Empties ~ January - June 2023

Here's a look at all the products I've used up for the first half of the year: 

Some of the products featured were received as PR samples - this post contains affiliate links

E.L.F. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist ~ $14.00 CAN. Lightweight makeup setting spray for up to 16 hours of wear.

This was actually a little bit of a whim purchase when I forgot setting spray on a trip, but I really liked this - I loved how fine the mist was and this rivalled any of my favourite high end setting sprays in terms of lasting power. I used this at a couple of weddings this Summer and that is always the highest regards I can pay to a setting spray! This made my Monthly Favourites in September 2022 and it's still great. 

Repurchase: Yes! 

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist ~  $25.00 CAN. A setting mist to defend your makeup artistry. 

I absolutely love that this setting spray is a continuous mister - the application is so perfect! No need to worry about a thick spray or blotches landing on your face. Seriously, I love the mister! This made my past Favourite Setting Sprays back in 2019, and it is great for every day. It does have a glowy finish, but this is great! 
Repurchase: Yes, I think I'm trying to find Morphe alternatives though... 

L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ~ $19.99 CAN. Voluptuous volume. Intense length. Full lash fringe. Feathery soft.

This was one of my most favourite mascara formulas, perhaps at this point, my favourite of all time (and I've been loving this since back in November 2017) because it's still great using it now!

Repurchase: Yes! 

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil in 4 ~ $34.00 CAN. A ultra-fine brow shaping and defining pencil that draws incredibly natural hair-like strokes that last up to 12-hours.

Speaking of favourite products, this is one of my favourite brow pencils and while I will always be willing to try new brands, I always find myself going back to this one; it made my Best Makeup of 2018 and I'm still using it now! I love the formula and the spoolie on the end as well!

Repurchase: Using another one already! 

ColourPop Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer in Light 8N ~ $15.00 US. A hydrating, oil-free tinted moisturizer with lightweight coverage that evens skintone and leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy.

I love this tinted moisturizer - I picked it up last Summer, and it made my Best of 2022 Makeup! It's nice and light and just smooths out the skin tone while offering a light coverage - I really like it applied with a brush best, but it works well with fingers or a sponge as well! This is a perfect colour match for me as well. It's got a dewy finish and I set it with a powder so it settles well and drys down, but it wears well and looks nice on! 

Repurchase: I already have! 

Realher Definer Brow Pencil in Eye Am Strong Medium Brown ~ $22.00 US. This long-lasting, micro-tip pencil allows you to create individual-like hairs for a subtle or bold brow look. Its creamy wax-based formulation glides beautifully and naturally on skin.

This was a fine brow pencil - the shade was pretty good and the colour was fine. I thought this was a little to creamy for me going on and I didn't have as much control as I like when I applied this. 

Repurchase: Probably not 

Tok Beauty Lip Tonic in Inspire ~ $29.00 CAN. Filled with plant-based ingredients like Avocado Oil to nourish and moisturize your lips, Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture to your lips, Lysine for the formation of collagen and plant-based peptides for a natural plumping looking effect without the irritation, your lips will look and feel amazing.

I have loved this lip tonic for the past two Summers - it made my Monthly Favourites back in July 2021 and I've still used it consistently since then. This shade is a pinky mauve and the formula is a little glossy, but not sticky, it is hydrating and feels great on the lips! It wears well, looks great and is great for the lips! Big fan. 

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essence Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ ~ $18.81 CAN. Essence-type sunscreen boasts strong SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. Waterproof, sweat-resistant formulation is proven to not cause allergies. Suitable for use on both face and body.

I've talked about this sunscreen before - this is one of my favourite sunscreen formulas! I have combo to oily skin, especially in the Summer and this holds up so well in the heat we had all Summer (even in Italy!) My skin looked great and this does not look greasy on the face, absorbs well and works fantastic. It's all about the PA++++ and Japanese sunscreens are the best there is! 

Repurchase: Already have! 

Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water ~ $23.99 CAN. A cleansing, makeup-removing solution that gently moisturizes dehydrated skin.

I prefer the one in the pink bottle, but I when i had to repurchase only this one was available - this works fine, I use this as a cleanser in the morning and sometimes as a makeup remover. It's a staple in my routine. 

