Empty Products #12

The first empties post of 2020! Let’s see how many products I can get through this year! In my bullet journal I will keep a list of everything I finish up and at the end of the year total them up. I’m aiming to be on a low buy in 2020 and not purchase products until I’ve used others up first and stop buying things for the sake of it. I do quite well anyway but there’s no harm in trying to do better.

Haircare

1. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

I was curious to try this range after trying the Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner from OGX. A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way and my hair does feel smooth and soft when I use it but I can get the same result from cheaper shampoos. These bottles do last me a long time but by the end I was looking forward to moving on to something else.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

2. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Conditioner

I prefer the shampoo in this range to the conditioner. The conditioner has a strong scent and it’s not one I find pleasant. Like the shampoo, the conditioner didn’t do anything revolutionary for my hair.

Repurchase: No.

Makeup

3. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

I don’t use a setting spray each time I wear makeup but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The mist feels hydrating and gentle when it hits the skin and the mist sprays evenly when the nozzle is pushed. The scent is nice and natural and contains elements of green tea, chamomile and cucumber. If you’re sensitive to scented products you should be fine with this one. This is great to dampen eye brushes to pack on eyeshadow too.

Repurchase: Yes.

4. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation – 100 Fair

If you asked me a year ago what my favourite foundation is I would have said this one. It has decent coverage, has a nice satin finish, a little goes a long way and the tube packaging is compact and lightweight. However, since trying a couple of high end foundations in 2019 this pales in comparison. The colour doesn’t match me as well as foundations from MAC and YSL and towards the end the product wasn’t sitting as nicely on my skin as it once did… possibly due to age? If this was a touch lighter it would be the perfect drugstore option for me.

Repurchase: Maybe.

5. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthly Luminous Makeup in W 1-2 Porcelain/Warm Ivory

I researched this foundation before I purchased it and the selling point for me was how good it was for dry skin. I have no doubt this is good for dry skin but a lot of the times I wore this I would need powder as the foundation is so thin and slippery. It’s not the best for layering and one thin layer works best. As a result the coverage is very minimal and this seems more comparable to a BB cream or tinted moisturiser. The product didn’t cling to dry patches and the shade was ok. This wasn’t terrible but by no means would I try this again.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT

These little bottles are really travel friendly. I bought one in a different scent to pop in my locker at work for when I need a quick refresh but I didn’t end up doing that. The moringa scent is a delicate floral that’s nice for everyday wear.

Repurchase: Yes. I would also consider the Moringa Fragrance Mist which is cheaper and contains 70ml more product.

7. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy and Viva la Juicy Glacé rollerball

I received this double ended rollerball as a gift and both of these scents are lovely! Viva la Juicy is a vanilla gourmand and is my signature scent. Glacé is a fresh, icy take on the original containing notes of pear and sorbet. Both of these scents have serious lasting power and I found with the rollerball the scent really gets absorbed into the skin and lingers all day.

Repurchase: Not this exact rollerball but I do have full size bottles of both perfumes.

8. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture

This is not a bad perfume but it is my least favourite Juicy Couture scent that I have tried. The notes are stronger than what I usually like and nearly border on headache inducing territory. The lasting power is excellent and this scent does evoke compliments. If you don’t like sweet, overly feminine scents give this one a sniff.

Repurchase: No.

9. YSL – Black Opium

I purchased a YSL set of minis mainly so I could sample this perfume as I’d heard mixed reviews and wanted to try it before committing to a full size bottle. Black Opium is seriously sexy and contains notes of coffee, warm florals and vanilla bound by an undertone of white musk. I used this 7.5ml sample bottle up in a matter of weeks. The scent lingers all day and is one of those that is perfect for all occasions.

Repurchase: I intend to purchase a full sized bottle.

10. Antipodes Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask

Antipodes is a New Zealand brand which I had heard plenty of good things about prior to trying this mask. For a mud mask this didn’t dry out my skin or irritate it at all. It helped to soothe skin and keep it clear from impurities but for the price tag I don’t think it’s outstandingly better than my favourite face mask from Natio which is half the price and contains more product.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

11. The Body Shop Black Musk Body Lotion

The black musk scent from The Body Shop is one I enjoy for it’s spicy warmth. This body lotion was satisfactory but didn’t feel as moisturizing as others I have tried in the past. The black bottle makes it hard to see how much product is left. Another product I’m glad to have finished.

