empties: february 2014

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the love that was left on my one year post. I’m so happy that I started this blogging journey and I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store. 

I’ll be honest, I had no idea that I’d be ready for another ’empties’ post so soon. I figured it would be [at least] 3 or 4 months before I had anything new to show you but my trash piled up really quickly.

I have a good and bad reviews to share this time around and I kind of love that. As much as I wish that I loved every product I tried, a mix of reviews makes for a much more interesting post.

(reviewed from right to left)

Tresemme Heat-Tamer Spray: If you’re not using a heat-protectant, you should be. It changed my life. This was the first bottle I ever bought and I loved it. I’m planning to try a different brand next- just for kicks- but definitely didn’t have any complaints about the product.

MAC Mineralize Foundation: I swore by MAC foundation for years but, recently, this one totally broke me out. Either my skin changed or their formula did. I’ll be staying away from now on.

Oi Hair Oil: My favorite hair product on the face of the planet. No joke. My stylist told forced me to invest in this pricey oil and I can’t thank her enough. Plus, the bottle lasted me almost a year. It’s like a leave-in conditioner, shine spray, and restorative oil all in one. Highly, highly recommended.

Burt’s Bees Chapstick: Yep, another one. I have a problem.

Nars Blush: (in Orgasm) I’ve had this blush for 2(?) years now and I’ve loved every single day of using it. The color really does suit any skin tone and it’s extremely pigmented. Time to buy another one.

Benefit Watt’s Up Highlighter: This was a sample that totally surprised me. I always thought highlighters were a waste of money- wrong. I simply swipe it above my cheekbones and on my nose and it adds instant definition and depth. I’ve already started using the full size.

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup: Bleh. Not impressed. Maybe it’s because the color felt slightly too dark for my skin or maybe the product is a dud. Either way, it left my skin looking cakey. Boo.

Olay Cleansing Wipes: I use these almost every night to take my makeup off and they’re the only wipes I’ve come across that don’t irritate my skin. They can burn your eyes if you use them to take off eye-makeup so I generally use my BioDerma for that but, overall, I’ve been satisfied with them.

Am I the only one who goes through products this quickly? Sheesh!

Here’s to discovering favorites and trying new things…

-Emily

empties: january 2014

I’m a firm believer that we all fit into one of two categories; finishers and forgetters.

‘Finishers’ get satisfaction out of completely using up a product while ‘forgetters’ tend to use a product for a while and then push it aside when they find something new. Which one are you?

Personally, I’m a finisher. I love the feeling of using something up before I move on to the next one. It’s so nice to know that I got my money’s worth and to be able to form an honest opinion on whether I liked it or not. This mainly applies to beauty and hygiene products and, since I always love reading other people’s reviews before I buy something, I thought I’d share mine with you!

Empties: January 2014

1. Urban Decay Make-Up Setting Spray: Lovelovelove. This product keeps my skin from getting oily, helps my makeup last all day, and is a staple in my collection. Highly recommended.

2. Revlon ColorStay Foundation (in Buff): This is hands-down the best drugstore foundation I’ve ever tried. It looks natural, lasts all day, and the price can’t be beat. I’ve already repurchased it twice and I rotate between this and higher-end foundations to save a money. Thank you, Revlon.

3. John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner: I’ve been using this on-and-off since high school and the formula has improved a lot over the years. I wouldn’t say that it does anything spectacular but it smells good, gets the job done, and helps my color last a little longer.

4. Urban Decay Tinted Moisturizer (in Halo): As much as I love UD products, I wasn’t impressed with this. It took me quite a while to get through the bottle and I mainly used it during the summer when I just couldn’t bear wearing heavier makeup. Sorry, UD…I’ll stick with your eyeshadows.

1. Revlon Clump-Crusher Mascara (in Black): Favorite drugstore mascara ever. Buy this. That’s all.

2. Benefit ‘It’s Potent’ Eye Cream: I struggle with dark circles under my eyes so having a good eye cream is crucial. I was hesitant about this one at first but quickly fell in love with it. It goes on smooth, is gentle on sensitive skin, and seems to reduce the puffiness and darkness I’ve always had.

3. Stila Liquid Eye-Liner (in Brown): Since I’m horrible at applying liquid eyeliner, this has become my go-to product. The felt-tip applicator makes it easy to apply and, since it’s waterproof, it doesn’t smudge. I use brown liner 98% of the time because it’s less harsh than black on fair skin.

4. SmashBox Photo-Ready Primer: I honestly didn’t use primer until a few months ago when my sister convinced me to pick up this sample size. It changed my life. My makeup goes on smoother, lasts longer, and I’ve had fewer breakouts- yeee! I’ve already moved on to a full-size bottle.

I’m planning to share my ’empties’ with you every few months- or whenever I’ve compiled a stash. I apologize for the lack-luster photography in this one. I’m still relying on my iPhone for pictures but I promise it’s going to change soon. DSLR camera, here I come…eek!

Here’s to the finishers and the forgetters…

-Emily