Repurchase: Yes, but hopefully in the pink bottle! 

Uriage Thermal Water ~ $16.00 CAN. Uriage Thermal Water is a skin care water for daily use, a powerful treatment formulated with trace elements and mineral salts, a source of radiance for your skin.

This is a good mist - it's got a strong, but even mist. I use a mist every morning and night as part of my routine before applying my serums. This one is affordable and good. 

Repurchase: Eventually yes 

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essence Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ ~ see above! 

FabYou Red Blemish AC Toner ~ $23.48 US. It is an AC toner that is absorbed without stickiness by supplying moisture while controlling the sebum of the skin, maintaining the optimal skin condition and changing to a water type at the moment it touches the skin.

This was a fine toner - I've used better and worse. I've used it all up and it worked fine on my skin. Toner is one of those products I use twice a day and they are all pretty similar in my mind. 

Repurchase: Nah 

Skoah Face Skotion Lite ~ $52.00 CAN. This ultralight facial lotion is perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Calming irritated skin with soothing ingredients while leaving it with a shine-free, matte finish.

This is a great every day lotion - I thought it was light enough for my combo/oily skin for every day. Wore well on it's own and under makeup and I enjoyed it! 

Repurchase: Yes, likely! 

XO Treatment Room Heavy C ~ $89.00 CAN. Heavy C is unique in chemical structure due to the ethyl group forming an ether with the 3-hydroxy group of the ascorbic acid, which results in much higher stability.

It's taken a long time to find a good Vitamin C serum and this is by far the best one that I've tried! This was one of my Best Products of 2022 - it's a local Calgary company and they are amazing! This formula in particular will help target anti-aging by boosting collagen production and repairing uv damage, but it's also added to a much more even skin tone as well as less breakouts and a healthier skin appearance overall! (Make sure you use an SPF every day with this!) 

Repurchase: Always 

Holy Snails Shark Sauce ~ $38.70 CAN. This hydrating and brightening serum contains 5% niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and 3% n-acetylglucosamine, the optimal concentrations for these research-backed ingredients to work synergistically to fight hyperpigmentation. 

This is a niacinamide serum that's meant to fight hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. This product was created out of a lack of transparency in the skincare world of creating a serum but not using an appropriate concentration of the active ingredients, creating subpar results. I've been using this nightly in my routine and I'm impressed with the results - I tend to get a lot of redness and hyperpigmentation and using this over the year, I've noticed an improvement. It's also nice and gentle on the skin and can be mixed with other serums. I'm love the formula and my overall skintone evenness has improved. It also made one of my Best Products of 2022! 

Repurchase: Yes! 

PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches ~ $11.99 CAN. These latex-free hydrocolloid patches are safe for all skin types and designed to help protect skin and prevent picking, which can lead to scarring. They're just a little thicker than some other acne dots, so they protect your blemish better and can absorb more pus and fluids. 

I love using pimple patches, but I've become pretty reliant on them so I'm trying to lessen them a little bit. These were fine, I used them all. I prefer the CosRX ones a bit better (I think they clear them up a little faster), but these worked fine. 

Repurchase: Probably not 

Pura Botanicals Overnight Watermelon Mask ~ $86.00 CAN. The Pura Botanicals Overnight Watermelon Mask is a creamy, soft pink concoction luxuriously handcrafted with all-natural silk peptides and watermelon extract, which is high in skin-brightening Vitamin C and amino acids. 

These products are handmade in Edmonton - this has a super creamy texture and smells lovely! I've used another brands watermelon night mask before and loved it, so I'm excited to try this one out (and, it came at the perfect time because I needed a new night cream!) I did enjoy this, but I also used it all over my body - it was pretty thick, so I found it a little too much for my skin sometimes. 

Repurchase: Not likely 

Pixi Hydrating Milky Tonic ~ sample shown (full size is $20.00 CAN).This calming and hydrating milk enriched tonic comforts the complexion. The tonic is infused with oat extract to help soothe and balance.

I like most of the Pixi products I try - I like the milky mist and this was a pretty good toner. I thought it was gentle on my skin and helped prep it for serums. Good. 

