Sunday, February 4, 2018

January 2018 - Monthly Empties and Month in Masks!

Time to take a look at my beauty garbage! (I hope each month that I will have lots of empties; because, I'm trying to make a conscious effort to go through and use up products!)



Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch ~ 24 patches for $4.42. Acne Pimple Master Patch heals acne, blemishes and prevents future breakouts quickly. Hydrocolloid patch prevent secondary infections and absorbs exudate to encourage wound repair process more faster.

These are hands down sooo good! These made my favorite products in September 2015 and I have continued to repurchase these multiple times! These are great to use on pimples that are building under the surface or that have surfaced that you don't want to pop! These clear up pimples quickly work so well. 
Repurchase: Yes! 
Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Avanced Therapy ~ sample size (full size is approximately $65.00 CAN on Amazon). An ultra-nourishing formula housed in a sleek pot that smooths and softens lips while delivering a soft sheen and subtle sugar mint flavor.

This is a potted balm full size; but, this is really hard to find especially in Canada! I do enjoy the Fresh lip balms in stick form and would pay $20-$30 for a stick balm. This was a great little balm; but, not $60 something good....)
Repurchase: No, I will stick the the tube balms


Real Techniques Miracle Sculpting Sponge (Finish) ~ $10.49. Dewy Highlight + Contour. Designed to help create shadows or highlight your favorite facial features. Use damp for a dewy glow or dry for a full coverage finish. Ideal for powders, creams, and liquids. This sponge features: small side for precision highlighting, large side for controlled contouring, 6 Surfaces to complete your sculpt.

Okay, I have heard really good things about Real Techniques sponges (although, this isn't the original one) and I liked this one - I reviewed it here if you are interested in seeing how it performed; but, this fell apart so quickly. I took it on vacation with me and ended up with little tiny pink pieces all over my face. 
Repurchase: I do have another one of this type to use; but, I'm not sure I would have ran out and bought it

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original ~ sample (full size is $16.00 - $28.00). A 24-hour wear, nude eyeshadow primer that ensures vibrant, crease-free wear. 

I find the Urban Decay eyeshadows primer a bit thick for my liking - this actually made my eyeshadow hard to blend. Maybe it's an old sample too or a different application from the full size applicator. I don't know... 
Repurchase: Nah, not likely

Vichy Makeup Removing Micellar Cleansing Wipes ~ $14.95 for a pack of 25 wipes. A one-step cleansing solution that cleanses, removes waterproof makeup for the face, eyes & lips while soothing the skin.

I'm always happy when I find makeup remover wipes that work! I find I have really struggled to find wipes that work really well. These actually removed makeup, including mascara and left my face feeling clean those nights I don't have time for a full night routine! If you want to see them in action, check out my review here and these actually made my Monthly Favorites in November! 
Repurchase: Yes

Black Up Perfect Matifying Primer ~ sample (full size is $54.00). A makeup primer that mattifies shiny zones, supports oil control, and minimizes the look of pores.

I had never heard of this brand before; but, I took at ton of samples on vacation with me and wanted to try using all of them! I did like this and thought that it was mattifying and it worked well. I'm not sure that I would spend $54 on this though...
Repurchase: Probably not... 

It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil ~ $32.00 CAN. A bestselling, award-winning eyebrow pencil that creates beautiful, natural-looking brows—even if you have none at all.

I love this brow pencil - this was almost all done and then broke; but, luckily just in time I received this in my January Boxycharm! And, this was actually in my August 2015 Favorites so I have liked this for a long time! If you want to see it in action, you can check out my Boxycharm post here
Repurchase: Yes! 


Belif The True Cream - Moisturizing Bomb ~ 10 ml for 4,000 won ($4.49 Canadian). This 26-hour moisturizing cream keeps the skin soft and smooth with Comfrey Leaf extract. The soft and pure white cream literally wraps the skin with comfort, supplying moisture without dryness and tightness for hours.

I bought this quite a long time ago and I really enjoyed using the Aqua Bomb so I didn't use this for a while. This was a good moisturizer - nothing out of this world; but, good. 
Repurchase: Not likely, I prefer the Aqua Bomb

Sephora Collection Micellar Cleansing Milk - Rose ~ $10.00 CAN. 