Repurchase: No.

Body

12. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I have used this anti-perspirant for about 4/5 years now and it features in almost every empties so if you’re a long time reader you’ll know how much I enjoy this.

Repurchase: Yes but I might buy a different product next time I need deodorant to give my skin a break.

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Empty Products #8

This is my third empties post since the start of November 2018! I am getting quicker at using things up and I definitely think my low buy is helping. I am more inspired to use what I’ve got before buying more and replacing products. I know which products I’m close to finishing and putting my focus on those rather than having different things open at once and using small amounts of each.

Haircare

1. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

I enjoyed the shampoo from this range a lot more than the conditioner. A small dollop of product was enough and from the time I started this shampoo until the time I finished it was around seven months. $13 seems expensive upfront but over time that works out to less than $2 per month. The product does have a pleasant scent. It didn’t leave my roots feeling oily or dried out, my hair felt soft and clean.

Repurchase: Maybe.

2. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Conditioner Supreme Length

After finishing my previous conditioner I was ready to try something new and this caught my eye. Not only is the bottle my favourite colour but the product is aimed at long hair prone to damage and oily roots. This smells really nice and actually worked well in conjunction with the OGX shampoo above.

Repurchase: I have.

3. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends

A fellow blogger inspired this purchase a few years ago and when I first got it I would make a conscious effort to use it but after a few months it fell by the wayside. It became a product I’d use on my hair to keep the ends looking sleek and straight after I’d blow dried it. I don’t use tools on my hair often which probably explains why it took me three years to finish this! I’ve been trying to get it gone these past few weeks and I finally did it!

Repurchase: No. It’s not a bad product but I didn’t enjoy using it.

Makeup

4. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer

I understand why so many people enjoy this primer, it’s very moisturising. A little goes a long way and the 20ml tube lasted me four months. The coconut scent isn’t offensive and even if you don’t like coconut scents like me I think you’ll still like this, the scent is barely there. I did find when I used my MAC Studio Finish Concealer it would pill if I used this primer. This primer did accentuate lines sometimes too.

Repurchase: The primer was fine if I used my Collection concealer but I am using a Max Factor primer currently which I prefer. I may pick this primer up again though.

5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara – 003 Extreme Black

Words cannot explain my love for this mascara! The big brush is surprisingly easy to work with, the wand has proper bristles rather than plastic ones and the formula and pigmentation is incredible. The formula is consistent throughout the lifetime of each tube, it doesn’t change drastically. It’s slightly wetter when first opened but not in smudgy, messy way. The wand gives length and volume. I’m sad the Extreme Black shade has been discontinued, the regular black shade is just not as good.

Repurchase: Yes, my holy grail mascara! I have one tube left as a back up and might try and hunt more down.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. MAC Studio Finish Moisture Cream

Don’t get me wrong this is a nice moisturiser and this is the second tube I have finished up but I think I’d try it as my day moisturiser if I pick it up again to see how it performs under makeup. I don’t find this works as good with the facial oil as the night moisturiser I am currently using – Clinique’s Moisture Surge – I like something slightly lighter in the evening so the oil absorbs better.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

This oil has been such a game changer for my skin! The lines I used to get around my nose and mouth have practically disappeared and my skin is much softer and nourished. Makeup applies better and this oil works well in conjunction with my day and night moisturisers. I don’t have excess oil or get many breakouts (I tend to notice hormonal/stress breakouts or get them from sweating and if I haven’t been eating well).

Repurchase: Already have.

8. Britney Spears Private Show Perfume

I got this perfume for Christmas in December 2016 and every time I wore it I got asked what it was or comments from people saying how nice I smelt. I loved it at the start and the lasting power is good but ever since the break up last year something in me switched and I stopped enjoying this as much as I had previously. This was my ex boyfriend’s favourite on me and I’m not petty enough to not like it anymore for that reason but the scent is a reminder and I’d rather not think of sadness every time I spray it.

Repurchase: Not sure, I’ll test this in store in the near future and see if I feel any different.

Body

9. Nivea Anti-Perspirant – Clear

This has featured in every empties post since 2015.

Repurchase: Until I find something as good, yes.

