I'm Feeling Empty - Part 5

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! 

I'm Feeling Empty - Part 4

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. 

I'm Feeling Empty - Part 2

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. 

Cleansers: Bioré Purify Steam Activated Cleanser + Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser + The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser

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? 

I'm Feeling Empty

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. 

Project 10 Pan - Facial Cleansers (& Masks/Exfoliators)

Uuuhh so I haven't been posting a lot lately. I'm terrible but atleast I'll apologize... I'm sorry!
So I'm back for the night with another P10P (Project 10 Pan) post. This time, I'm doing a mash up of Facial Cleansers and Exfoliators. I know a lot of guys n' gals hate P10P but I LOVE IT!! While I enjoy using 10 of my most cherished and hated products, others can't stand it & give up! I won't give up this fight, oh no I won't! When I do P10P I notice how much I have and how little I need in actuality. It keeps me from buying "back-up's", "spares", "extras" and things just for the heck of it!
Anddd because of of my No-Buy Oath, it's really boosting my resistance in shopping! I feel it is reaaaally helping my addiction but my friends just laugh it off..

With no further introduction, here is my list for Project 10 Pan Facial Cleanser (& masks/exfoliators).

1) The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser

2) The Body Shop The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk

3) L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser

5) Clinique Liquid Facial Soap

6) Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel

7) Freeman Beauty Good Stuff Organics Smoothing Facial Scrub

8) Freeman Beauty Good Stuff Organics Revitalizing Facial Mask

9) St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Masque

10) Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It

It will take a fair amount of time to finish this project but I'm going to be dedicated as H***!!

I'm also thinking of doing reviews after I finish each product... but since I feel I have no readers, I'll wait for comments asking for them. Or I could just do a review for the heck of it & maybe someone will find my blog unexpectedly! I believe in destiny hence (makeupkismet) so instead of advertising myself 100%, I'll wait & see how many people eventually find me.
I'll confess, I did something bad! A few weeks ago I passed by The Body Shop to pick up their new deodorant and also grabbed the Passion Fruit Facial Cleansing Gel from their Originals line. While that goes against my No-Buy Oath, I'll have you know... I am shameless! The consequences of my actions are NO STARBUCKS FOR A MONTH. That's right, all of July I will NOT be sippin' on a delicious iced caffeinated beverage :(
I can still have my Tim Horton's Ice Cappucino but it's not the same as a Caramel Frappucino, which makes me want some Starbucks even more (sighhhh)!
The bright side is that balance IS restored because I am super close to finishing 1) The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser and 3) L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser! Please note that I use the L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser to wash my make-up brushes aswell as my face. I need to get rid of the product & I don't have a brush cleanser at this moment, so sue me! It's not cheating.. it's a loophole ;)

I think I've covered everything I had to for this post. I'll do a review for Aloe cleanser in my next post because it kind of excites me (even though the product itself is boring...). HA!

Bye-bye for now,
Ashley.