I was super when I bought this a while ago and almost right after it came out, they went on sale and they must be discontinuing them because the rose and charcoal types are gone from the website. Anyways, this was a miss for me - this didn't work to remove mascara nor did it take off most skin makeup. I did finish it; but, always had to follow up with cleansers, etc. and I just wasn't a fan.
Repurchase: No

Pixi Beauty Hydrating Milky Mist ~ $20.00 CAN. A deeply hydrating mist that provides an invisible layer of skin-soothers, making it the ultimate remedy for dry skin.

I thought this was really hydrating on my skin and this was a great mist! You can also check out my review here and this made my favorites in March! I loved the mister as well and this was really good! 

Repurchase: Yes! 


Lush Dream Cream Body Lotion ~ sample (full size is $29.95). If your skin reacts to just about anything, treat it to this classic, calming blend of oat milk, lavender and chamomile: it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Olive oil and cocoa butter are great for softening up dry or chapped skin, and rose oil helps to tone down redness and irritation. Do your skin a favor and treat it right with Dream Cream.

I love Lush body lotions! To be honest, I have yet to encounter one that I don't like! This one in particular, has a very light and gentle smell and worked well all over! I have previously used a full size of this version and enjoyed it! 
Repurchase: Yes

Hey Honey Skincare Open Your Eyes Eye Contour Lifting Fluid ~ sample (full size is $35). Wake up your eyes and minimize the appearance of fine lines in an instant with this super light firming gel. Open Your Eyes is designed to reduce puffiness, hydrate and tighten the skin around the eyes upon application for a visibly lifted effect.

It takes me forever to get through eye creams so samples are good for me - this is from a past Ipsy bag. And, this was just okay - I haven't found any eye creams really knocked my socks off. This was fine and I like Hey Honey; but, I wouldn't go out of my way to repurchase this.
Repurchase: Not likely...

Soy BIO+ Fermented Lumpoule ~ full size is 14 bottles for $174. "Lumpoule" is a combination of two words - 'lump' and 'ampoule' - and is basically a facial ampoule made from 100% Korean fermented soy bean lump. It'll work to prevent formation of fine lines and wrinkles and also brighten up the overall complexion. 

This product is great - it was highly reviewed when I received it in a Memebox and I was excited to try it! I add a drop or 2 to my serum in the morning and it just adds a hint of brightness to the skin - it was good; but, not $174 good really. 
Repurchase: Not that much! 

Nip + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Cleansing Pads ~ $12.95 US. Refresh and smooth your skin with our gentle cleansing Dragon's Blood Fix pads. Each of the 60 pads are enriched with salicylic and hyaluronic acids which deeply cleanse your pores and provide long-lasting hydration to help your skin appear plumper. The witch hazel helps reduce the appearance of imperfections, leaving your complexion looking smoother and refreshed.

These are handy little cleansing pads and 1 pad works to remove makeup and cleanse the whole face (I was quite surprised given the size what a great job they did!) These do have a fairly strong scent, so if you are sensitive to scents you may not like this (almost floral; but, not really - sort of hard to describe!) I personally don't mind scents as long as they are not too strong. I did enjoy how well these worked, and think the size is very convenient - they would work well to travel with! (You can see a more detailed review here if you like)
Repurchase: Potentially! 



Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm ~ sample (full size is $40.00, $135.00 or $220.00). An award-winning black cleansing balm that removes all makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils, leaving it hydrated and nourished. 

I did enjoy this cleansing balm - I thought it removed everything and left my skin feeling really good; but, holy moly it's expensive. $135 for a full size - i'm not sure I can bring myself to pay that. I think there are balms just as nice at a more reasonable price point.
Repurchase: No

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream x 2 ~ sample (full size is $45.00). A richly-texturized moisturizing cream that strengthens and retains moisture all day. 

I really like this moisturizer - it made my Monthly Favorites back in August 2016 and I think it works really well to improve skin's appearance and texture! The only reason I haven't repurchased this yet is because I have quite a few moisturizers to use, but I still plan on getting a full size eventually! 
Repurchase: Yes

Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash x 2 ~ sample (full size is $38.00 - $54.00). A highly effective cleanser for smoother, softer skin.

I have to say that these samples were good enough for 3 face washes each which is awesome! I brought all these samples on vacation with me so I'm always happy when I can actually try something out a few times. I thought this was a really gentle foaming cleanser and was a great 2nd cleanse after a balm/oil cleanser at night time. It left my face feeling clean and fresh! 
Repurchase: I think I would like to try out a full size! 

Boscia Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel ~ sample (full size is $37.00). An antioxidant-packed cleansing oil-gel formulated to remove impurities and makeup while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving skin smoother and baby-soft. 

