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I’m not that creative. These Beauty Empties or “Trash Talk” posts are nothing new in the beauty community. However, there’s nothing like a review on a product that someone has used up, right? I figured I’d share some of the things that I’ve made it through over the last couple of months!
And speaking of beauty products… if you’re in the market for some new ones but want to score a deal, I just wrote a guest post over at Dear Friends blog all about it! From swapping to buying used (yes, really) I think I have a few ideas to make sure you’re not overpaying for beauty products, from drugstore to high end. Check it out here!
Beauty Empties: April 2015 Edition
Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil: This was my first foray into the whole cleansing oil thing. I really liked this at first, and then as I got through the bottle I found it becoming more and more watery. It was a bit odd, and in comparison to the Josie Maran Oil Cleanser I’ve picked up since, this formula doesn’t seem as effective. I won’t be repurchasing. ($20, Julep)
skoah Hydradew Mask: A favorite from the place where I get my facials. This is a delicious smelling (like watermelon, yum!) hydrating mask. I typically wear this to bed every night after serum. I’ve already repurchased this. ($45, skoah)
Clinique All About Eyes: I received this sample several months ago in a blogger swap box. I loved this, so much so that I purchased a giant full size a couple of months ago. Then when I was cleaning out my bathroom, I found a ton of other eye creams to try out first… It will be interesting to see if this is still my favorite, but so far it’s the winner out of all of the other creams I’ve tried. (Full size $31-51.50, Nordstrom)
Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter: I received this in a gift bag, and while I like the smell, it leaves a strange film on my hands. I find this happens with some body creams, and it just doesn’t feel like it ever sinks in fully. It’s nice, but not my favorite and so I wouldn’t purchase the full size. (Full size $8-29, Sephora)
Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream: I won this in a set a long time ago from SheFinds. I had no idea how expensive the full size was when I won it, so I’m a little bummed how expensive it would be to replace it and how few places carry it. I like it though, so it’s on my list to try again one day. ($57, DermStore)
Benefit They’re Real Push Liner: At first, I loved this. I think I even went so far to rave about it. Then, after a couple of weeks of use, the push-up part stopped working reliably. I would click and click and nothing would come out when I needed it to. But the next morning when I would go to use it, it would be clicked up all the way and a mess. I finally had enough of this finicky liner and gave up. I will not be repurchasing unless they change their packaging. ($12-24, Sephora)
Manna Kadar Lip Locked Priming Gloss Stain in All of You: As much as I love the formula, this is not a good color for me. So while it’s not an empty, it’s going in the trash. It’s a nude pink but for some reason makes me look ill. I would be open to trying a different color in this same formulation, however! (Full size $24, Birchbox)
Shisheido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate: I’m not quite sure what on earth a “power infusing concentrate” is. I assumed it was a serum, but apparently it’s supposed to be used in addition to your regular serum and moisturizer. WHAT?! How many things do I need to use on my face?! Regardless, I found that while yes, my face seemed to be moisturized and looking good, it wasn’t worth the extra step or cost. I won’t be purchasing the full size. (Full size $65, Nordstrom)
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Herbs, Aloe, and Rosewater: I received this in a gift with purchase awhile back. I ended up loving this. I used it in place of toner and as a makeup refresher while on vacation back in January. (Yes, I’ve meant to do an empties post for while…) Anyways, I’m all set on toner and mists right now, but this is on my list to pick up when I run out. (Full size $7, Nordstrom)
Tocca Florence Eau de Perfume: I enjoyed this fruity and floral scent. It’s not something I would purchase (though I did like it). If I received another sample, I wouldn’t mind and would use it up again, however. (Full Size $68, Nordstrom)
And that’s a wrap for what’s hit the trash… errr recycle bin, this month. I’m excited to be making my way through my stash and sharing some positive (and negative) reviews about some of the things I’ve tried recently.
So tell me, what have you tried and loved or hated? I’d love to hear about it!
I recently tried NYX lip cream after seeing lots of hype about it. I hated it. It looked like a crayon on my lips. Maybe it was just the color I chose but I was not impressed..luckily it’s only $7
Oh no, what a bummer! Maybe it needs a primer underneath? I hate when products are like that though – I’ve definitely had the same experience with a few lip crayons.
