EMPTIES | March 2015 ♡

It's a bit late but a good Spring cleaning was in order. I used up 14 products, which is a great accomplishment! Some products I'm sad to see go, others...not so much. There's quite a disappointing one but you'll have to keep reading to find out! Starting off with makeup since this is a makeup blog after all ;)

MAKEUP

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-hr Smoothing Primer (deluxe) -- $19usd for 0.39oz ($48.72usd per oz)

Like it's long name, this primer lasted such a long time! Even though I used it every day, it took me almost a year to finish up. The slight peachy tint helps lighten the darkness of my lid for a truer color payoff. It's on the stickier side of primers which made it a bit harder for me to blend eyeshadows. However, it performs well when working with powdery or glittery shadows.I haven't worn eyeshadows for 12 hours but by the end of the day, my shadows are still there and look great! Compared to the UDPP, it's thicker but creamier. UDPP makes blending eyeshadow much easier yet my shadows still look vibrant and last longer that without. 

Bottom Line: I wouldn't repurchase because it's harder for me to blend my eyeshadows nicely using this primer.

Lipsmacker Lip Gloss in Strawberry -- $4usd for 0.09fl oz ($44.44usd per oz)

I don't even want to think about how long this languished in my collection. Back when I was in middle school, I wasn't allowed to wear makeup but clear gloss was allowed; the nostalgia is real. This gloss smelled like strawberries and gave a nice glossy sheen. It was on the gloopy side but I appreciated the intense moisture it provided. The doe foot applicator is on the smaller side so it was easy to spread the gloopy gloss around. I don't wear gloss anymore and I'm not even sure if they even sell this anymore but it made me feel pretty as a younger kid :D

Bottom Line: I wouldn't repurchase.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in W5 Sand Beige -- $12.95usd for 1 oz

I recently posted a Product Smackdown on this foundation and the True Match that goes into more detail so check that out for swatches and thoughts. This was only the second foundation I tried but I loved the lighter texture, easy blendability and coverage. It does provide a nice luminous finish without glitters or going overboard. The pump was amazing because it helped a makeup newbie like me dispense the proper amount of foundation in addition to preventing spills. I was recovering from a bad breakout and needed something to cover the post acne hyperpigmentation. It served that purpose well until I noticed that the foundation was too dark for me. Since then, it sat in my collection unused and after 2 years, I think it's time to let it go.

Bottom Line: Would like to revisit this foundation some time in the future but for now, not going to repurchase.

L'Oreal True Match Superblendable Foundation in W3 Nude Beige + W5 Sand Beige -- $10.95usd per oz

Probably my most favorite drugstore foundation, everything about it is just right for me. Coverage, color, finish, ease of application and how it wears throughout the day is perfect! The only thing that keeps it from being the only foundation I wear is that it oxidizes on me. Now that wouldn't be a major problem because I could get a lighter color but it oxidizes pink on me! I could find ways to make it work for me but these days, if I'm going to wear something, I don't want to put more effort than needed to wear something, ya get me? These bottles are probably half full but since I've had them for a while, it's time to let these babies go.

Bottom Line: Breaks my heart to say it but I would not repurchase. I might give W4 a try but that will be later in the future.

Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner in Coal Commander + Sapphire Strength -- $7.99usd for 0.01 oz ($799usd per oz)

Grey eyeliners are my favorite because it isn't as dramatic as black but it still gives enough definition. Sapphire Siren is a bright cobalt blue that looks really fun with silver eyeshadow. This one is a twist up type that also winds down. It did drag on my lids a bit but the longevity is phenomenal--not on par with my MUFE but great considering the price point. These aren't used up but somehow, the caps fell off of both of these and they dried out. 

Bottom Line: I have so many eyeliners so I won't be repurchasing any time soon. 

SKINCARE + HAIRCARE + OTHER

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 -- $19usd for 2.4 oz ($7.92usd per oz)

Even though I use sunscreen every day, it used to take me a long time to go through a bottle. However, I went through this in 3 months. Despite going through it so quickly, it's lightweight, doesn't give me a white cast and moisturizing. I didn't like it in the summer but during the winter months, the extra hydration was greatly appreciated. Right now, I'm using a physical sunscreen because I find that it helps absorb the oils throughout the day. The citrus scent can be off-putting or irritating to some but after using two bottles of this stuff, I didn't find it irritating on my skin. I have a review on the Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen so check that out if you want to find out more

Bottom Line: I would repurchase!

Philosophy Hope in a Jar Night Intense Retexturizing Moisturizer (deluxe) -- $50usd for 2oz ($25usd per oz)

I know I'm in my early 20's so products like these aren't looking at me as the target audience. However, I do have fine lines on my forehead and anyone can benefit from chemical exfoliation (unless your skin is sensitive to glycolic acid!). Despite the moisturizer claim, it was definitely on the thicker side. A little goes a long way and I loved how it made my skin look radiant and glowing. The jar packaging can compromise the integrity of the water-based moisturizer so I would decant into an opaque, airless pump container myself. I've definitely noticed a difference since I've run out but the texture and metallic smell isn't something I want to deal with in the warmer seasons. 