This was fine - I liked the texture of it and thought it worked well. This sample only lasted 1 time so it hard to get a solid idea of how i works. But it did remove my makeup and deep clean my skin.
Repurchase: Not based on trying it 1 time

Sephora Collection Cleansing Cream - Rose ~ sample (full size not available). Moisturizing and brightening. 

This is in the same line as the Micellar Water from above and I think it's been discontinued. This wasn't my favorite face wash but it was fine.
Repurchase: No

Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser ~ sample (full size is $25.00). A daily cleanser and scrub for clear, soft skin. 

This smelled really nice and was very exfoliating. I thought it worked well. I personally don't exfoliate often, so for me a full size wouldn't make sense but if you like your cleanser to smell nice and exfoliate - this would be a great one to try! 
Repurchase: No

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay x 2 ~ sample (full size is $30.00). A jewel-red gel cleanser that helps draw out impurities, absorbs excess oil, and unclogs pores.

This wasn't my favorite cleanser I've tried - it did the job; but, I personally think it was a little drying on my skin.
Repurchase: No

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer ~ sample (full size is $36.00). A facial cream that hydrates instantly to rev up radiance. 

This smelled really good - so bright and fresh! I can see why it's energy-boosting (the scent helps). I did like this; but, I'm picky with moisturizers so it is hard to tell if more than 2 days it will work well for my skin. But, it did work while I was using it and my skin liked it. 
Repurchase: I would like to try it again!

Tatcha Balanced The Water Gel ~ sample (full size $78.00). An ultra-light gel moisturizer designed for oily skin that balances, clarifies, and refines with timeless Japanese botanicals.

This was pretty good; again, I only got 2 days out of this so it's hard to say. I'm not sure if in my regular climate that it would be moisturizing enough on my skin. I think I will try another sample here! 
Repurchase: Not right now...

Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream ~ sample (full size $58.00). A luxurious night cream fortified with potent skin resurfacers plus vitamins C and E. 

This is such a great night cream - it is nice and thick and soo moisturizing and it made my Monthly Favorites back in May 2016. Plus, the smell is amazing!! I was happy to have a sample to use again. I have a few night creams to get through first; but, I plan on repurchasing this soon!

Repurchase: Yes!

Fresh Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask ~ sample (full size is $99.00). An overnight mask that brightens, diminishes the look of uneven skin tone, and preserves hydration for up to 24 hours.

I love Fresh Beauty so much and I thought this worked really well - I did manage to get a couple of nights out of this and I found a little went a long way! This is great. Like all Fresh products; but, they can be a little on the pricey side! 
Repurchase: I'd like to try it out again before shelling out $100! 

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ~ sample size (full size is $24.00, $27.00, $79.00, and $99.00). A skincare mask designed to visibly clear the complexion. 

My skin was starting to break out before going on holidays and wasn't getting any better so my skin was in need of an acne treatment. I thought this went on really well, smelled good, was quick to use, and worked well on my skin! I really liked this!
Repurchase: Yes, would like to try this again! 




Joe Fresh Nail Polish Remover ~ $4.20. 

This is fine - Joe Fresh used to have a different shaped bottle that was better - only had a small hole at the top that was way easier to dispense product from. But, this still did the trick. 


Joe Fresh Cotton Pads ~ $2.00. 

I always say that these are just good; but, once you use a really crappy cotton pad, you realize that these ones are actually really good! Really good! These ones work well for my face and nails, so they are good! 
Repurchase: Yes

Lush Rock Star Soap ~ sample (full size is $7.95 for 100g). There’s nothing hard rock or heavy metal about this soap. It’s unabashedly a sweet, best-selling hit that everyone can’t wait to get their hands on. Once you try our pink, vanilla-scented soap, you’ll be singing its praises as it softens skin while you shower. Scented with real vanilla (the stuff that comes from pods, not labs) and decorated with embedded soap stars, you’ll want to give Rock Star a regular rotation in your soap dish.

Mmm... this smells like pink bubblegum and was so yummy to use! I liked this - Lush soaps work well for me.
Repurchase: Maybe! I still have lots of soap to get through first! 

Lush Shooting Stars Soap ~ sample (full size is $6.95 for 100g). Bring the stars into your bath and shower with our stellar Christmas soap. Embedded with neon stars and infused with antioxidant-rich starfruit juice, this one's starry through and through! Get sudsy and delight in the bright, zesty perfume of bergamot, lemon and lime oils.

