Can you believe summer is almost over?!
I have tried to take it easy. I bought Kérastase Chronologiste Gommage Pre-Shampoo. Is it a necessary product? Probably not but I like how it makes my scalp feel. I’m highly skeptical of scalp scrubs but I want to be as extra as I can be.
I was doing pretty darn good until I was tempted by cream shadows. I bought two of the new Colourpop Jelly Much Shadow, a water-based shadow. These are pretty but I hate the packaging. So much waste! I also think the Super Shock ones perform just as well and are cheaper and less messy. I also got MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid that I haven’t tried yet.
THEN I couldn’t resist Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow in Smartorial that was on sale at Sephora. I have been eyeing if for over year!
I apologize for this long post but here’s my empties:
SKINCARE
It seems like the theme in this category was “take it off”. I emptied a lot of removers and cleansers.
Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum – Outdoor seasonal allergies kicked my butt in August. My skin was so red and irritated. This water-y liquid, weightless serum really helped.
- Repurchase? Probably. It’s something I come back to when I need it.
La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil – This is a ridiculously expensive oil but a little does go far. I just put 1-2 drops in a lotion and then I’m dewy. For extra bougie days I put some in foundation.
- Purchase? If I were rich, I guess. But, you can find just as good for at least $250+ less.
Yves Rocher Exceptional Cleansing Oil – This is an emulsifying cleansing oil in a pump. I love it. There’s no fragrance and removes my makeup. I prefer this so much more over the more expensive Tatcha.
- Repurchase? Yes.
Avene Cleansing Foam (travel size) – Not bad for a morning cleanser in the summer. Also, I realized since I’m low pH that I really miss foams sometimes.
- Purchase?
Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (travel size) – It’s really good and doesn’t irritate.
- Purchase? Yes.
Elemis Superfood Facial Wash (travel size) – I was so surprised by how much I like this gel cleanser! It smells like green juice and patchouli. My skin should hate this but for the summer, it loved the deep cleanse.
- Purchase? I’d consider it for next year.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (travel size) – This stuff is one of my OG favorites.
- Purchase? I will eventually.
Nature Republic Ginseng Royal Silk Toner (travel size) – Fine but leaves gold sparkles on my face.
- Purchase? No.
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb (travel size) – A gel-cream with an aquatic aroma. It’s actually not terrible but probably best suited for skin that is already behaving and has no issues.
- Purchase? Nah. I have problems.
Valmont Prime Renewing Pack (deluxe sample) – My favorite wash-off mask.
- Purchase? Sadly, I would.
Valmont Moisturizing Eye-C-Gel (deluxe sample) – A gel with little reflective shimmers.
- Purchase? No.
MAC Cleanse Off Oil (deluxe sample) – An emulsifying oil with a slight citrus aroma. It does an excellent job at removing makeup.
- Purchase? I’m really tempted.
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate (deluxe sample) – I love this stuff – lightweight and layers nicely.
- Purchase? YES!
The Saem Gem Miracle Black Pearl 02 Bubble Mask (sample) – This is such a weird novelty mask. It starts as a foam and then gets bigger and bigger and tickles. It becomes a huge foam and smells sort of like a mainstream masculine cologne. Too drying.
- Purchase? Nope.
Nature Republic Snail Solution Foam Cleanser (sample) – I didn’t test the pH but I can tell it is one of those that is strong as Dawn dish liquid.
- Purchase? NO!
Sephora Exfoliating Charcoal Cleansing Cream (sample) – So <meh>.
- Purchase? No.
The sheet masks: I used a lot when it was hot
Masks I wouldn’t repurchase:
Skinfood Marine Food Gel Mask in Oyster – I bought this because how disgusting is it to have an oyster-inspired face mask with actual oyster extract in it? And also because I love oysters. This is a gel mask in 2 sections that just refuses to stick on my face. I have had this issue with all Skinfood gel masks 🙁
Hey Pinkgo Girl Black Rose Intense Hydration Mask – Decent.
Hey Pinkgo Girl Brightening White Yogurt Lifting Lace Mask – The decent novelty lace mask.
Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch – Good.
Fil-Lup Coenzyme Essence Mask – Good and cheap.
