August was a productive month for me as I finally tackled my collection. I went through every item, tossing the bad stuff and organizing the pretties that was still useable. I've been documenting my progress through my Destashing Project, so click on the link to see what makeup I'm keeping and which I'm saying goodbye to. I didn't finish every item in here but most of them have gone bad so I want to clear them out. So without further ado, let's get into the products!
MAKEUP
STILA PERFECT & CORRECT FOUNDATION* -- discontinued
This tiny deluxe size took me two years to finish up! I know you're supposed to throw out foundation after a year but the pump packaging helped keep it from going bad. As I reached the end, the foundation was lumpier due to the "Youth Revival Bio Available Mineral Complex", which is just silicones as far as I can tell. I liked it but have now discovered even better everyday base products, like the Bareminerals Hydrating Rescue Cream and the it Cosmetics CC Cream.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA MASCARA*-- $27.50usd for 0.22oz/6ml ($125 usd per oz)
Lancome make one of my favorite mascaras, the Hypnose Star Mascara. So when I tried this out, I had high hopes. Everything was great: tons of volume, separated lashes, good length, oil + waterproof and easy to remove. However, after wearing it consecutively for a week or so, my eye started to itch and swell. I immediately discontinued use and didn't apply makeup for 3 days to allow for the irritation to go down. I actually had this reaction previously recorded in my January empties so I know that it wasn't an infection but irritation from the product. I actually have the full size so I'm passing it onto my mom. I have sensitive eyes, so I'm hoping it'll work for her.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
REVLON COLORSTAY EYELINER* -- $8.99usd for 0.01oz ($899usd per oz)
While I liked it in my initial review, I never reached for it after that. I was obsessed with navy eyeliners a few years back and this was the best one I found at the drugstore. The twist up mechanism is convenient but they dry out sooner than traditional wooden pencils. The product broke so it kept falling out of the tube. It also dried out so I can't get product on the back of my hand. Granted, I've had it for 2.5 years, so it's time to let go.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
FOREVER 21 BLUSHES** -- discontinued
Early in my makeup exploration, I didn't know what to look for in terms of formulation. These had the cutest packaging but I found them chalky looking on the skin. They didn't have good pigmentation until I broke them trying to depot them. For some reason, they're super pigmented now but the chalkiness is more apparent. I have tons of stuff that I like better so I'm letting these go.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
ALIVE KEEP VOLUME MASCARA** -- $5.50usd for 6.5g/0.23 oz ($23.91usd per oz)
I've had this mascara for over a year now so it was definitely time to say sayonara. I didn't have strong feelings about this mascara one way or the other but recently, I tried it again. It was a disaster! I can get over a large wand but the formula took forever to dry. If you're used to tubing mascaras, this is similar. I got it all over my top lid and lower lashes because I didn't realize it would take so long to dry. But the worst part was taking it off. I don't know what eye makeup remover I was using previously, but my trusty Neutrogena* didn't take it off. So I tried removing it with warm water but I lost several lashes. Lashes do shed on a cycle so maybe it was their time? I didn't want to find out so I'm tossing it.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase!
SKINFOOD SALMON DARK CIRCLE CONCEALER CREAM**-- $9.37usd for 0.35 oz ($27.77usd per oz)
This is one of my favorite under eye concealers! I don't have extreme darkness so this provides just enough color correction and brightness for me. It's super creamy so I don't have to use an eye cream. This does crease if I apply too close to my lash line but using a small amount and a powder will keep it on for a good part of the day. My face tends to eat makeup so I don't expect to look completely flawless for 8 hours. My only gripe is that I don't particularly like the bulky jar packaging. I still have a ton left but I've had this for 3 years *gulp* so it's definitely time to say good bye.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase only because I cannot confirm that Skinfood is cruelty-free.
INNISFREE LIMITED EDITION AUTO PENCIL LINER** -- $7usd for 0.5g/0.017 oz ($411.76usd per oz)
I loved the regular liners so when they came out with limited edition colors, I picked up several. Out of the three, this one has completely dried up. I was forgiving in my initial review (because I'm a nice person; I try not to be mean) but this is so disappointing. I hardly ever used it so I don't know how that happened. I noticed that it was drier in the beginning but didn't think it would be this bad. I did try to use glycerin and vitamin e oil to try to revive it but it didn't work. I'm not brave enough to use a flame to melt the tip so in the bin it goes. The other two are still alright so that's still good...