Repurchase: Maybe 

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch ~ $5.97 CAN. Acne Pimple Master Patch heals acne, blemishes and prevents future breakouts quickly. 

These are bascially a holy grail in my collection - these made my favourites all the way back in September 2015 and I still repurchase consistently, and repurchase them in bulk. These clear up acne so well and so quickly!
Repurchase: Yes - I have plenty of backups

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water ~ mini shown here (full size is $39.50 CAN). An ultra-moisturizing sleeping face mask infused with Glacier Water, Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Butter, instantly delivers 72-hour hydration, and keeps skin—even hands—soft and smooth.

This was a good overnight cream - it's a super thick cream and it is so hydrating. I only needed to use it every couple of days and I really enjoyed it. 

Repurchase: Perhaps 

Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron + Moisture Mist ~ $24.99 CAN. Revitalize, hydrate and plump skin with this protective and ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid face mist.

This was a good mist - I thought it was hydrating and while it didn't have a continuous mist, it was still pretty fine mist and I enjoyed it! 

Repurchase: Likely 

Lush Avoshower Shower Gel ~ Zing, zing, zing! Fresh lemongrass, uplifting bergamot and rich avocado oils are here to invigorate your showers. 

This came in a past Lush Kitchen Subscription Box so it was exclusive to the box - it's a very popular past product (and it shares it's scent with the Avobath Bath Bomb). It does smell bright and yummy, and it was a little earthy, but still good. I always enjoy the Lush formula.

Repurchase: No Can Do 

Lush Snow Fairy Body Scrub ~ Ready for sweet, candyfloss-scented buffing to lift you onto cloud nine?

This was another Lush Kitchen Box exclusive and I loved this - Snow Fairy is my favourite scent, so I really enjoyed this. The scrub was sooo good and lathered up well and I loved using this.

Repurchase: I wish! 

Truly Beauty Dragon Milk Body Lotion ~ $40.99 CAN. Dragon fruit, Lactic acid, Blackberry, Glycolic acid, + Squalane boost.

Honestly, I'm not sure what I was thinking buying a $41 bottle of lotion - I did use points. This is described as an ant-blemish lotion and I think that's a little far fetched. Now, it smelled amazing I will give it that, but not more that a $10-$20 lotion. 

Repurchase: No

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ~ $12.99 CAN. Formulated with prebiotic oat and rich emollients, this daily body lotion helps moisturize and relieve dry skin.

This is a pretty generic lotion - I'm sure I got this in a free Superstore set or something, but it's been good, just in our bathroom for daily use! 

Repurchase: Probably 

Korres Guava Renewing Body Cleanser ~ $22.68 CAN. Although the body wash starts out as a gel, it quickly works into a rich, creamy lather, gliding over the skin to leave the surface silky smooth.

I picked this up in a holiday set - this smells so good and I really enjoyed it. 

Repurchase: Maybe 

Cake Beauty Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm ~ $7.97 CAN. Blended with a decadent buttercream frosting in mind, this balm perfectly coats your hands with nourishment, sinking in quickly for noticeably softer, smoother hands, without the harsh chemicals.

These are probably some of my favourite hand creams - they smell amazing and the formula is so decadent! Love. 

Repurchase: Yes 

Bubble T Hand Cream - Hibiscus & Acai Berry Tea ~ $3.50 CAN. Treat dry hands to Bubble T's Hibiscus & Açai Berry Tea Hand Cream; an ultra-nourishing, fast-absorbing formula dedicated to softening and conditioning skin, whilst delivering a sweet fruity fragrance of Wild Strawberry.

Another good hand cream - this one smells good and worked well. My work is super dry so I always have a bottle of hand cream in my pocket. This worked well. 

Repurchase: Maybe 

Lamb's Soapworks Emulsified Sugar Body Scrub ~ $25.00 CAN. Because our scrubs are emulsified they won't leave you feeling greasy; instead the scrub provides a barrier to trap water close to your skin with a lotioning effect. Gently rotate small amounts of scrub in circular motions over dry or damp body to remove as many dead skin cells as possible.

