Halfway to Trash Mountain: Spring Empties
Somewhere along the line, my empties started piling up and up and up. I haven't done an empties post since the end of February so this is basically two months of literal garbage. For some reason I tend to drag my feet when it comes to empties posts, I think it's because they aren't particularly enjoyable to shoot. It's hard to make trash look picturesque. Because I don't want my trash hoarding to be for naught, here's an empties post so I can finally properly trash this trash.
As always my post is split into three categories: shit I will definitely repurchase, shit I might repurchase, and shit I will not repurchase.
La-Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water
This water has become an absolute staple in my routine. I've come to a point in my skincare obsession where I am literally just buying fancy water and I'm okay with that. If you're curious about this spray you can read more about it in my January beauty favorites.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner
The OG black liquid liner. This isn't a perfect liquid liner, but it is the best one I've tried. It isn't completely matte but I don't mind that. The reason I love it is because the tip stays sharp and is easy to make a fine line. If I apply it over an eyeshadow primer, it lasts all day without smudging or budging. I've tried both the KVD ink liner and tattoo liner over the past year and both of them skip and smudge on me π
I've been dealing with dandruff ever since I was a baby. It sucks but if I maintain a proper hair care routine, I can keep it at bay. This Kiehl's exfoliator works amazingly well at removing all my gross dandruff buildup. If I wash my hair every other day and use this exfoliator once a week, my dandruff stays away. The only downside about this exfoliator is that I need to use a decent amount of it to be effective. Ultimately one tube lasts me around 2 months, and that's with me being frugal. But it works so I will continue repurchasing it!
I've tried DIY scalp exfoliators with sugar before and they were not nearly as effective. I also found myself using up so much shampoo for the scrub that it didn't seem very cost-effective either.
Tarte Frxxxtion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser
Cringe-inducing name aside, this stick is da bomb dot com. I usually am not big on physical exfoliators, but this one is gentle enough that it leaves me with soft and smooth skin without dryness or irritation. Also, the stick packaging is a plus, it means you don't have to get your hands all messy trying to spread it out.
I've tried DIY scalp exfoliators with sugar before and they were not nearly as effective. I also found myself using up so much shampoo for the scrub that it didn't seem very cost-effective either.
Tarte Frxxxtion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser
Cringe-inducing name aside, this stick is da bomb dot com. I usually am not big on physical exfoliators, but this one is gentle enough that it leaves me with soft and smooth skin without dryness or irritation. Also, the stick packaging is a plus, it means you don't have to get your hands all messy trying to spread it out.
La-Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water
This water has become an absolute staple in my routine. I've come to a point in my skincare obsession where I am literally just buying fancy water and I'm okay with that. If you're curious about this spray you can read more about it in my January beauty favorites.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner
The OG black liquid liner. This isn't a perfect liquid liner, but it is the best one I've tried. It isn't completely matte but I don't mind that. The reason I love it is because the tip stays sharp and is easy to make a fine line. If I apply it over an eyeshadow primer, it lasts all day without smudging or budging. I've tried both the KVD ink liner and tattoo liner over the past year and both of them skip and smudge on me π
This essence was my gateway drug to all things Korean beauty so it holds a sentimental spot in my heart. But putting sentiment aside, the reason it's in my definitely repurchase category is because it actually works for my skin. Not only does it provide a kick of hydration that my skin drinks up, but I feel like everything I layer afterward sinks in better to my skin.
I was tempted to pick up a new bottle during the past VIB sale but I'm going to wait until this summer to see if I can snag it at the Peach & Lily sample sale.
Naisture Tea Tree Masks
The fit and material of these masks are meh, but the reason they're on my definitely repurchase list is because the essence is amazing at killing pimples. Also unlike many other cheap masks that are sold at TJ Maxx, these are free of alcohol.
Even though they are in my definitely repurchase category I wouldn't pay more than $1/ mask for them. I've seen them online for varying prices but Naisture masks are usually $5 for a box of 5 at TJ Maxx or Marshall's.
Naisture Tea Tree Masks
The fit and material of these masks are meh, but the reason they're on my definitely repurchase list is because the essence is amazing at killing pimples. Also unlike many other cheap masks that are sold at TJ Maxx, these are free of alcohol.
Even though they are in my definitely repurchase category I wouldn't pay more than $1/ mask for them. I've seen them online for varying prices but Naisture masks are usually $5 for a box of 5 at TJ Maxx or Marshall's.
I bought this bottle of hairspray 2 years ago based on a YouTuber's recommendation and it's never let me down. The best part about it is that it provides reasonable hold without making my hair feel stiff or crunchy or overly textured. It does add some volume to my hair but nothing like a proper texturizer. I don't mind because it means I don't want super texturized, stiff roots and hair on an everyday basis.
