Hello internet! It's been a very long time since my last post (July 2018!) but to be fair, I haven't been blogging consistently for a couple years now. Life has been hectic for me, both good and bad. But I think I'll save that for another post because I've been saving all these beauty empties for months! It's definitely time to jot down my thoughts on these items and find a good way to recycle them. Here's a quick glance at all the makeup I used up from January to March of this year:
There's just so many products to talk about so I'm dividing the posts into makeup, skincare, and finally hair and body. I threw in my declutters at the end of this blog post since most of them were makeup, sadly.
EYES
Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil (not CF) $24 usd for 0.01oz//$2400 for 1 oz//$7.20 usd for 0.003oz -- According to Benefit, 95% of respondents said it was "easy to fill in and shape brows" and I agree. It also claims to last up to 12 hours and is waterproof. Now, I'm not in water often but my brows did last the 12-hour clinical shifts I had, IF I didn't touch or rub my brows. Never thought to test if it was waterproof, but if it came off with a quick scratch, I'm sure it wouldn't last through water activities. Shade 3 is described as a warm light brown but it works well with my dark brunette hair. It was a tad warmer than I was used to but it didn't look completely off. Comes in 12 shades so you're bound to find a match. This format reminds me of my beloved Etude House pencil but costs waaaay more. The packaging is super cute and durable. Right now, I'm using a travel size brow pencil from IT Cosmetics and that one is working well.
Bottom Line: It was nice while it lasted but I would not repurchase.
e.l.f. Eye Lash Curler (CF) $2usd -- Gosh, I think I've had this eyelash curler since I started wearing makeup way back in 2011. This has seen rough days; I've had to superglue the handles back together at least twice! I've replaced the curler pads countless of times and lately, the curl hasn't been as nice looking. The shape is flatter across, which I thought fit my eye better. But after switching to a Japanese-inspired eyelash curler from ULTA, this flatter style isn't for me anymore. For the price, it is definitely worth the money. I'm sad to see it go but there's no need to hold onto unusable makeup tools.
Bottom Line: Good while it lasted but wouldn't repurchase.
Etude House Drawing Eye Brow - haul (not CF) $3.50usd for 0.01oz/$350 usd for 1 oz -- Etude House makes my favorite eyebrow pencil. The color is the right amount of ashiness, the colors were dark but not stark on my face. The formula was the right amount of stiffness and the tip was the right size for quick application. Price was just right. It lasted so long; I've had these pencils since 2014 and just finished the second one. The packaging isn't the most sturdy but holds up well enough until the end. My only complaint is that the brand isn't cruelty-free as they sell in China.
Bottom Line: Wouldn't repurchase.
Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (not CF) $23 usd for 0.52 oz/$44.23 usd for 1 oz-- I thin I received the Lorac primer with a purchase of one of my Lorac Pro Palettes back in university so this has lasted for more than four years. By the time I got about halfway, the texture became less creamy and more chunky on the eye. Eventually, I decanted the remaining product and that became super chunky. I added a few drops of glycerin and vitamin E to make it creamier. Luckily, it didn't affect my eyeshadow's staying power or pigmentation. I have a couple of uses left in my jar but I'm considering this finished.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase as I still prefer the UD Primer Potion. I may try the Milani one that Emily Noel loves but I still have several tubes of eye primer to go through first.
Make Up For Ever Excessive Lash (not CF) $25 usd for 0.28 oz//$89.29usd for 1 oz//$7.14usd for 0.08oz -- Fresh out of the tube, it didn't do much for my lashes but darken them. As the formula dried down, it began to add some length and volume. It didn't hold a curl and isn't waterproof; however, it did come off easy with eye makeup remover. It dried up pretty quickly and started clumping my lashes--not ideal.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Concealer in 6.5 (CF) $7usd for 0.14 oz/$50 usd for 1 oz -- I went through this concealer so quickly. The large doe foot applicator made it easy to swipe across a large area but the color I picked up is too light for my face. I mainly used this on the inner side to brighten up my eye area. This one mixed well with other concealers I used and the coverage is pretty good. The packaging got grimy pretty quickly but it didn't alter the function of the product.
Bottom Line: May repurchase in the future.