10. The Body Shop Shea Hand Cream

Shea is probably my favourite range at The Body Shop. The scent is appropriate year round and the sweet, nutty smell is lovely. I have tried a number of products from the range and haven’t been disappointed. This hand cream is one I’d recommend to everybody if you’re new to trying The Body Shop’s products and you’re looking for a good staple. It also makes a nice gift. This isn’t the first tube I’ve finished up.

Repurchase: Yes.

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Empty Products #7

I don’t know what is happening but over the past few months I have been using up products quicker than usual. It is only two months since my last empties post and I’m back with another bunch! Doing these posts when I finish 10 or so items seems to be working well.

Haircare

1. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner

The scent is nice and the product does make my hair feel clean but I didn’t enjoy using the full size as much as I did the 88ml bottles I tried in the past. I think this works better when used once a week rather than washing my hair with it constantly. I am still finishing the matching shampoo, which I enjoy more than the conditioner. This conditioner didn’t seem to be easy to massage into the hair so I was using more than normal.

Repurchase: No. The full size is pretty pricey too.

Makeup

2. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel

This pencil featured in my project pan for 2018 and on the very last day of 2018 I finished it! It was all I used to fill in my brows for the best part of three years and it’s so easy and fuss free.

Repurchase: I have.

3. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

This product was another one that featured in 2018’s project pan. I have had a love/hate relationship over the past year with this foundation but it holds a special place in my heart because it was the first liquid foundation I ever bought. Long story short, Rimmel changed the formula and discontinued shades and last year they released new shades again. Is it my favourite foundation, no, but it is still a good everyday option for work.

Repurchase: Maybe – I’d be interested to swatch the new shades.

4. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample)

I was given this sample in 2017 and it is the loveliest raspberry colour. The formula is long lasting with the shine of a gloss but is by no means sticky like one. This little sample gave me so many uses and I wore this colour a ton throughout 2018!

Repurchase: Maybe. I am on a lip product buying ban in 2019 and I have similar colours in my collection. The applicator on the full size product also looks a little intimidating.

Skincare & Fragrance

5. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist

The spiciness of this scent is what I like about it. It’s less sweet than what I usually go for and it’s slightly more grown up.

Repurchase: Maybe.

6. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist

This is one of my mum’s favourite scents and I got into it through her. It’s floral without being too much and I do think this is nicer than the Black Musk for everyday wear. The White Musk scent is stronger so I find I applied less per use compared to Black Musk which means this is somewhat better value.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. Britney Spears Curious – In Control

I received a lot of compliments when I wore this perfume and it’s such a good one for work, it’s quite light and sweet but does the job without being overpowering. This was the first Britney perfume I tried and it also holds a special memory as I got it the same day as we picked up Tango. I had this perfume for almost nine years and in that time it always smelt and performed the same.

Repurchase: Yes but not right now.

8. Impulse Tease

With Impulse you know exactly what you’re getting, the cans are portable and don’t take up a lot of room and the scents are pleasant. The scents aren’t as long lasting as perfume but I like them for layering underneath a perfume.

Repurchase: In the future, yes. I have a couple of other mists to work through at the moment.

Body

9. Zoella Double Creme Body Lotion

I do take note of the products Zoella releases but a lot of the bath and shower ones I stay away from because of my sensitive skin. Body lotions are safer territory for me and I picked this one up for less than $10 (NZD) in 2017. The scent is inspired by macarons and once this lotion sinks in to the skin it smells lovely. The scent is not too sweet for my liking and the lotion soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Repurchase: Is this still available to buy? I would use it again but at the same time I’m not going to go out of my way to track down a tube. I bought it online as Zoella Beauty isn’t available in New Zealand.

10. The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Butter

I picked this up at the end of 2017 and it sat on my dresser for a while before I got to using it but I loved it! The scent is zingy and fresh and the texture of the body butter is soft and creamy. In no way is it a criticism but different body butters from The Body Shop have different textures, some are more easy to spread and scoop out of the tub than others.

Repurchase: Yes and I’d even buy a 200ml tub instead of the 50ml!

11. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

You know the drill with this by now, it’s all I use. Maybe I’ll stop including these in my empties and only include anti-perspirant if I use a different one.

Repurchase: Yes.

