EMPTIES┊October and November 2014 ♥

I've been trying to be diligent and use up products every month to cut down my stash. I didn't post an October Empties but I did use up a few things during that time (15 to be exact). November was a bit slower but 12 items isn't so bad! December might be a bit smaller as I'm running out of products that are almost done but we'll see how it goes. I still have 22 days to sort that out :D

• Simple Pleasures Shower Gel in Moonlight Blossom -- I've mentioned this in previous posts so I won't go bore you with my spiel again. Does a good job of making me feel clean without drying out my skin. Still need to slap lotion on as soon as I come into the bedroom though. This smelled like cheap floral so it's not my favorite. The pink color was pretty at least. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh -- This used to be my HG dry shampoo but the strong scent gives me headaches. I've been trying out other things and still haven't found a suitable replacement. This one finished in less than a month even though I used it 2-3 times a week. I don't know if it was because I had stored it on its side for a long time before I started to use it or I got a bad batch but that's not typical of the other scents I have tried. I don't even remember what it smelled like but it wasn't unpleasant. It can leave an unsightly white residue if you spray too closely to your head but a good comb-through with your fingers or a brush should take care of that. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• Ahava Mineral Body Lotion* -- I think I received this from an ULTA gift bag or something. The full size has a pump. I had used it almost all up but it didn't want to dispense anymore. It sat unused for a while until I just cut off the top to get the last bits out. It's lightweight and has a pleasing enough scent that reminds me of salty-sweet water, if that makes any sense. The texture was quite watery so it spread easily and absorbed quickly, important for rushed morning showers. Now that it's almost winter, I need something heavier. If you don't like sticky or heavy lotions, this one is great and doesn't compete with your fragrance should you choose to spritz some that day. I'm currently using a body lotion from Jergens that smells like aloe, which I like heaps more. Not only is the smell better (to me, at least), it's also cheaper and easily available at the drugstore. It was nice to try and travel with but the price is a bit much for my budget. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 -- This used to all I used during my high school years. I have dry skin on my body but this does a really good job of keeping me from feeling itchy. Despite its thicker texture, it doesn't feel sticky or heavy. After washing my hands with warm water and soap, they still feel soft. It does the job well without an offensive smell, has a pump AND has SPF to boot. SPF 15 isn't enough in sunny Cali but at least I was somewhat protected if I ever forgot to apply a separate sunscreen. After you get to the very bottom of the bottle with about an inch left, the product doesn't pump anymore but the bottle is easy enough to cut through with an Exacto knife (ask for help if you're klutzy-- I haven't sliced any fingers open so far but be really careful and go slow!). This is my second or so bottle. I used to use the one that came in a squeeze tube but I can't find that one anymore. I used to use this on my face but its a bit too thick for my taste. I've been trying out new things because I was bored but this is hands down my favorite moisturizer. It doesn't have a scent so I can still wear my perfume without being a sensory overload. Bottom Line: Will repurchase again and again!

• CVS Advanced Nail Polish Remover -- It contains avocado, coconut, and olive oil to strengthen and nourish nails. However, this is acetone-based so its a bit drying, just not as bad as a pure acetone is. Removes glitter and cream polishes quickly without much trouble AND is affordable. I do my nails once a week but this bottle has lasted a long time since I remember buying this sometime in the spring. Bottom Line: Would repurchase

• Secret Outlast Clear Gel Unscented Antiperspirant/Deodorant -- I am a sweaty person--even a 15-minute brisk walk will make my armpits sweat. I don't normally sweat anywhere else, even after a 30 minute run but it seems as if all my sweat glands are concentrated in my arm pits. Anyway, I haven't found an antiperspirant that keeps me dry but the strong scents of others I've tried gives me a headache because they were sweat-activated. Basically, the more I sweat, the stronger the scent would become to mask the stink (though my sweat never smelled bad to me). While not completely unscented, it was much more subtle and didn't compete with my perfume. Bottom Line: Would repurchase

• CVS Make-up Remover Cleansing Cloth Towelettes -- I bought this in a 4-pack so this is the first one I've used up (also used up my second in November). I try not to use makeup wipes because they pull at the skin (which is not good) and don't get all the makeup off. However, I use them once in a while when I'm really tired. The next couple of days, I make sure to treat my skin well to prevent breakouts from leftover makeup. I also use them to clean up swatches as they remove it quickly so I can move onto the next set of swatches. My all-time favorites are still the Neutrogena ones as I never broke out after using them (I also didn't wear foundation back then like I do now) but my skin is probably more sensitive now. Bottom Line: I would repurchase

• Rite Aid Renewal Cosmetic Cotton Squares -- I bought these in the summer and have finally used them all up--woo woo! I use cotton pads to apply my Paula's Choice Anti-Redness Solution, remove nail polish and my eye makeup (not all at once!). These were on the flimsy side as they would tear as I tried to remove nail polish--don't even try with glitter polish. Even using them to apply toner, they would stretch out. Since they were so thin, I had to use two a night--one for toner and one for eye makeup. With my current cotton rounds, one takes care of both toner and eye makeup. Bottom Line: Bought these in a pinch and would most likely not repurchase again.

• Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ -- I have a full review on this product so I'll just talk about my final thoughts. Overall, it was a good sunscreen thought I still noticed a few new moles. Maybe I should've reapplied more often. I never burned though :D This entire bottle was gone after 3 months of daily use for face and neck. I'm surprised it was gone so quickly as I used to buy moisturizer with SPF once a year but I got a lot more moles back when I was using the hybrid stuff. This does have some potentially irritating ingredients but I haven't had a reaction to this (--yet! I'm on my second bottle and right now, skin isn't doing so well...not sure if it's this, new products I'm trying, or stress) Since it's so emollient, I didn't feel the need to apply a separate moisturizer unless I was going to wear a mattifying foundation. It can be used on the face and body--very handy for your beach bag! Bottom Line: I'm getting sick of the scent so I wouldn't repurchase at this time.

• Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner -- I have a first impressions on it but basically, it's okay. Didn't notice a reduction in breakouts using this but it didn't cause any new ones. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• Clarisonic Sensitive Brush Head -- I bought this some time last year and use it on and off. At first, I noticed an immediate difference in how soft and radiant my skin looked. Over time, I didn't notice much of a difference (maybe because the brush head was getting old). Anyway, I thought it was time to replace it and I'm currently using the acne brush head. I'm not sure if it's the brush head that's making a difference or just because it's a new one but I'm starting to see results again. It really does remove ALL my makeup because I don't see any residue on my toner pads. Bottom Line: Yes I guess x.x

• Stila Smudge Stick in Umber -- This was a tiny size but had a lot of product. The color is quite pretty, a metallic burgundy brown. Sadly, I didn't cap this tightly and it dried out. Let that be a lesson to y'all--always make sure everything is tightly secured before you put it away! Bottom Line: Would not repurchase--not because the product was bad but I rarely used it. Would consider other colors though.

• Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau so Fresh Eau de Toilette* -- This is one of the most, if not the most, popular scent amongst young women and teenagers these days. It's described as fresh and feminine, and I agree. There's a floral bit to it too that makes it very girly.The notes (taken from Sephora's site) are Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musks, Cedarwood, Plum. It smelled nice enough but was a bit too fruity for me. I don't want to smell like a fruit cup, ya know?Bottom Line: Not going to repurchase.

• Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil -- Loved this stuff! It was moisturizing without being sticky or heavy. It was perfect in the summertime as a lightweight moisturizer. It gave me a nice glow that didn't look oily. I disliked the dropper, as I mentioned in my review, but the packaging and product itself was amazeballs. Bottom Line: I would repurchase but I'm going to look into cheaper alternatives--after I use up my Josie Maran Argan Oil, that is)

• e.l.f. Essential Liquid Liner in Black -- I got this in a holiday set and honestly, used it maybe once or twice. It was runny and not very long wearing on my oily eyelids. I much prefer the softness of pencil liners so this languished in my makeup graveyard for a while before I gave my collection a good cleanse. This is quite oild (2+ years) so I'm letting this go. Bottom Line: I would not repurchase.

• Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge 1-Minute Moisture-Plenish Treatment --I used to not like this product. It worked at getting rid of static in my hair but it made my hair really oily. After changing shampoos and application method, I like this so much more! I leave it in for much longer than 1 minute (don't tell the cosmetic cops!) After I apply this to my shampooed hair, focusing on the hair from my ear-level downward, (I concentrate most of the product at my ends to avoid an oily scalp) I coil my hair loosely at the top my my head and wear a shower cap. I then proceed to the rest of my shower. Right before I get out, I wash it out. My hair is so soft and manageable for the next two days in between washes. It doesn't tangle or get staticky. It really does work on my fine and straight hair. If I apply too much, I do get oily hair quickly but nothing dry shampoo can't tame. Bottom Line: I would repurchase but I have too many hair products to even think about that right now. 

• Simple Pleasures Shower Gel in Passion fruit Orchid -- Not much to say that I haven't said before...packaging is very elegant and simple. The florals and product names evoke a charming aesthetic but the scent is not very sophisticated and smells quite cheap. I was expecting to like this scent a lot because I love orchids and drinking passion fruit tea but this just smelled like generic hotel soap.  Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• NYX Hot Singlez Eyeshadow in Psychedelic -- I use this to color correct my pink foundations and make it more neutral-toned. I have a yellow undertone so most foundations look pink on me. This is matte and affordable so I keep using it for this purpose. I use this up way too fast so I'm looking into buying green foundation for this purpose. It will mix better as like mixes with like more harmoniously, I think. I have two more so if you have any good recommendations for green foundation--let me know! Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• Crest 3D White Toothpaste in Arctic Fresh/Icy Cool Mint -- Seriously don't notice anything different from the various flavors of mint but it's what my mom buys so I continue to purchase it. The mint isn't overwhelming or stingy so I like it enough. It foams up quite a bit so I feel like it's working better xD Bottom Line: Would and have repurchased!

