogether!
Excuse the last photo as I'm just showing off!
About the swatches - you can tell Too Faced Label Whore & "The Dupe" are definitely similar but not identical. Both appear to be twins in pan but swatch like sisters. I find that "The Dupe" is more red toned and Too Faced Label Whore leans on the greener side. Both share a brown base. Another note: Too Faced Label Whore is described as a metallic brown with blue iridescent. Like I said, I think Label Whore is greener than WnW's dupe but I do agree with the official description. I sometimes see the eyeshadow greener than blue or vice versa.
I will be back to do a comparison review with more swatches once I get my hands on the new Wet n Wild 8-Pans. Oh and once again, cheers to great friends!
Today's update consists of the beauty products I have collected since November. I'll include mini reviews but if you would like full reviews, ask in the comments. As I did with my second update, I'll start with latest purchases to oldest purchases.
Side note: : I blame weekly sales, coupons, & deals for my obsession with makeup. It's like a force that drives me towards spending money on makeup! And I just can't resist...
After checking my work schedule, I went to H&M to use my $5 off coupon. It expires tomorrow (my excuse for buying something.. again!).
Since H&M debutted their line of beauty products, I haven't taken the initiative to try any. I decided today was the day & paid $2.18 for this pretty palette (My Summer Romance Palette). My swatches look pretty good but those shadows are blended out. I experienced crumbling and fall out whilst swatching. The ocean/baby blue shadow also applied patchy so I had to layer it for evenness. Other than that, this H&M eyeshadow palette is quite pigmented. Would I pay the regular $6.95? No, but if I had another $5 off coupon.. YES!
Quick run at London Drugs on Monday:
Picked up two Alicia Silverstore EcoTools brush sets for $9.99 each (on sale - regularly $19.99). I paid $14.99 for this exact same brush set at Winners awhile back too, boo! Keeping another one for myself and giving one away for Christmas! The Finishing Brush, Blush Brush, and Angled Eye Shadow Brush are amazingly soft and easy to use. Actually, I love the Angled E/S brush the most!
Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle - $9.99. Most I've ever paid for a drugstore lip gloss but the reviews from Spring/Summer 2010 drove me into a frenzy. I'll pick up Pink Pop when it's on sale and maybe even Coral Reef. I like the texture - milky but not sticky. No taste but I detect is a light vanilla candied scent.
Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Green Tea + Soy Cutitcle Oil for $4.49. I love cuticle oils but they can be really expensive. This tube is much better than a click pen as you can control how much goes on the applicator and you can see how much you've used up. I need to test it longer to see if it really works. Will review later!
Revlon Spa ILLUMINATE Skin Renewal System - $10.39. Sorry, I already wrecked my box so you'll have to settle for a stock image! The exfoliating brush is surprisingly softer than the facial brush from The Body Shop.
And as mentioned in my previous update about my Sunday adventures w/ the 'rents, here is what I picked up last Sunday. The Body Shop is always offering a great deal. From December 10th - 12th, they had a promotion called, "Spin the Wheel of Joy." It was a wheel you spun that would give you random savings. I spun & got $20 off a $40 purchase whereas my mom received a 3 for $30 deal. I ended up getting 50% off my whole purchase since I spent over $40... woops!
The Body Shop Brow Definer in 01 Blonde/Auburn. A little too light for me but I tend to use a heavy hand when defining my brows. I'm still practicing!
The Body Shop Originals Shower Gel in Green Apple and Fuzzy Peach. I've reviewed Fuzzy Peach a little bit in this post. Green Apple smells like freshly cut apples! I'm thinking of gifting them but... they smell so good! :(
The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation Brush. I need to use up all of my Everyday Minerals samples before they expire. This brush shall help that cause. It's soft on the face but hard enough to buff the powder into the face without scratching and shedding. It is not flimsy or fluffy like the Tokidoki Kabuki Brush.
The Body Shop Luxury Flannel Washcloth - feels rubbery like a foam rubber sheet... It's awkward but I haven't tested it fully. However, I do not recommend using it as a facial cleanser cloth as it absorbs all of the foam from your cleanser!
A lip/eye kohl sharpener for me madre. She also got a Nature's Minerals Foundation to accompany her new Nature's Minerals Foundation Brush. I'm going to practice my application skillz on her later... dun dun dun!
The Body Shop Cheek Color in 05 Tea Rose. I don't need more blush either but I can't be stopped so don't bother. Surprisingly, this blush isn't shimmery like most TBS blushes. I see faint sparkles in the pan but do not transfer on the skin. The blush is fairly pigmented and easy to use. Even with my heavy hands, I don't look too dolled up or clownish.