Discards

1. Max Factor CC Cream – 40 Fair

There is probably one third of product left but over the past month whenever I have gone to use this it hasn’t sat right with primer and concealer, the CC Cream pills and crusty bits flake off and the product is not sitting on my skin. It is a little disappointing as this is a good colour match for me and the formula of the CC Cream is light and covers well. I think ultimately I didn’t use this product up quick enough but I picked it up cheaply so it’s not all bad.

Repurchase: No. It’s not my favourite base product ever.

I haven’t included this section in an empties before as not often do I throw products out unless they are old or they don’t work for me and they’re not worth passing along.

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Empty Products #4

This is my biggest empties to date! I am always in awe of bloggers who manage to get through this number of products in a month as they get to try new things and get rid of what doesn’t work. On the other hand it shows how economical I am and how long certain products do last.

Haircare

1. Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shampoo & Condtioner

I purchased travel sized shampoo and conditioner when I flew up to stay with my brother in August 2016. These were expensive but I’d heard good things about Lee Stafford products so I was hoping the $7 (each) would be worth it. The packaging is pretty and the bottles contain 75ml of product which is decent considering some full size bottles contain 200ml and look how big they are. I feel like this did help straighten my hair but I wasn’t a huge fan of the citrus scent and my hair felt a little dry. These lasted me for a good few months (I used them at my boyfriend’s after the trip to see my brother) and they did the job.

Repurchase: No.

2. OGX Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

I purchased some OGX minis after finishing up the Lee Stafford ones as I like the convenient size. The scent is much more up my street and my hair didn’t feel dry. It felt smooth and soft and looks really nice the day after washing. A little of the shampoo certainly goes a long way, it lathers up well. (The empty shampoo bottle was at my boyfriend’s house at the time of the picture which is why it doesn’t feature).

Repurchase: I’ll definitely consider it. The products were cheaper than the Lee Stafford minis and contain 13ml more product. I would also consider splurging on the full 385ml size once I’ve finished my current shampoo and conditioner.

Makeup

3. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I won this mascara in a giveaway and everyone who raves about it isn’t lying! The shape of the brush allows product to be dispersed onto nearly every lash and the formula is nice to work with. I did experience a little bit of smudging sometimes when I applied the mascara but I think that’s because I have small, hooded eyes. I had the washable mascara, it would stay put all day and was a breeze to remove. The plastic brush worked well, it wasn’t too bendy but I do think I preferred this mascara when it was wetter rather than when it began to dry out. Some mascaras perform well dried out but this one not as much.

Repurchase: I would like to try this again.

4. Rimmel Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara

I was disappointed with this the more I used it. It started off okay but as the formula dried out the brush would apply barely any product and it was a struggle to build up the lashes. It would give the lashes some length but nothing else, they looked flat. The bristles on the brush were poorly cut.

Repurchase: Nope.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

I was kind of forced into buying this when my old shade 091 Fair Ivory was discontinued and the product was rebranded. This used to be my favourite everyday foundation as it gave such a natural look to my skin but since buying a second bottle of Light Porcelain I feel like the formula is different to this empty bottle. It could be my skin is extra pale from winter.

Repurchase. I did buy a second bottle of Light Porcelain so I will assess through summer and as I finish up the bottle.

6. The Body Shop Strawberry Lip Butter

This lip butter was pricey but it did a good job of keeping my lips soft and nourished overnight. I would apply this before going to bed and my lips didn’t feel dry when I woke up the next morning. The scent was lovely and didn’t change throughout the two years I had the product. Once I started reaching the end of the pot the product did have chunks that hadn’t been mixed in properly. I don’t know if this is normal or just because of the age of my lip butter.

Repurchase: I’m not sure. It does a good job but there are lots of other lip balms/similar products out there. Maybe if it was on sale.

7. W7 Power Puff

I bought this sponge as a dupe for the Beauty Blender. I’ve never tried the original Beauty Blender so I can’t compare the two. It was an okay sponge, it didn’t eat up foundation and it washed up well. It didn’t stay soft and spongey for long and I haven’t used it in months so I’ve decided to get rid.

Repurchase: No.