Natureby Royal Jelly Essence Mask – Another one of those cheapie ones. Does fine.
TonyMoly Changing U Magic Mask in Black Pearl – Decent.
Masks I’d purchase:
La Prairie Swiss Cellular Intensive Illuminated Mask – These work so well for me and cost a damn fortune. Luckily I have been gifted a box.
FRAGRANCE
When it comes to fragrance, you can tell I was in a white floral mood.
Votivo Candle in Bright Leaf Tobacco * – Lavender and tobacco. Review.
- Purchase? No.
DW Home Halloween Candle in Polynesian Gardenia – Mainly bought this for the packaging but you guys, it smells great. It’s a sweet, creamy manoï. This is my favorite cheap candle brand.
- Repurchase? I would if I could find the scent again.
Samples I’d consider buying or buy:
Hiram Green Moon Bloom * – Review
Tom Ford Orchid Soleil – Review
Maison Francis Kukdjian Aqua Universalis Forte – Just let me smell like rich people towels. Review.
Ramon Bejar Celestial Rose – Review
Samples I’d not buy:
Krigler Ulta Chateau Krigler * – Review
HEELEY Ophelia – Review
Nomenclature Lumen_esce – Review
Au Pays de le Fleur d’Oranger Rose Irisee – Review
Maison Martin Margiela REPLICA Lazy Sunday Morning – Review
Ramon Bejar Jasmine Maat – Review
Providence Perfume Co. Tangerine Thyme * – Review
DSH Perfumes 1,000 Lilies * – This has a lot more warm spices than I remember! Review
DSH Perfumes Secreti di Belle Donne * – Review
Lancôme Trésor in Love – This did grow on me. Review
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic – Review
Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger – Review
BATH/BODY
There’s nothing too exciting here but I did empty some bath/body products that I started in the beginning of summer.
Kneipp Stress Free Orange Blossom & Mandarin Body Wash – It’s an orange floral and something I love to smell like in the summer.
- Repurchase? Yes.
Korres Water Lily Body Butter – This has a pretty, light floral fragrance. The butter is surprisingly thick. A little goes far.
- Purchase? No. I like other scents from them better and this was a GWP.
Olay Fresh Outlast Purifying Birch Water & Lavender Body Wash – Y’all I don’t know on what planet this is even supposed to resemble a fragrance found on Earth. This is like alien lavender and moon water. Also, the “Outlast” is no joke. This lingers all day.
- Repurchase? No. It was a bad idea to begin with.
Jaloma Sweet Oil 3 – This is a Mexican oil that does it all. It’s natural and unscented but smells faintly olive-y. It’s a blend of some of my favorite oils (olive, almond and castor). I love it on my skin and scalp.
- Repurchase? Yes. I just wish it came in a pump bottle.
Panier des Sens Precious Jasmine Hand Cream – I can not get over how indolic this jasmine hand cream is! It is skanky stuff!
- Purchase? I actually want to try the hand soap now.
DM Balea Handcreme Buttermilk & Lemon – Smells like lemon sugar cookies.
- Repurchase? No. There’s no DM in the US. *sobbing*
Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Coconut Soap (not pictured) – Hands down the best coconut-scented soap on the market. Review.
- Repurchase? Yes, I have been for years.
V76 Detox Bar Soap (travel size) – A <meh> clay bar soap with an herbal aroma.
- Purchase? No.
HAIR
This is a lot of hair empties for me. I am so proud. I feel like I’ve broken a personal record.
Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel – This is my HG hair gel. It is a liquid that can be layered with absolutely no flaking. Plus, it has a lovely herbal fragrance.
- Repurchase? Yes!
Philip B. Oud Royal Thermal Spray – This does not smell like oud in the slightest. It smells like the sweet floral amber that has been popular in hair products over the past few years because of Moroccanoil. I think all thermal sprays are a scam but I use them because they do help with frizz and make me believe for a second I’m not frying my hair.
- Repurchase? Probably not.
Tigi Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream – This stuff works to de-poof hair. Smells like tart flowers. Review here. Yes, this is an old art edition that I picked up at a discount store. Still works.
- Repurchase? Yes. But, I have other stuff to use up first.