• Dior Addict-It Lash Mascara in 092 It-Black* -- This gave great length and separation to my sparse and short lashes. It looked good for natural lashes as volume was not there. I could actually see them above my eyeliner (a true Christmas miracle!) and it held my curl well enough. They still drooped after a few hours but a quick curl perked them right up. The brush was small enough that I didn't hit my top lid every time I apply mascara. The rubbery brush had longer and shorter spikes covering the entire surface, even the tip, which helps me get length without clumping my lashes together and helped me get my inner corner lashes as well. My only issue is that it smudges if I happened to tear up from yawning, which I do quite often, being the night owl I am. Even though I have oily eyelids, it didn't smudge my mascara so if you have oily eyelids but not watery eyes, this will be a good one to try if you are looking for length and separation. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• Guerlain Maxi Lash Volume Creating Curl Sculpting Mascara in 01 Noir* -- It didn't really do any of those things for me. Instead, it gave really good length and separation, which are 2 of my mascara concerns. My lashes looked thicker than when I had the Dior one on but my Tarte mascara gives me even better volume. By volume, I mean that the individual lash looks thicker rather than giving me the look of more lashes. I also need it to be smudgeproof and waterproof. Immune to oily eyelids it was but watery eyes it was not. At least it smelled nice, like roses. The brush itself is on the thinner and smaller side, perfect for my smaller, hooded eyelids. The brush looks like the traditional kind with a ton of bristles arranged in a spiral formation. I feel like the formula is more mousse-y than others I've tried and takes a bit longer to dry--I gotta make sure I dont blink or I get a bit of transfer to my bottom lash line. It's not as black as others I've tried but it gives a very natural lash look for my dark, but not black, hair. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase

• Holika Holika Skin & Good Cera Super Cream -- I got this in my Memebox a couple of months back and have finally finished it up. At the time, it was just about to be summer so this was too thick. The weather right now is so gloomy and windy so this definitely helped my skin look hydrated and radiant after a cold day outdoors. Solved all my dry bits in just one night! It has a very light scent but isn't overwhelming. Even though it's a cream, it doesn't sit on the skin and feel greasy--actually left me with a velvety smooth finish at night, comfortable enough for me to go to sleep in. A little went a long way. Bottom Line: Would repurchase but I have too many things I need to finish up first.

• Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette* -- I liked this scent. It lasted well on my skin and didn't change scents throughout wear on my skin--what I smell is what I get. This is my best friend's signature scent so I won't repurchase or else people would think we really are twins xD I found the notes on Ulta's site: Versace Bright Crystal features top notes of yuzu, iced accord, and pomegranate. Mid notes of rose, peony, magnolia, acajou, and lotus flower rest atop sensual base notes of vegetal amber and musk. I don't know if I smell all of those scents at once but it smells bright, clean and fruity without being sickening, a nice daytime scent. I'm particularly sensitive to sweet or sugary scents as they cause me to have headaches (as I found out after trying out Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck X.x) Bottom Line: I do recommend it if you like fruity and slightly floral scents. 

• Cartier Eau de Cartier Zeste de Soleil Eau de Toilette*-- This was an interesting scent for me. Some of the notes are yuzu, passionfruit and mint. To me, it just smelled citrusy and spicy. I loved wearing it in the summer with my Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ because this sunscreen is also what I call a spicy citrus scent though not as spicy and more of a true citrus. I liked it well enough to use it up but would not repurchase on my own as the spiciness is not my cup of tea. Bottom Line: Will not repurchase

• Paula's Choice Oil Blotting Sheets* -- These are different from others that I've tried. They are like the plastic blue ones from Clean & Clear but they're not obviously paper, like the Palladio ones. My issue is that I needed at least two to absorb all of the oil off my face and I don't have oily skin. Also, they are quite thin so it's a bit hard to grab just one with your finger--a sticky tape like the ones in the Walgreen's version would be most convenient. Positives are that they didn't disturb my makeup too much like the blue ones did. Each pack contains 100 sheets for $8usd, which is expensive to me because my HG blotting sheets from Palladio contain 40/50 (can't remember) and cost less than half that--and I can find them on sale at ULTA! I got two packs of these for free in my order so I'm not complaining too much. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.

• TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask in Aloe Vera* -- This is the first sheet mask I've ever tried and I gotta say--where the heck have you been my entire life?? Seriously, this provides so much moisture for your skin without having to drink a ton of water--which I am seriously trying to change. I used this right before I went home for break and my skin looked so good for a few days afterwards. It's quite relaxing to use these so I can see why everyone loves these! I am looking for others to try so if you have a favorite, let me know! Bottom Line: Would repurchase!

This was super long but congrats on getting all the way to the end. I hope this helps you make smarter shopping decisions! If you have any questions or recommendations, don't hesitate to let me know down below!

XOXO.

MWAH ♥

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Disclosure Statement: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above and was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Links are not affiliate links and are provided for the readers' convenience. I cannot guarantee that the product(s) will work for you. I do not approve or endorse the products or information available on these sites. Proceed at your own risk. Products marked with an asterisk (*) were given to me as samples or gifts with purchase.