September has gone by so quickly that I feel like I have whip lash. I've been focusing on using up my stash instead of buying things so I feel quite proud of the empty products I've amassed. As I continue to clean up my collection, I'm throwing out things that have gone off or just don't make me feel happy, because what is makeup for if not to make me feel good about myself? Anyhoo, let's get into the details!
MAKEUP
- Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream in Light to Medium -- They don't even make this anymore and good riddance! The color is way off for me - too dark and too pink. I did try to make it work in my DIY Foundation Beauty Hack and liked immensely more then. It did feel nice on the skin, like a moisturizer with some coverage. But the color and smell made it a pass in my book. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
- Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen in Rose Essence -- While this is technically a sunscreen, I'm including it in the makeup bits. I got this in an ULTA GWP so I thought, why the heck not try it? I didn't get much use out of it because the slight tint made me look oompa loompa orange - not a desirable look (unless you're Trump). It has SPF 20, which is a little low for my taste but it has some good for you ingredients as well. It's too emollient for my combination, dehydrated skin but I do like the pump dispenser. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
- Skin79 Super+Beblesh Balm VIP Gold Collection (Gold Label)** -- Who remembers the OG days, when the only options for BB creams were gray and pasty? This one and the Pink Label were one of the most popular BB creams, so of course, I had to try it. It made me look super ghostly and I cringe at how greasy my face must've felt. I've had this for years now and so it is time to bid adieu. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
- Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm Triple Function (Pink Label)** -- I think this was marketed as an oil control version in comparison to the Gold Label but honestly, I didn't notice a difference in terms of finish, or color for that matter. Not much else to say other than that I don't miss that ghostly appearance. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
- Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in No. 23** -- Another highly popular BB cream back in the days. This one is great because unlike most Korean bb creams, it comes in 5 shades. This one is the middle shade and is the best color match for me...if I had a grey skin tone. It does warm up eventually but it's not a look I go for these days, unless I wanted to be a zombie queen. The coverage levels are decent, much better than the Skin79 ones. If you have dry skin, this bb cream would be good as it's moisturizing and doesn't emphasize dry flakes. I've had this for over two years so it's definitely time to say adios. Bottom Line: Wouldn't repurchase.
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude** -- First off, I want to say that this is one of my favorite tinted moisturizers that I've tried. It's moisturizing without being greasy, the coverage is buildable without looking cakey and it contains SPF 20. Only thing is that the price is a bit much for me ($44usd for 1.7oz) but it's slightly cheaper than my other favorite BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Cream ($20usd for 0.68oz) that basically does the same thing but has SPF. The color Nude is a little off because it oxidizes on me so I would pay the little extra for a perfect color match. Bottom Line: Maybe in the future.
- e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush -- Call me a rebel but I much prefer this brush for liquid foundation. The flat kabuki style brush made it easy to blend and buff foundation all over my face. I liked that it could sheer out in areas I didn't want heavy coverage but it could also build coverage in places I wanted it to. I've had this particular brush for 4 years and in a recent washing, the bristles started falling out and apart. So, it's definitely time to say goodbye. I already have a back up that's still holding strong so no need for a repurchase just yet. Bottom Line: Would repurchase!
SKINCARE
Sunscreen is an essential part in my skincare routine. I can skip everything but my sunscreen. Over the years, I've tried many brands.
- Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion* -- I've had this bottle for over a year so it definitely goes a long way. It contains SPF 30, which fulfills my daily needs. However, it expire before I could finish the entire 4 oz bottle, which hasn't happened in years! It also leaves a white cast on my face that was harder to hide. So I mixed it with the Hawaiian Tropics to reduce the whiteness. A tough lesson I learned is that expired products will break you out. I had been using it for two months past the expiry date without looking carefully and started breaking out all over my chin. So check your expiry dates and if you have to finish the bottle, use it on your body instead. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase because Eucerin is not cruelty-free.
- Hawaiian Tropics Silk Hydration Face Lotion Sunscreen* -- As a user of Hawaiian Tropics for 2 years now, I decided to give this a try. I found it to be too thick and mousse-y for summertime but it felt dry to the touch within minutes. A pump dispensed too much product so I went about half a pump. The only thing is that I went through this alarmingly quick - within a month or so. It does contain SPF 30 and I could easily tell when I'm going to run out of product. However, the clear packaging makes it light-sensitive so keep it in a dark and cool place. Bottom Line: Would not repurchase because Hawaiian Tropics is not cruelty-free.
HAIR & BODY
- Batiste Dry Shampoo in Neon Lights -- I feel like a broken record at this point but it bears mentioning that Batiste is my favorite dry shampoo brand. I've tried many but this is the best at absorbing oil yet hair still feels like hair. The only thing I'd change is the strong fragrance but this one isn't bad. It's supposed to be pomegranate and jasmine but smelled fruity more than floral. Bottom Line: Probably would repurchase this scent.
- Vitabath Cucumber & White Tea Body Wash* -- Not too picky as far as shower gels go. This one lathered up nicely and had a pleasant spa-like scent. This tiny bottle lasted a long time. Bottom Line: Would repurchase as Vita Bath is not cruelty-free.
- Tom's Botanically Bright Whitening Toothpaste -- I've been on the search for a good cruelty-free toothpaste that doesn't irritate my skin and I think I've found it! This one is SLS and fluoride-free, both ingredients that irritate my skin. It still contains peppermint oil but it's not as strong as in other toothpastes. Bottom Line: I am currently using another one of this and have a back up. Can see myself buying more!
- J'adore EDP* -- The notes are ylang-ylang, Damascus rose and sambac jasmine. The overall effect is too sophisticated and mature for me but might be perfect for mature women. Bottom Line: Wouldn't purchase.
- Cartier Zeste de Soleil EDT** -- I've used this before and had a tiny bit left. I really liked the sharp and citrus scent for summer. It's definitely a unique scent that I didn't think would appeal to me but when I tire of my fresh florals, this one is a breath of fresh air. Bottom Line: Wouldn't purchase because I don't think Cartier is cruelty free.
- Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream EDT* -- There is a million and one iterations of this fragrance and I'd categorize this as the fresh and fruity scent. According to Sephora, the notes are Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria, White Woods, Musks, Coconut Water. It's a pleasant scent but I much prefer the Dot and Honey scents. Bottom Line: Would not purchase.
- Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy EDP* -- As tacky as the brand is, they know their fragrances. It straddles the line of being fruity yet floral. It's light and fresh, ticking all my requirements in perfume. The staying power is phenomenal. Bottom Line: Would not purchase because Juicy Couture is not cruelty free.
(*) denotes a brand that is not cruelty-free.
(**) denotes a brand whose cruelty-free status is unknown/unverified.
And that's all the products I used up in September! I have a couple more items at the end of its life so I'm looking forward to October's update. What products have you used up recently? Do you end up with more "no repurchases" than "repurchases"?
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