I love LA Girl’s concealer. Their creme lipstick however was a disappointment. I’m not sure if it’s just the one lipstick I have purchased but I had to put it in a refrigerator because it was too soft and doesn’t spread evenly on my lips. Maybelline lipsticks are the best for me.
Miss Eleigh Neux | Bloglovin
Oh what a bummer! That sounds like a pretty awful lipstick. I’ve heard really great things about their concealer though, so I’ll have to pick that up at teh drugstore! I also like Maybelline lipsticks. Which colors are your favorite?
I had the same reaction to the push up liner from benefit! It was awesome at first and then after the first week, I would open the cap and there was liner already pushed up all the way. I kept it after it was empty because I think it’s easier to use to apply gel liner from a pot instead of a brush, but I won’t buy a new one.
Yep, that’s exactly what happened to me too! So weird, and what a waste of the product inside!
Great reviews! I have never tried cleansing oils
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It …
Thanks Morgan! I like cleansing oil for removing makeup, as it’s more gentle for direr skin than most cleansers.
definitely checking out the clinique eye cream!
It’s one of my favorites, hope you like it Kristen!
I love body butter so I’ll have to try that one out!
XO
Ashley
privateschoolprepster.blogspot.com
The scent is really good, and it’s super moisturizing. Hope you like it!
I felt the same way about the Benefit liner! At first I loved t but soon after it became way too difficult to use. I love Stila liner as an alternative, I never have had a problem with it (:
I’ve heard such good things about Stila’s liner! I actually just bought it from Sephora… can’t wait to try it! :)
I absolutely love empties type posts and plan on doing one soon.
I loved Benefit’s liner too but felt the same about the applicator. Such a bummer.
xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys
It really is! The formula was so promising but the applicator just killed it. Looking forward to your empties, I love reading them!
Such great favorites! I love reading empties posts.. they are so fun! The Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream sounds great. Bummer that it is so expensive! Geesh :( xo
Thanks Starla! I know, isn’t it a bummer when you find something great, but it’s prohibitively expensive? Oh well, I’m sure there’s something else out there!
The Clinque All About Eyes is one of my favorites!
Mine too! :)
I love Clinique- I’m definitely going to have to try their eye cream!
Clinique eye creams are great – I also like the Even Better Eyes and the Repairwear Laser creams as well depending on what you need!
I love posts like this! It’s always so fun to see what products bloggers are actually using. Nude pink lip color is not a good look on me either!
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
It’s definitely hard to get that color right! I find I need more on the taupe/brown side over pink, otherwise I feel like my lips look super strange!
I’ve never tried any of these products, but I’m really interested in trying the skoah Hydradew Mask. I love face masks!
I do too, and I Hydradew is such a great moisturizer if you tend to be on the dry side.
I’ve never heard of this type of post but I absolutely love it! It’s great and so honest… thanks for sharing!
xoxo!
Lauren Ashley
http://www.thefashionistasdiary.com
Thanks Lauren Ashley, glad you liked it!
Interesting to hear your review of Benefit’s new liner! I didn’t try it as I’m not a fan of the They’re Real! mascara. My current favorite liner pen is from Milani and it’s the Eye Tech Extreme- only $8 at the drugstore!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
I didn’t really love They’re Real either, it was fine, but not my favorite. I’ve heard such good things about Milani liners, I grabbed the bold version but found the tip too large. I’ll grab Eye Tech Extreme next time!
Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream is something I’d love to try! Looks promising!
It was a good one! I recommend it, even if it is a little pricey as it does last awhile!
I really like Shiseido the Makeup Lip Gloss in Petal Pink but it’s discontinued now… and I like 3ce (3 concept eyes) lip lacquer in bon bon. It’s a pretty apricot color and goes well with my Benefit Georgia blush (which is also discontinued now… :/). I also really like Stila’s eye shadow in oasis. It’s my favorite.
Oh no, sounds like so many of your favorites are discountinued! I’ll have to check out Stila’s Oasis shadow though!