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase because I cannot confirm that Innisfree is cruelty-free.
SKINCARE
PAULA'S CHOICE DAILY SKIN CLEARING TREATMENT -- $18usd for 2.25oz, $6usd for 0.5oz
If you've been reading my blog for a while now,
you'll know that I freaking love the Paula's Choice skincare line, especially the CLEAR range. I've had this bottle for ages as I use it for spot treating. Once my skin cleared up, I hardly reached for this. I have maybe a third of it left but it's definitely time to say goodbye. Definitely recommend this if most acne-fighting treatments leave your skin dry and irritated. This one goes on like a lightweight moisturizer and rarely ever stings, only if I have a raw wound or a ginormous spot (like the monstrosity currently on my chin, gah). it's formulated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and is surprisingly effective for my acne.
Bottom Line: Would definitely keep repurchasing! I actually bought the 0.5oz trial size and it's been with me for 7 months and still going strong.
SKINFOOD GOLD KIWI SUN CREAM SPF 50 PA+++** -- discontinued
I've had this sunscreen for almost 3 years now and it has now expired. I was into Korean skincare and thought this compact size would be great for applying on the go. The thing that made me never reach for it was the physical sunscreen actives made it extremely hard to apply. It felt like rubbing congealed liquid glue and left a horrible white cast. The plastic bottle is too rigid, making it extremely difficult to dispense product. Since the sunscreen was on the thicker side, it didn't drip out either. Definitely not one that I'd recommend.
Bottom Line: Skip!
SKINFOOD TOMATO WHITENING CREAM **-- $10.80usd for 1.76 oz
Skinfood usually formulates their skincare around a certain food item and this time is no different. While I don't particularly enjoy ingesting tomatoes, I've heard that it's great for brightening the complexion. Formulated with 20% tomato extract and stabilized vitamin C, this would be good for blemished skin to fade PIH. Since I received a small sample, I used it up within a couple of days and didn't really notice a difference. I usually like to give skincare anywhere from a month to 3 months to see if it's working so I don't fault this cream. It's a lighter, whipped consistency that didn't feel heavy when using the Korean layering method. I enjoyed this a lot and the price isn't exorbitant.
Bottom Line: Would repurchase but don't know if Skinfood is cruelty-free.
SKINFOOD GOLD KIWI NO SEBUM SUN MATTE SPF 35 PA+++ **-- discontinued
Again, this one had the same problem, except it was also chalky. I had to cut the bottle in half to scoop the product out. I tried to use it up by mixing it with other products in my Foundation Beauty Hack and that worked for a while until I got tired of playing chemist. So it sat exposed to air for basically 2 years and when I opened it, the sunscreen had dried up into white chunks! So if you cut open your bottle to get the last bits out, make sure you use it up quickly or else you'll be left white white chunks and powder!
Bottom Line: Never again..
NEUTROGENA SENSITIVE SKIN SUNSCREEN* -- $11.99usd for 3 oz
On the hunt for the perfect physical sunscreen, I bought this to try. I've come to the conclusion that all physical sunscreens don't work for my style. It is broad spectrum spf 60. This one has 4.9% titanium dioxide and 4.7% zinc oxide but as water features lower in the ingredients list, this was too thick for me to blend in easily. It left a noticeable white cast that lightened any foundation I put over it. This claims to be waterproof but with sunscreen, it's recommended to apply every 2 hours anyway. If you have sensitive skin and have a hard time finding a sunscreen, this may be an option but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're willing to put up with those aforementioned peeves.
Bottom Line: would not repurchase
COPPERTONE OIL-FREE FACES SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 30* -- $6.99usd for 3 oz
I got this free when I bought a spray mist sunscreen but I'm not complaining. I was expecting this to leave a white cast but surprisingly, it didn't! It does have a thicker texture, like runny liquid glue but I didn't have an issue with application. This one only contains synthetic sunscreens: avobenzone, (parsol 1789), homosalate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, and oxybenzone. It is fragrance free and water resistant. I think this is best for normal to dry skin as I found it too moisturizing for my oily summer skin.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
COACH POPPY EDP* -- $38usd for 1 oz
Found this hiding in my fragrance sample collection, all gone. I must've liked it or else it wouldn't be empty. I don't remember any specific notes so I looked them up: mandarin,gardenia ,freesia, jasmine and cucumber. I go for light, floral scents and this must've been it.