The Body Shop Round Handle Facial Brush. I don't have the money for a Clarisonic so I'll settle for a $1.50 exfoliating brush. It feels soft on the sides but on the face.. it's a tad hard. The tip of the bristles aren't prickly, they're just not soft... I rather spend the extra $7 for the Revlon kit pictured above but really.. If I had $200? I'd invest in the Clarisonic!
Before my parent's came home, I went to Rexall, London Drugs & Zellers to score some major deals.
From the Annabelle Insomnia Winter 2010 Collection, the Annabelle Multi-Dome Baked Eyeshadow Palettes in: Insomnia (pale yellow-gold, green, lavender, violet) and Disturbia (red, blue, red-orange, brown). I've wanted these palettes since their release but the $13.99 price tag hurt. Rexall had 25% off ALL Annabelle cosmetics so these babies were on sale for $10.49 each but $8.49 using $2 off coupons I've been saving! Total: $19.50 for 8, beautifully pigmented baked eyeshadows. SCORE!
JANE Cosmetics are 50% off at Zellers. I heard the brand was being phased out of Walgreens & another rumor about the brand going bankrupt... Not sure what's going on but the selection of JANE Cosmetics at Zellers is quite... old and most items have collected dust! Since the Aguaceutical lines is relatively new, I decided to try some of the eyeshadows and tinted moisturizer. I paid $4~ for each.
JANE Aguaceuticals Sheer Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Warm Tones. A tad orange on me, egh..
READ: JANE Aguaceuticals LipStix in Laguna looks like Nars Orgasm/Super Orgasm Blush in lipstick form. Kind of pornstar-ish to me but it's glamorous in that way.. Never was a fan of Nars Orgasm but apparently makeup fanatics are gaga for gold shimmer and peachy pink cheeks!
JANE Be Pure Mineral Eyeliner in Wine. Reviews say these gel eyeliners are creamy and rich in pigment. Definitely rich in pigment and creamy when applied to the skin. I didn't feel or experience tugging when applying this gel eyeliner but it was hard to get onto my brush because it's hard top layer.
JANE Aguaceuticals Aguashimmer Eyeshadow (quad) in: 02 Sandstorm, 03 Reef, and 04 Bamboo. They aren't rich in pigment but still work and are great for more natural and neutral eye looks. They work best when wet.
During Rexall's 50% Face Products sale, I grabbed the Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush for nearly $6 each thanks to a $3 off coupon.
From L-to-R, Top-to-Bottom: Rich Cinnamon and Lushberry. Flash, No Flash.
My swatches are much more accurate than the product photo. It is much softer & less bright than my camera perceives it as. I thank Gianna of NouveauCheap for helping me with my purchase. Gianna can be an enabler sometimes but if she recommends you something, you get it or you'll regret it.
More from Rexall and Superstore:
N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink to complete my collection of Blushable Creme Sticks. I have every color now! I highly recommend these. They apply as cream but blend like powder.
Ultra Last Lipwear in 416B Berry Rich and 407B Smooch. Karen of MakeupandBeautyBlog's review made me run to Rexall immediately to pick up Berry Rich. Lucky me, N.Y.C. lip products were BOGO Free. Too bad my freebie, Smooch, ended up being a frosty pornstar shade. What ever you do, SKIP Smooch!
Ignore the Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer as I returned it. I do not recommend it. It's an overpriced moisturizer with a silicone-slick feel to it.
Last but not least, Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel CreamLiner for Hazel Eyes and Blue Eyes. (Geeze what a mouthful...) I found these babies on clearance/sale at Superstore for roughly $7. I grabbed the last two! I haven't seen them them on display since I purchased them and that was almost a month ago... As for the quality of these gel liners; they are SUPERB. I find them creamy and pigmented - better than the Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliners. The brush included is soft but as sturdy as the Maybelline one. The gel's would make great bases for a smokey eye look.
Just so we're clear, I've held off on a lot of other beauty products so I haven't been all that bad! I'd share examples but I feel embarassed enough as it is. I buy loads of beauty products yet... I always want more! I'm so greedy -_____-"
I should mention, I also got a few Sephora goodies from the S.O. but I'll include that in my Christmas gifts post. It isn't even a Christmas present but I don't want to get into it, heh.
Question of the Post:
What was your most recent beauty purchase?Obviously you've seen mine.. now tell me about yours!
I'll be back again, very shortly.. Tata for now!
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.