Amika Touchable Hairspray (travel size) – Has that strong sweet amber fragrance but it really is touchable. It doesn’t leave hair feeling weird or crunchy.
- Repurchase? No.
Amika Undone Texture Spray (travel size) – Actually adds texture in a good way!
- Purchase? Maybe.
Klorane Mango Butter Shampoo * (travel size) – Smells great. Feels great. My review.
- Purchase? Yes.
Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield (travel size) – I’m mad I got talked into spending $15 on this. It does absolutely nothing for my hair that cheap hairspray doesn’t already do. It also makes my hair feel sort of dirty/gross. ALSO, I hate the fragrance. It’s so strong and makes me sneeze.
- Repurchase? Nope. I actually wished I returned it and I never return anything.
Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier (travel size) – First time using this brand and really liked this product. It’s basically a detangler/leave-in conditioner. Left my hair feeling so soft.
- Purchase? I’m tempted.
Noble Isle Perry Pear Shampoo (travel size) – Basic and the fragrance isn’t even all that great.
- Purchase? No.
Rene Furterer Fioravanti Shine Enhancing Conditioner (deluxe sample) – OMG, this smells horrible. I thought this was an old sample that had turned! Nope, vinegar is the second ingredient and that is what it smells like. It leaves my hair smelling like vinegar too. Even my spouse was like “Jesus Christ, what is wrong with you? Why do you smell like this?” No shine and just a tangled mess.
- Purchase? Gah, no way.
Novex Bamboo Sprout Deep Conditioning Hair Mask (sample) – This is from a popular Brazilian brand. I was really impressed with how shiny this made my hair. But, also was surprised that it has a green, verdant fragrance that is delightfully retro (think like grass and green roses).
- Purchase? I may. It’s saved to my Amazon wishlist.
Kérastase Résistance Fiber Quality Renewal Masque (sample) – I expect miracles with a mask this expensive. It made my hair shiny and that was nice but it didn’t live up to the claims and price. Especially considering the one above was better for me.
- Purchase? Nah.
MAKEUP
I’m always so proud of myself when I empty full-size makeup!
elf Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum SPF 25 in Fair/Light – I love non-existent foundations so I adore this one. It’s sheer and dewy. It’s been all I’ve worn this summer.
- Repurchase? Yes.
Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder – Same as the No-Sebum powder that I usually use, but with more “blurring” effect. It really does make pores look less noticeable. AND it makes bumpy, textured skin look better.
- Repurchase? Yes. But, this is a summer product for me. It’s better for when my skin is more “oily” from it being humid out. Oily complexions could use this year-round.
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish – It’s a warm bronze brown with shimmer. I like it. Obviously.
- Repurchase? I’d consider it. However, I have others like this from other brands I should use up.
Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 5 (deluxe sample) – I like this, especially the shade, but I have found stuff cheaper from (e.l.f. and Essence) that I prefer.
- Purchase? No.
Throw Out (not included in total)
Black Radiance Perfect Tone Matte Lip Creme in Matte Bright – I was an idiot that left this partially unclosed until it dried out. Shade is a vivid orange with a matte finish.
Total: 68. 26 full-size. 20 travel/deluxe sizes. 22 samples.
This sounds incredibly high (and it is) but keep in mind most of this number is inflated by sheet masks and perfume samples. However, even I am surprised by how many full-sizes I managed to finish. It feels good to empty some hair and makeup products.
Usually my timing is off, but I did empty a lot of “summer” stuff in August. I do have a shower full of summer-y shower gels but otherwise, I’m all ready to transition into early fall skincare and makeup/complexion products.
What about you? Which products did you empty in August? Did you buy anything new?
Disclaimer – If there is a /*/ next to an item, it was provided by PR/the brand. All other items were purchased by me or are samples/gifts with purchase/subscription box products.
Do you have recommendations for great smelling bar soaps? I have been trying to use up my body washes and make the switch to bars because I want to get away from the plastic packaging.
I used to only use bar soaps for this reason. Then I don’t know what happened to me. In general, I’m trying to get through my backstock and then make better choices (sick of all these little travel bottles, etc). I feel so wasteful…because I am!