This was a great body scrub - it foamed and lathered up so well. The scent Vanilla Cream & Coffee is amazing and this was really great. It's also a local Calgary company and I love that. 

Repurchase: Potentially 

Creamed Almond and Coconut Shower Smoothie ~ Carry your mind to a calmer place while your body is covered with the gentle scent of jasmine and vanilla. 

This is just a nice, thick lotion-y textured body wash - I've used a shower conditioner before so, it's basically just a hydrating body wash! This actually has a subtle scent and it's very relaxing and I really enjoyed it! This was also limited edition in the subscription box, but I'd love them to come out with this formula in their regular line! 

Repurchase: Fingers Crossed 

Lush Once Upon A Time Body Lotion ~ 90 g for $10.95 CAN (or 210 g for $21.95 CAN). Smooth and soften dry winter skin with this beautiful limited-edition lotion made with a gentle green apple scent and a host of hydrating butters and oils.

I will be honest, I picked this up because it felt very "fairytale" to me - it's called Once Upon a Time and smells like apples, sold! But, this does actually smell delicious and I love the Lush lotion formulas! This smelled amazing and was from the Christmas 2020 collection! 

Repurchase: If They Bring It Back 

Batiste Plus Beautiful Brunette Dry Shampoo ~ $11.78 CAN. Beautiful brunettes! Keep the passion and power in your hair by avoiding white marks with our boosting brown blend. The hint of brown blends seamlessly!

I can usually make a dry shampoo work but I really disliked this - it just didn't really do much. Gave my hair no oomph, didn't do much in terms of addressing greasy hair and wasn't great for me. Surprisingly, I haven't used this one before and I won't be doing it again. 

Repurchase: NO

Lush Snow Fairy Body Spray ~ $29.95 CAN. Soak up all that saccharine goodness to enchant your senses, and let its magical scent envelop you in a cloak of candied mystique. 

I loved this - this made my Monthly Favourites back in November 2018 and I've been using it consistently since then. Snow Fairy is one of my favourite scents and this was a great, light scent. 

Repurchase: Yes, When It's Available 

JVN Complete Conditioning Mist ~ $28.00 CAN - (also available for $21.00 US on jvnhair.com). A leave-in for frizz free hydration & detangling. Instantly hydrate, remove frizz, and detangle your hair with this leave-in Conditioning Mist packed with a moisture multiplying complex for clean, effective haircare. Perfect for all hair types.

This is a leave in conditioning product that can be used on wet or dry hair - wet hair to detangle and hydrate and dry hair to refresh dry hair or ends! It is meant to detangle, hydrate and strengthen hair, and it's sooo good! It's just nice and lightweight does the job, makes it easy to brush hair and leaves hair super soft and frizz free! It's so good, made my Best Products of 2022 - love! 

Repurchase: Yes! 

Monday Haircare Moisture Hydration Shampoo ~ $8.99 CAN. Monday Haircares Moisture Conditioner is formulated for hair in need of extra hydration including dry, dull, coarse and coily hair.

I liked the Volume line, but thought i'd try something different - this probably wasn't made for my thin, fine hair and I did find it a little too heavy for me. 

Repurchase: In A Different Formula! 

Monday Haircare Gentle Conditioner ~ $8.99 CAN. Monday Haircares Gently Conditioner is formulated with supportive ingredients ideal for hair and scalps that need a little extra TLC.

This one was a really good conditioner - I like the soft, hydrating formula. 

Repurchase: Yes 

Dove Refresh + Care Volume Dry Shampoo ~ $6.99 CAN. Dove developed Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo, so that with just a few quick sprays you can have your hair looking and feeling beautiful, healthy and full of body. 

This is a sample I've been waiting to use and I took it on vacation and it's fantastic - I need a volumizing dry shampoo that adds a little oomph but doesn't leave any gross sticky residue. I use this at night and it only has a tiny bit of white cast but it absorbs at night and it looks so good on my hair. This absorbs the oil and makes my hair looks freshly washed! One of the best dry shampoos! (Made my Monthly Favourites in April!)

Repurchase: Yes 

So, in the first half of the year I used up 37 products - makeup, skincare, body and haircare!