If you saw my insta-stories this weekend then you know I managed to snag this for $11 at the Estee Lauder outlet this weekend π
Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Hand-Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer that relieves stress? Yes, please πΆ
If you saw my insta-stories this weekend then you know I managed to snag this for $11 at the Estee Lauder outlet this weekend π
Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Hand-Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer that relieves stress? Yes, please πΆ
Maybe Repurchase
Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner
Up until last week, this was in my "must repurchase" category. It's lightweight, doesn't make my hair feel greasy or crunchy, and is very hydrating. I've been using it in combination with the Bumble & bumble hairdresser's invisible oil for more than a year now, and it's helped my hair so much. I used to have very dry ends and the combo keeps my hair ends supple and mostly free of split ends.
The reason I'm shoving it into the maybe repurchase category is because I want to try a silicone-free haircare routine to see if it helps my hair. I repurchased the Phyto 9 leave-in conditioner which is also very hydrating but is free of all silicones. If I don't find any improvements with a silicone-free routine I'll probably go back to using this Ouidad leave-in conditioner as it is much more affordable $/oz.
Up until last week, this was in my "must repurchase" category. It's lightweight, doesn't make my hair feel greasy or crunchy, and is very hydrating. I've been using it in combination with the Bumble & bumble hairdresser's invisible oil for more than a year now, and it's helped my hair so much. I used to have very dry ends and the combo keeps my hair ends supple and mostly free of split ends.
The reason I'm shoving it into the maybe repurchase category is because I want to try a silicone-free haircare routine to see if it helps my hair. I repurchased the Phyto 9 leave-in conditioner which is also very hydrating but is free of all silicones. If I don't find any improvements with a silicone-free routine I'll probably go back to using this Ouidad leave-in conditioner as it is much more affordable $/oz.
I'm tired of talking about this mask at this point-- it seems like I feature it in every stinkin' empties post. I like the effects of the mask but the jar packaging sucks balls so I won't ever repurchase the full size. Instead, I take advantage of the minis that pop up in gift sets or gift with purchases.
The Balm Schwing Matte Black Liquid Liner
I'm ashamed to say that I've had this eyeliner for a few years... it didn't dry up and didn't irritate my eyes so I continued using it Β―\_(γ)_/Β―. It's relatively easy to use but still isn't as easy as using an eyeliner pen. The reason I would repurchase it is because I'm able to make reaaaalllly thin lines with it. I don't have a lot of lid space so the thinner my eyeliner, the more flattering it looks IMO. It's also quite matte.
Belif the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
At this point, I think I've gone through 2 minis and half a dozen foil samples of this moisturizer. It feels really lovely on the skin and provides a solid of moisturization. But price wise it's similar to my HG Dr. Jart Ceramidin cream which I like a bit more. I wouldn't say no to grabbing more samples or minis though.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
I honestly love the Fresh sugar lips-- they're moisturizing and provide the prettiest, sheer color. My issue isn't with them, it's with fate. I always freakin' lose them. Always. I've bought 3 full sized ones within the past 2 years and have lost them within a month or two of buying them. This mini is from a Sephora birthday gift from a few years ago...when I dug it up I continued using it despite its old age. Maybe I'll test fate one more time and repurchase another one.
Bath & Body Works White Tea & Ginger Candle
This candle was my obsession for a solid month-- I burned it almost every day. It has a really lightweight, refreshing tea scent. I do wish it had a stronger throw. It's a maybe because I have no idea if they still sell this scent at the moment, and if they do it might not even smell the same.
Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Deodorant
This deodorant works but I'm starting to resent it because I have been using it 5ever. If I apply too much it leaves that gross, white deodorant residue. Stupid old me bought a huge Costco pack of it so I have to use it up before I buy any other deodorants. But besides for my boredom with it I don't have any major issues with it.
Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream
This isn't actually empty but it's so old I'm afraid to put it on my hands. From what I remember it was very moisturizing... but apparently it didn't leave enough of a lasting impression for me to use it up. Then again I'm not the best at remembering to use hand cream period.
Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry
I loved the results I got from this foam-- it was like a lighter version of their original surf spray. It isn't as drying but still provides a nice amount of texture and beachiness. The reason it's in the maybe repurchase category is because I get nearly identical results with the Oribe apres beach shine and wave spray and surprisingly, the Oribe is actually cheaper $/oz.
The Balm Schwing Matte Black Liquid Liner
I'm ashamed to say that I've had this eyeliner for a few years... it didn't dry up and didn't irritate my eyes so I continued using it Β―\_(γ)_/Β―. It's relatively easy to use but still isn't as easy as using an eyeliner pen. The reason I would repurchase it is because I'm able to make reaaaalllly thin lines with it. I don't have a lot of lid space so the thinner my eyeliner, the more flattering it looks IMO. It's also quite matte.
Belif the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
At this point, I think I've gone through 2 minis and half a dozen foil samples of this moisturizer. It feels really lovely on the skin and provides a solid of moisturization. But price wise it's similar to my HG Dr. Jart Ceramidin cream which I like a bit more. I wouldn't say no to grabbing more samples or minis though.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
I honestly love the Fresh sugar lips-- they're moisturizing and provide the prettiest, sheer color. My issue isn't with them, it's with fate. I always freakin' lose them. Always. I've bought 3 full sized ones within the past 2 years and have lost them within a month or two of buying them. This mini is from a Sephora birthday gift from a few years ago...when I dug it up I continued using it despite its old age. Maybe I'll test fate one more time and repurchase another one.