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer (CF) old $24 usd for 0.28oz/$85.71 usd for 1 oz // repackaged $26 usd for 0.23 oz/$113.04 usd for 1 oz-- I know I'm quite slow when it comes to using up makeup but I've had this same concealer since January 2013! Once I squeezed out all I could from the tube, I cut it in half and scooped out the remaining product. It's currently the 22nd of June and I still have a good third of a contact lens case left! I only use a tiny dab as the formula is quite thick and creamy. The color is a bit orange to be used on the rest of my face but the tone comes in handy for my under eye circles. I don't think I'll be done with this concealer any time soon but I'm hoping it'll all be gone by the end of the year.
Milani Brow Shaping Clear Gel (CF) discontinued $4.99 usd for 0.15 oz/$33.27 usd per oz -- I have thin and fine eyebrow hairs so I like to leave the hairs longer to make it seem like I have thicker brows. But this one didn't hold them into place. Even when I was brushing the brow gel through my brow, the hairs still drooped. When I trimmed them shorter, they didn't really keep the hairs in the front of my brows up for long. I did use it up as I felt like the gel softened any harsh strokes from my brow pencil but that's about it.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase, even if it was still available.
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer (CF) old $24 usd for 0.28oz/$85.71 usd for 1 oz // repackaged $26 usd for 0.23 oz/$113.04 usd for 1 oz-- I know I'm quite slow when it comes to using up makeup but I've had this same concealer since January 2013! Once I squeezed out all I could from the tube, I cut it in half and scooped out the remaining product. It's currently the 22nd of June and I still have a good third of a contact lens case left! I only use a tiny dab as the formula is quite thick and creamy. The color is a bit orange to be used on the rest of my face but the tone comes in handy for my under eye circles. I don't think I'll be done with this concealer any time soon but I'm hoping it'll all be gone by the end of the year.
Bottom Line: It has been repackaged into a tube and doe foot applicator but I still have so many concealers to go through. May repurchase it the future.
Tarte Picture Perfect Duo (CF) $18 usd -- The Tarte eyelash curler came with a mini mascara sample (I believe I still have the sample--yikes!). I got this for $10 usd at the first and only BeautyCon LA I went to so this definitely has sentimental value. Again, it has a flatter shape, similar to the e.l.f., and for the price, I wouldn't repurchase. I liked this style of handle better rather than the ones with the holes. The curl came out nicely with this curler but I had to go about it in a two-step process compared to the ULTA Japanese curler.
Bottom Line: Wouldn't repurchase.
FACE
Catrice Prime and Fine Multitalent Fixing Spray (CF) $7.99 usd for 1.69 fl oz/$4.73 usd per oz -- I've heard lots of good things about this brand of sprays so I bought two to try out. I went through this quite quickly in comparison to the NYX and Milani. Seems like all the sprays these days can be used before makeup to prep, after makeup to set, and to refresh throughout the day. I mainly used it to set and refresh my makeup throughout the day and it fulfilled those functions well. There's still a third one I want to try, the Dewy Glow but that one might be too dewy for my tastes. I got this one from ULTA and they're usually on sale.
Bottom Line: Would repurchase if it was on sale.
Dr. Jart Dis A Pore Beauty Balm (not CF) discontinued $40.90 usd for 1.7 oz// $24 usd for 1 oz//$4.80 usd for 0.2 oz -- As a Korean brand, the shade range was limited. I believe this only came in one shade; it was a peachy tone that looked off on my skin tone. I liked to use a couple pea-sized drops mixed with my sunscreen for sheer coverage before the gym (as I get quite red faced). This filled in pores and kept oil at bay. The broad spectrum SPF 30 is bolstered by 9.455% titanium dioxide, 4% octinoxate, and 0.980% zinc oxide. I couldn't find it on the US Sephora page anymore but from the community chats, it seems like this is getting reformulated? This is the second sample size I've gone through so I'm glad it's all gone from my collection.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase.
Milani Make it Last Setting Spray (CF) $9.99 usd for 2.03 fl oz/$4.92 usd per oz -- I have yet to discover a setting spray that alters the wear of my makeup. This one had a pleasant scent and the mist was fine. If I looked too matte or powdery, this added the dew back in. Sometimes, I looked too dewy with this, basically oily. Packaging held up well; nozzle didn't break, writing didn't wear off, etc. Lased a decent amount of time as well. Refreshes makeup well if things start settling into my lines.