Body & Skincare

8. Natio Face Mask Purifier

This face mask is really good at making the skin feel clean and refreshed. It’s particularly good if you’re feeling oily as the clay helps to combat oil. The scent is relatively neutral, it’s fresh and inoffensive. I use this mask a couple of times a week and it doesn’t dry out my skin.

Repurchase: I have.

9. The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream

I was inspired to try this night cream via another blogger and when I first used it I really enjoyed it. The 50ml pot lasted the best part of a year and I was a fan of the rose scent. The pot is travel friendly and pretty good value for money.

Repurchase: I don’t think so. Since trying other night moisturisers I realise they perform better and keep my skin more hydrated.

10. Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant – Vanilla Coconut

This is another giveaway prize and it was different from the normal deodorants I use. The solid formula was actually really pleasant and the scent was lovely. I do think this is better in the cooler months as in the heat I had to reapply during the day.

Repurchase: No. I prefer longer lasting deodorants and because of the solid formula product gets left in the wind up tube and can’t be used.

11. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear x2

I have featured this product in all of my previous empties so I’m sure you can guess I like it!

Repurchase: Yes.

12. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Pure

I decided to try a different scent to what I usually use but I still prefer the Clear scent to the Pure.

Repurchase: If I had to, not the worse deodorant in the world.

13. The Body Shop Moringa Hand Cream

I was worried this scent would be strong due to the floral nature but I enjoyed it. It was up to normal Body Shop hand cream standard, non greasy yet light and hydrating. This scent would be lovely for spring/summer and I’m sure most females would love it.

Repurchase: Yes.

14. The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Hand Cream

This particular hand cream felt very moisturising and the scent was nice too. It wasn’t too sweet from the honey and almond and it is a good range for those who suffer from dry or sensitive skin. The range is still available currently but I wonder if it is limited edition.

Repurchase: Yes.

15. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter 50ml

A 50ml tub of Shea body butter was one of the first products I purchased from The Body Shop and the scent is mesmerising. I’m a sucker for the shea scent and how natural it is. I have always vowed this scent would be lovely on either gender and I’d really love to smell this on a man!

Repurchase: Maybe. This isn’t my favourite Shea product and I actually think there are softer, creamier body butters from The Body Shop. It has more of a solid formula compared to some of the others.

16. The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion

The scent of this is so lovely. I am a fan of musk and the scent of this lotion lasts all day on the skin. It feels light and absorbs quickly which is perfect when you’re getting dressed in the morning. I like the screw cap as opposed to a pump as it means less product is wasted.

Repurchase: Not at the moment. I have a few other body lotions to use up but possibly in the future.

fragrance

17. Impulse Tease

I have used Impulse for years and I will continue to do so. Into Glamour is my jam but I tried Tease on a whim and I love it equally as much. I use Impulse as a body mist and spray more in the direction of my outfit rather than my skin.

Repurchase: Yes!

18. Bath + Body Collection Berries & Blooms

I received this fragrance mist as a birthday gift in 2016 and it smells incredible! The scent matches the name and the product itself lasts longer than some other mists. The bottle contains over 200ml which is more than three Impulse cans. Also, the packaging of this is beautiful.

Repurchase: I would but I can’t find it. *sob*

19. The Body Shop White Musk EDT

I was first inspired to try this scent after hearing my mum express her love for white musk. It is a feminine scent but it isn’t overly sweet and contains floral notes. I would use this as more of an everyday scent, it’s nice for work. The ombre effect of the bottle is cool.

Repurchase: I kind of did, I purchased the White Musk Fragrance Mist as it lasts roughly the same amount of time on me, was cheaper and contains 70ml more.

20. The Body Shop Black Musk EDT

After trying White Musk and loving it I tested Black Musk in store and instantly fell in love! Black Musk is spicier due to notes of pink pepper. This is more sensual and less fresh/crisp than White Musk and makes a nice winter fragrance. The black bottle is unusual which I like but the lid on my bottle was loose and wouldn’t fasten properly.

Repurchase: As with the White Musk I purchased the 100ml fragrance mist instead.

21. The Body Shop Strawberry EDT

This was the first EDT I tried from The Body Shop and I really like the compact size of the bottle. It is travel and handbag friendly and the lid can’t fall off. The scent is fresh and fruity and my boyfriend was a fan of this on me too.

Repurchase: Yes.

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Have you tried any of these? What was the last product you finished up?

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