This is part of Lush's limited edition Christmas collection - this was pretty good. It smelled bright and fresh; but, I personally prefer the really bright, sweet scents like the Rock Star soap instead! 
Repurchase: Mmmm... probably not.

Briogeo - Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray ~ $26.00. An ultra-light, leave-in conditioning spray that brings hydration and moisture to locks without weighing them down. 

I had never repurchased a hair product until this leave-in spray and this actually made my Monthly Favorites in July! I really liked this product so much for my hair - which can be dry and frizzy, but also very fine so I need a product that was light but effective product! This works amazing and smells so good! 
Repurchase: Yes; but, I have a different one to use first! 

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo ~ sample (full size is $30.00 - $75.00). A sulfate-free formula that effectively cleanses without removing essential oils or dulling the look of hair. 

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Conditioner ~ sample (full size is $30.00 - $75.00). A dual-action conditioner that visually enhances hair volume and promotes long-term growth. 

These worked pretty good - I thought my hair looked good after using it this. This smelled good too; but, after only 2 uses it hard to tell if it will work long term or not.
Repurchase: Not right now

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo ~ sample (full size is $14.00, $39.00 or $87.00). A multitasking, hydrating shampoo infused with six feather-light oils to instantly transform dry, coarse, frizzy hair to soft, smooth, silky, and detangled. 

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Conditioner ~ sample (full size is $14.00, $42.00, or $92.00). A multitasking, hydrating conditioner infused with six feather-light oils to instantly transform dry, coarse, frizzy hair to soft, smooth, silky, and detangled. 

I wasn't a huge fan of this Shampoo and Conditioner personally - it was just okay. I felt like my thin hair was greasy the next day after using this. I just don't think this was good for my hair type.
Repurchase: No

Bath Time Store - Bath Time Bubbles ~ $6.50. Enjoy a tub full if long lasting bubbles with the gently scented bubble bath. Packed full of skin loving nutrients and glycerin the combination is perfect for those lingering soaks!

These were good bubbles - they were really gentle smelling and bubbled well! I always like the products from the Bath Time Box that I received. 
Repurchase: Maybe... 


Lush Butterball Bath Bomb ~ $4.95. It may look unassuming, but don't let that fool you: this fizzer is nothing less than a little slice of bathing heaven. Pop it into your tub and lie back among a dreamy vanilla scent and a blanket of creamy, buttery froth. Hot baths can leave your skin feeling dried out, but Butterball's generous flecks of fair trade organic cocoa butter keep every inch of your skin soft and hydrated.

This is a cute little bath bomb and it smells so good! I love the vanilla scent and I really enjoyed it! 
Repurchase: Yes 

So, for January I used up 40 products! What a good way to start the year! It helped that I had a week long trip to help me use up samples; but, I am being more conscious about actually finishing products that have been sitting around for a while so I don't have to throw products out! 

And, now here is a look at my Mask Empties/Month in Masks for January:

January 2
Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask ~ full size is $225.00 (this is a sample size). The Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask offers the skin an instant youth effect. Rich in active anti-aging ingredients (Black Rose, Padina Pavonica and Alkekengi Calyx Extracts), it immediately gets to work on signs of fatigue and leaves the skin looking youthful and energized. It brings together three actions to restore a luminous complexion and re-densified skin in just 10 to 15 minutes: smoothing and plumping action, revitalizing, and softening and hydrating. Deliciously scented with Rose, this soft, creamy mask creates a moment of relaxation and pleasure.


This mask is a leave on mask - apply this and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and wipe off any excess. This can also be used as an intensive overnight mask by leaving a generous layer on the skin overnight! This mask is so soft and soothing and smelled so good! This left my skin feeling supple and refreshed and I really liked this! 
Repurchase: Ugh, it is damn expensive, but so good! 

January 3
Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Hydrogel Mask ~ $8.00 US. This unique, anti-aging, luxury, hydro-gel mask contains an intense essence extracted from snail mucin, which is designed to re-hydrate, soften, repair, and brighten skin!

I love using hydrogel masks - they are so fun and cooling on the face. This adhered well and lasted for quite a while. It was good and made my skin hydrated; but, wasn't anything outstanding (I usually expect a lot out of products with snail in them as it is usually very hydrating!)
Repurchase: Probably not

January 6
The Face Shop Intense Nourishing Mascream Sheet ~ $5.00 CAN. First mask sheet with cream that feels like applying a whole jar of cream. The dense microfiber rich in cream adheres closely to the skin, providing soothing comfort. The intense-action Mascream revitalizes the look of tired skin with a nourishing cream containing peptides and quinoa.