Bottom Line: May repurchase in the future for wintertime.
NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray (CF) $8.50 usd for 2.02 fl oz/$4.21 usd for 1 oz -- I've had this one forever and it is finally finished. Again, I didn't notice increased longevity in my makeup but it added dewiness if I overly mattified my face. It wasn't sticky or uncomfortable. Performed the same as the Milani one. Nothing to write home about.
Bottom Line: May repurchase in the future for wintertime.
Tarte Clean Slate Flawless 12hr Brightening Primer (CF) discontinued $30usd for 1 oz/$7.50usd for 0.25 oz-- This one harkens back to the early days of my Sephora shopping -- January 2013 to be exact! Luckily for me, the formula wasn't changed from day one. This was a milky white color with a pearly pink shift. I didn't notice any brightening properties but it slightly moisturized my skin without making it oily. It did prevent my makeup from breaking up around my mouth area but it was a slight difference. The lemony scent dissipated over time. It has been discontinued but I won't miss it.
Bottom Line: I wouldn't repurchase.
YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer (not CF) $52 usd for 1 oz/$18.15 usd for 0.33oz -- Oh how I loved this primer. When I first started using it, I didn't notice anything special. It wasn't until I ran out that I realized how much it was doing for my makeup. The gold flecks didn't add any glitter to my face but it added a subtle luminosity without being too oily. It added a touch of moisture underneath my matte foundations to prevent the cakey look. The gel texture gave me pause at first but it didn't ball up over my sunscreen or skincare. Underneath my dewy foundations, it maintained the staying power, preventing the foundation from breaking down. The watermelon scnet was pleasant but not necessary to my routine. I'm really sad to see it go but for the price, I'm hoping I can find something similar.
Bottom Line: Sadly, would not repurchase.
LIPS
Fusion Beauty LipFusion InFATuation Liquid Plumping Lipstick in Full Frontal - haul (unk.) $29usd for 0.19 oz/$152.63 usd per oz -- This color is another one of those MLBB colors that looked flattering regardless of any makeup I was wearing. Whereas Rikugien leaned pink, this one was a bit more peachy coral. I'm not a fan of lip gloss but this one was pigmented without being greasy. Once the initial glossy layer wore off, the remaining product made my lips look balmy and plump. There is a tingling feeling but it wasn't uncomfortable like the Buxom ones. Easy to reapply without a mirror and lived in my work purse. Lasted a super long time but I'm happy to see it go as it's one of the older products in my collection.
Bottom Line: I couldn't find any information on whether or not Fusion Beauty is CF but I think there's a Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss that's quite similar in color that I'd like to try. Who can resist coffee?
NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien - unboxing (not CF) $27usd for 0.07 oz //$385.74usd for 1 oz//$23.14usd 0.06oz -- As I've gotten older, I stay away from the oranges and bright pinks and slip on a my lips but better shade for confidence. This one is pinkier and has a very slight sheen that makes my lips juicy without wear a sticky gloss. For someone with dry lips, I hate lip gloss. The Satin Lip Pencils is moisturizing without being a gloss. Lasting power is nowhere near a liquid lipstick but lasted well with light drinking and eating. Easy to reapply without a mirror, this one lived in my purse. The small size lasted a surprisingly long time; it even featured in a project pan. Because I loved the color so much, I used it until I couldn't sharpen it anymore and then scooped out the remaining product into an empty jar. Technically, it's still around but I'm going to consider it finished for the sake of this empty. I'm quite certain I have many similar shades in my vast collection but if I ever want to find an exact color dupe, I have another one that I gave to my mom a while back. I'm quite shocked because NARS sells these lip pencils in duos for $20usd which is a great deal if you like the colors they picked for each duo. Rikugien is not part of these duos but sometimes there's a $500 pt perk for NARS which is how I got one the first time around.
NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien - unboxing (not CF) $27usd for 0.07 oz //$385.74usd for 1 oz//$23.14usd 0.06oz -- As I've gotten older, I stay away from the oranges and bright pinks and slip on a my lips but better shade for confidence. This one is pinkier and has a very slight sheen that makes my lips juicy without wear a sticky gloss. For someone with dry lips, I hate lip gloss. The Satin Lip Pencils is moisturizing without being a gloss. Lasting power is nowhere near a liquid lipstick but lasted well with light drinking and eating. Easy to reapply without a mirror, this one lived in my purse. The small size lasted a surprisingly long time; it even featured in a project pan. Because I loved the color so much, I used it until I couldn't sharpen it anymore and then scooped out the remaining product into an empty jar. Technically, it's still around but I'm going to consider it finished for the sake of this empty. I'm quite certain I have many similar shades in my vast collection but if I ever want to find an exact color dupe, I have another one that I gave to my mom a while back. I'm quite shocked because NARS sells these lip pencils in duos for $20usd which is a great deal if you like the colors they picked for each duo. Rikugien is not part of these duos but sometimes there's a $500 pt perk for NARS which is how I got one the first time around.
Bottom Line: If NARS went back to being CF, I would consider repurchasing this color again.
DECLUTTERED & DEPOTTED
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| For the two skincare items, I'll talk about them in their dedicated post...for now, we're focusing on the three makeup items. |
Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lip Gloss (CF) $28usd for 0.16 oz$175 usd for 1 oz -- I received this in a holiday GWP years ago and when I pulled it out, the smell was off. It use to be a sugary vanilla scent but now smells like overripe fruit. I can't tell how much product is in here nor the color name as it's not printed on the tube. The color is a light wash of pink with some shimmer. Really sad to see it go but it's a lesson learned: use my makeup before it goes bad!
Bottom Line: I don't think this formula was anything special but I would like to try their Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Sticks that Samantha Ravndahl raves about.
NARS Blush in Deep Throat (not CF) $30 usd for 0.16 oz -- Despite the provocative name, the color itself is quite nice. In comparison to cult-classic Orgasm, the base shade is peachy whereas Orgasm is pink. Once it hits the light, Orgasm leans peachier due to the gold shimmer but both look similar on my skin tone. Deep Throat has some veeeery slight gold sparkle running through the formula that adds a nice, lit-from-within glow on the skin. It's one of my go-to blushes when I want a spring-y, baby cheeks vibe. I haven't actually used it up however, the packaging's hinges broke on me and became cumbersome. I've depotted the pan, which was easy and suffered no casualties. NARS blushes are pressed harder than other blushes I've tried so even the sample size will be staying in my collection for quite some time...
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase because it takes way too long to go through one blush.
NYX Hot Singles Eyeshadow in Psychedelic (CF) $4.50usd for 0.06 oz -- This color isn't my typical go-to shadow on the eyes. However, when I had a CC cream that was too dark and pink, I was able to use this yellow-green color to neutralize the red and make it fit my skintone and undertone better. If you would like to see how I used that shadow, check out my beauty hack for correcting a too pink foundation. I actually liked that concoction I made as it provided the right amount of coverage without letting my oily summertime skin get greasy. I don't think it would work for my current skin type though. I still have two more of these eyeshadows and I depotted one and put it in my colorful eyeshadow palette to get more use out of it.
Bottom Line: Would not repurchase as it's chalky and not pigmented.
And you've made it to the end of part one! I have finished/decluttered 18 makeup products, totaling approximately $205.90 usd. I didn't include the NARS blush nor the NYX eyeshadow in my count because I didn't use them up; I shifted them around in my collection. However, I had already written up my thoughts about them so I didn't want to delete my work. In the future, maybe I shouldn't include my depotted items since it becomes confusing when it comes time to do the bookkeeping. Also, I didn't account for taxes/shipping paid and most of the items I purchase are usually on sale and the deluxe items were usually GWP.
I still have my skincare as well as hair and body posts to work on next but thank you for sticking around. I know I haven't been posting consistently but I want to get back into the blogging groove.
P.S. I just realized that there's no product photo of the NARS Deepthroat and NYX Psychedelic but the color descriptions will suffice for now as it's currently 1:00 AM/0100 as I'm typing this...I'll add the product photo so y'all can gauge the colors if there's a request for it.
Let me know what's new with everyone!
How have y'all been since my last post?
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