Bottom Line: I would repurchase but for my mother! 

Paula's Choice Resist C15 Super Booster -- $48usd for 0.67oz

This booster costed a pretty penny but I trusted in Wayne Goss' praise and my previous experience with PC products. I ended up disappointed in this product. It supposedly brightens, firms, and smooths skin by targeting brown spots and wrinkles. While I don't have wrinkles, the fine lines on my forehead weren't diminished at all after using up almost the entire bottle. I have a lot of post-acne hyperpigmentation scars that this product failed to address. It does recommend pairing it with a serum but it also states that it can be used alone with just moisturizer where needed. I used the recommended amount (2-3 drops) twice a day but didn't see any noticeable difference in my skin. Everyone's skin is different so just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you. If you are interested in trying this product, I recommend giving the trial size a go before you commit to the full size.

Bottom Line: Will not be repurchasing. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Clearing Facial Wash -- $13usd for 8.4 fl oz ($1.55usd per oz)

Tea tree oil is purported to be able to help control acne so I gave this line a whirl. Since cleansers don't stay on the skin for long, I think it's better to focus on beneficial ingredients in your moisturizer, serum, etc. My only criteria for cleansers is that it removes oil and makeup residue (I use a cleansing oil beforehand to remove the bulk of my makeup) without stripping my skin of its natural oils. This did that perfectly and definitely removed my Etude House AC Clinic Pink Powder better than any other cleansers I used previously. It does contain SLES, alcohol denat, menthol and several dyes that  may be irritating to some.

Bottom Line: I wouldn't repurchase because I avoid drying alcohols in my skincare but if you have really, really oily skin, it might be okay to use but it's up to you.

Eclos Instant Radiance Facial Scrub -- $12.99usd for 5fl oz/147 ml ($2.60usd per oz)

I've been using it for the past two years and have finally finished it up! It's probably bad to keep skincare for that long but I didn't have reactions to it...? Anyhoo, it did a great job of removing dry skin without irritating my skin. It tasted kind of salty and dissolves as I gently rubbed my skin. 3 pea-sized amounts was good enough for my face. There's some fancy advertising around plant stem cells in this product but seeing as we're not plants, I don't see how it can be helpful on human skin O_O My favorite physical exfoliator is still the Laura Mercier Face Polish but this is budget-friendly and you can't beat that!

Bottom Line: I would repurchase :D

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo -- $6.19usd for 7oz/198g ($0.88usd per oz)

The cute name drew me in but unfortunately, I'll be moving on after I finish my second bottle. In comparison to my favorite Batiste, this doesn't give a white cast but it doesn't absorb oil as well. If I wash my hair in the morning, by nightfall, it's slightly oily again so I like to use dry shampoo throughout the day to keep that from happening. For something small like that, it works fine but if I have seriously oily hair, this isn't effective at getting rid of it. I find myself spraying my hair 3 or more times throughout the day whereas the Batiste is good to go from the one spray. I'm starting to get sick of the scent but I appreciate that it isn't as strong as the Batiste. I still haven't found the perfect scentless dry shampoo. I prefer aerosol because I would make a mess with powder :| I have one from Etude House that I'm excited to try but if y'all have any recommendations, I'd love to hear there!

Bottom Line: Will not be repurchasing.

Clinique Happy EDP -- $39usd for 1 oz 

This is the first time I've tried a fragrance form Clinique and true to its name, the citrus scent brightens my mood. I loved using it in the summer as it's not zesty like the Cartier Eau de Soleil. The notes are Ruby Red Grapefruit, Boysenberry Bush Flower, and Hawaiian Wedding Flower, creating a fresh and light fragrance for carefree summer days.

Bottom Line: Will not be repurchasing because I prefer light florals over citrus scents.

Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer in Paris Amour -- $1.75usd for 1 fl. oz/29ml

This comes in a bajillion scents and I usually get the 5 for $5usd deal. The small size makes it perfect for small bags. BBW makes PocketBacs for it that are also quite cute but I think it's funny that the carrying case is more expensive than the actual product. This one smells sweet with pink champagne and French tulips to match with the rest of the product line. The inclusion of glitter is frivolous and unnecessary in my opinion but it does the job.

Bottom Line: Will repurchase in other scents!

So that's another monthly empties concluded! There's a couple of products I'm excited to write about for April so I'm looking forward to the end of the month for my recap :D I'll hopefully also have a monthly favorites as well; I am wearing makeup but nothing new is really capturing my heart these days. Do you mind if it's a repeat of a past love or do you only want to see new products being featured? Let me know in the comments below!

XOXO,

MWAH ♥

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