I am a huge fan of these Mascream from the Face Shop! The fit of this mask is so good and this lasts for a long time. This came with extra essence in the package that I applied first and my skin was super soft and smooth after using this! 
Repurchase: Yes! 

January 8
Fresh Rose Face Mask ~ $30 for 30 ml or $75 for 100 ml. A cult-favorite hydrating and toning gel mask infused with real rose petals, soothing rosewater, and a “smart” algae that delivers optimum moisture.

I still can't believe it took me this long to try this mask - you can see my full review here on a Mask Wednesday post! This is super cooling and smoothing on the face and has real rose petals inside it! This is a rinse-off mask that doesn't dry down on the face and is easy to rinse off and left my skin looking really bright and refreshed! 
Repurchase: You need so little of this, I still have lots to use! 



January 9
Lovemore x Disney Tsum Tsum "Mickey & Minnie Firming Mask (Limited Edition)" ~ $5.00. Contains superb quality extracts and essences to moisturize, brighten, and regenerate the skin. Best for anti-aging, firming & lifting. 

This mask is so cute and I fell in love with little Tsum tsums while on vacation, so now I think it's even cuter! This did make my skin look and feel good; but, I really wanted this to be a silk mask as most Lovemore masks are! (You can see my full thoughts here!)
Repurchase: It's limited edition so not likely, I still have a few in the set to use! 

January 11
Beauty Clinic - Mediheal Dress Code "Blue" Mask ~ $3.00. Herb, Aqua care, (Anti-wrinkle function). Herb aqua solution- With this Mediheal Mask Dress Code, Experience a beauty beyond compare during intensive skin care and complete all skin care steps with mask dress's dignity. Uses a highly concentrated formulation of natural materials, helps your unbalanced skin become healthier by making it resistant to stress and restoring skin balance.

I loooove this mask from Mediheal (and most Mediheal masks to be honest!) and this one is really pretty to boot! This made my Monthly Favorites in March and you can see a past review here! This lasted a long time on my face and made my skin feel so good! 
Repurchase: Yes! 

January 15
Majn Activating & Tightening Eye Mask ~ $2.00. TCM Mask Activating & Tightening Eye Mask contains of collagen which can maintain your skin be firm and flexible by avoiding production of wrinkles and loosening of your skin. The product diffuses into cuticle layer and compensates antioxidant in order to avoid aged skin.
I got these a long time ago in a Mask Genie pouch and I just went through my masks and pulled all the oldest/expiring soonest to the forefront to be used right away - these were in that group. This had an interesting shape in that it wrapped under and over the eye lid. This adhered well and worked fine. I think I have other eye masks I think work a little better, but they weren't bad. 
Repurchase: Nah, probably not.

January 16 
The Face Shop MASK.LAB Anti-Aging Foil Face Mask ~ $4.00 CAN. The dual-structured sheet, which is covered with a layer of powerful foil, prevents the anti-aging essence from evaporating and allows it to effectively absorb into skin to make it firmer.

Isn't this mask amazing?! It looks so amazing! Plus, the best part about this is that it isn't just gimmicky - it actually works really well! You can see a full review of this mask here! This has a tons of tabs and fit really well. It is a little warming and my skin was smooth and soft and hydrated! 
Repurchase: Yes! 



January 22
Tony Moly I'm Real Red Wine Pore Care Mask Sheet ~ $5.00 CAN. Paper face mask infused with red wine extracts for a tightening effect.

This was fine - the fit was really big, especially around the nose and chin. It had lots of essence and did help my skin feel clear after. It wasn't overly moisturizing, so it isn't something I would use very often! 
Repurchase: Mmm... maybe... 

January 26
Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ~ sample size (full size is $24.00, $27.00, $79.00, and $99.00). A skincare mask designed to visibly clear the complexion. 

I just reviewed this in my empties! Full review up above!
Repurchase: Yes, would like to try this again! 


So, in addition to my 40 products, I used 10 masks this month too! Pretty good way to start my Empties I would say! 

2 comments :

  1. So many empties! I really enjoyed reading this and knowing your thoughts on all of these. I would love to try that Sisley mask but so expensive!! I also really love the It Cosmetics brow pencil. I'm actually currently using it!

    www.thinkingofmakeup.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Emily - I love going through empties, really makes you think if you like something or not!

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