Bath & Body Works White Tea & Ginger Candle
This candle was my obsession for a solid month-- I burned it almost every day. It has a really lightweight, refreshing tea scent. I do wish it had a stronger throw. It's a maybe because I have no idea if they still sell this scent at the moment, and if they do it might not even smell the same.
Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Deodorant
This deodorant works but I'm starting to resent it because I have been using it 5ever. If I apply too much it leaves that gross, white deodorant residue. Stupid old me bought a huge Costco pack of it so I have to use it up before I buy any other deodorants. But besides for my boredom with it I don't have any major issues with it.
Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream
This isn't actually empty but it's so old I'm afraid to put it on my hands. From what I remember it was very moisturizing... but apparently it didn't leave enough of a lasting impression for me to use it up. Then again I'm not the best at remembering to use hand cream period.
Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry
I loved the results I got from this foam-- it was like a lighter version of their original surf spray. It isn't as drying but still provides a nice amount of texture and beachiness. The reason it's in the maybe repurchase category is because I get nearly identical results with the Oribe apres beach shine and wave spray and surprisingly, the Oribe is actually cheaper $/oz.
Won't Repurchase
SK-II Treatment Essence (got for free from Influenster)
As a reader of about 34823490 blogs and instablogs, I'm totally influenced by what some of my favorite bloggers are chatting about. Recent purchases of mine that were 100% blogger driven are the Bite multisticks, Belif chamomile essence, and Glossier cloud paints. But sometimes a brand comes along that leaves a bad taste in my mouth with how they go about their marketing. And as you might have guessed, SK-II is one of those brands.
Recently they "partnered" with a bunch of bloggers at Coachella to promote this essence, and I put "partnered" in quotation marks because neither the bloggers nor brand disclosed the sponsorship. It was such a random collaboration-- music festivals and $100+ essence don't seem to go together in my mind? Especially if you're going to be pretending to apply said essence, with a cotton pad, on top of your makeup π
I didn't like the essence in the first place (it smells bad, is stupidly expensive, and does nothing for my skin), and the campaign left me even less interested in trying more from the brand.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
The first time I used this mask I was obsessed with it. It smells like pumpkin pie...and apparently, that was enough for me to love it π Sadly my following experiences with it varied too much for me to consider purchasing the full size. Sometimes it would leave my skin looking glowy, but other times it would be too harsh and left my skin feeling dry and raw. It contains both physical and chemical exfoliators so it's too abrasive for my liking.
Pixi Lash Nourish Make-Up Remover Pads
I did a first impressions post on some Pixi products I bought last year. I hated these wipes then and I still hate them now. They do next to nothing. The only use I found for them was to clean up eyeshadow fallout, but a q-tip doused in micellar water works just as well. If you're looking for wipes specifically for removing eye makeup, I recommend checking out the Leaders Labotica green tea lip & eye point removers (they're not perfect either but they work much, much, much better and actually remove waterproof mascara.)
Welcos Soothing Jeju Aloe Natural Sheet Mask
These are the worst sheet masks I have ever tried. They don't fit my face at all, the material is so stiff, and they provide almost no benefits to my skin. The only saving grace is that I paid $5 for a box of 10.
Kiehl's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
I did see some results from this shampoo but it includes SLS-- an ingredient I am trying to avoid. It's okay shampoo but not something worth $20. I get similar results from shampoos that cost half the price. It also might be discontinued? I'm not 100% sure.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
The first time I used this mask I was obsessed with it. It smells like pumpkin pie...and apparently, that was enough for me to love it π Sadly my following experiences with it varied too much for me to consider purchasing the full size. Sometimes it would leave my skin looking glowy, but other times it would be too harsh and left my skin feeling dry and raw. It contains both physical and chemical exfoliators so it's too abrasive for my liking.
Pixi Lash Nourish Make-Up Remover Pads
I did a first impressions post on some Pixi products I bought last year. I hated these wipes then and I still hate them now. They do next to nothing. The only use I found for them was to clean up eyeshadow fallout, but a q-tip doused in micellar water works just as well. If you're looking for wipes specifically for removing eye makeup, I recommend checking out the Leaders Labotica green tea lip & eye point removers (they're not perfect either but they work much, much, much better and actually remove waterproof mascara.)
Welcos Soothing Jeju Aloe Natural Sheet Mask
These are the worst sheet masks I have ever tried. They don't fit my face at all, the material is so stiff, and they provide almost no benefits to my skin. The only saving grace is that I paid $5 for a box of 10.
Kiehl's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
I did see some results from this shampoo but it includes SLS-- an ingredient I am trying to avoid. It's okay shampoo but not something worth $20. I get similar results from shampoos that cost half the price. It also might be discontinued? I'm not 100% sure.