Bottom Line: Would repurchase but Coach perfumes are not cruelty-free.
SELENA GOMEZ EDP* -- discontinued
I'm not a fan of sweet and fruity scents as they give me headaches. The notes are raspberry, freesia, and vanilla along with a handful of other fruity notes. I remember smelling it a while back and tossing it so this one also went in the bin. Does anyone have a use for scents that you don't like? I feel bad just tossing things but I don't want to hoard things I don't like, yah know?
Bottom Line: Would not buy.
BODY CARE
FIG & ROUGE HAND CREAM -- $6.56USD for 20ml/0.67oz ($9.79 USD per oz)
I got the mango mandarin scent in one of my Ipsy bags a while back. While I liked the hydrating and non-greasy formula, it smelled like a mango smoothie and y'all know I'm not a fan of sweet scents. However, my brother loved this so I basically carried it around for him. I somehow lost the tube but it was basically gone anyway. This comes in three other scents so I might try the rose one.
Bottom Line: Would repurchase!
THE BODY SHOP MORINGA HAND CREAM -- $8 usd for 1 fl oz
Gardenia is my favorite flower scent because it reminds me of my mother but this one is equally pleasant. I've even featured it in my May 2015 Favorites! It sort of reminds me of jasmine and green tea but a tiny bit sweeter. It doesn't trigger any headaches so that's a plus! Best part is that it's hydrating yet not greasy. I find that I do have to reapply if I wash my hands but I have yet to come across a hand cream that doesn't need reapplication. If you know of a cruelty-free option, please let me know!
Bottom Line: Would repurchase, especially since it's buy 3, get 3 free right now!
YES TO CUCUMBERS CALMING SHOWER GEL -- $8.97usd for 16.9 fl oz
I have a love-hate relationship with the Yes To brand. Some items are not great but they're okay while others are a complete miss. Thankfully, this is one of those okay items. For a body wash, I'm not expecting anything major other than that it makes me feel squeaky clean without drying out my skin. This one is quite foamy for those who love a good lather and can be used to make bubbles for a bubble bath. The cucumber scent smelled like plastic with hardly any cucumber but I don't mind since it didn't linger on the skin. This bottle took me 6 months to use because a little goes a long way! The product has gotten new packaging and increased amount of product so mine is outdated.
Bottom Line: I want to try other things but this isn't a bad one for dry skin.
BATH $ BODY WORKS SEA ISLAND COTTON ULTRA SHEA BODY CREAM* -- $13 usd for 8 oz/226g
My brother actually got this for me as a gift last year and I've finally finished it up. I love fresh and clean scents like this. Some clean scents smell too much like laundry detergent but this one doesn't go as far. The notes are as follows:
My brother actually got this for me as a gift last year and I've finally finished it up. I love fresh and clean scents like this. Some clean scents smell too much like laundry detergent but this one doesn't go as far. The notes are as follows:
- Top Notes: Crisp White Cotton, Clean Linen, Green Pear, Juicy Tangerine
- Mid Notes: Lily of the Valley, Fresh Orange Blossom, Blue Freesia, White Cotton Blossom, Dewy Jasmine
- Dry Notes: Ocean Musk, Soft Sandalwood, Vanilla Bean
It contains cocoa butter and shea butter yet it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky. I've lamented the stickiness of BBW lotions in the past but I'm very much enjoying the new formulations. It claims to hydrate all night but that's not true in my case. I can get about 8 hours of comfortable wear before I want to apply to the driest parts of my body, mainly my right thigh. I loved this in the winter after a steamy shower and the scent lingered for a good 4 hours before fading. Cutting the bottle in half revealed enough lotion for a whole week so don't toss those out without cutting them up! They recommend to use a US quarter-sized amount but I'm sure I used much more than that for my entire body. Love this scent!
Bottom Line: Would repurchase if Bath & Body Works becomes cruelty-free in the future.
(*) denotes a brand that is not cruelty-free.
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