Don’t hate me but the best fragrant soaps are Hermes and they are so pricey. But, don’t worry there are cheaper recommendations coming! I love the Maja ones. I basically like anything sold at places like Whole Foods (like the Skin Trip and Sappo which has no packaging -they’re almond is to die for!). For drugstore, Yardley and SheaMoisture aren’t bad. Additionally, I like to shop at farmer’s markets, etc. It seems that every area has a person that makes good homemade soaps. The good news is that switching to bar soaps doesn’t mean that you are giving up luxury or delicious smells.
Oh, just remembered – Here are indie ones that I love that are available online – Soap Distillery, Villainess and Madame Scodioli! They have some complex fragrances and are all frequent repurchases for me.
I can and can’t believe summer is pretty much over. It was a weird summer in Seattle. There were some nice days early on, but it also got hot earlier than it should have. Most of the summer here was either an oppressive heat wave or oppressive smoke hovering over the city from nearby fires. I also feel like I didn’t get to wear as many summery perfumes as I would have liked.
You sure emptied a lot! I did too, but I kinda lost focus on emptying perfumes. You put me to shame with how many samples you used up. Part of my problem is that I was trying new stuff for a lot of the month, so that is what most of my nightly sample wearing was dedicated to. I tried out all in the Margiela Replica sample set and the Sylvaine Delacourte vanilla sampler. I only liked a couple from the Replica line, but I enjoyed the vanillas much more. Anyway, here’s my empty list:
Dermal Grape Collagen Essence Sheet Mask – Basic mask
Leaders Coconut Gel Mask with Broccoli – I love the coconut gel but hate the thick, heavy mask. I have to cut the piece above my lips, otherwise it goes in my mouth.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask travel size – Good stuff that takes turns either full-on making my skin burn or mildly make my skin burn. It seems to work though, and I like that I can still smell the pumpkin hours after I’ve used it.
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser – It worked fine as a cleanser, but the smell was so clean that it verged on musty. That doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but I swear, it was the strangest thing.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 deluxe sample – It was ok, but I prefer no tint.
Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 deluxe sample – This stuff smelled so strong and the cream was so thick. Not a summer SPF at all, and I’d never buy it because of the smell.
Belief Moisturizing Eye Bomb travel size – It was fine. Just a basic eye cream. I don’t know that eye creams do that much for my appearance, but I like using them.
Aquaphor Lip Repair – Loved this stuff. Will buy again.
Fresh Acqua di Miele sample – This was faint smelling at first but developed into a subtle honey. Working on using discontinued perfume samples before they evaporate or go bad.
Jo Malone Fleurs de la Foret decant – This had evaporated a lot because of the type of bottle it was in, but it smelled really nice and I wish it wasn’t impossible to find. Moss and flowers and woods.
JAR Bolt of Lightning sample – One of the most expensive perfume samples I have, and it smelled funky and expensive.
Acqua di Parma Ginepro di Sardegna sample – Really liked this. Wish I could buy a coffret of my faves in the line.
Dame Perfumery Lime, Gardenia & Benzoin decant – Enjoyable gardenia, reminded me of Marc Jacobs.
Love’s Baby Soft bottle (used as room spray) – This was fun to use as a room spray. I didn’t want to wear it on my skin, but I did like smelling it.
Ninety Six by DW Home Lemon Leaf candle – This was nice, but I don’t think I’d buy it again.
DW Home Wild Violet candle – It smelled like a powdery heliotrope violet. I liked it a lot. Wish it had a little better throw.
Shugar Soapworks Oatmeal & Coconut Soap – Surprisingly this was a pretty good soap.
LAFCO Honeysuckle & Bergamot Revitalizing Liquid Wash -It was in too large of a size, and I went through phases of really enjoying it and being tired of it.
Kneipp Almond Blossom Body Wash travel size – Kind of a strange smell, not what I was expecting. It was fine.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment – I already bought another. It’s cheap and good.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo deluxe sample – Still thinking of buying more one day.
I’d like to try that Mountain Trip Coconut soap. I have the lotion and love the smell. And that Kneipp body wash will be part of my next purchase from them. You also got me curious about the Panier de Sens jasmine hand cream. I love skanky indolic jasmines!
I also want to search for that DW home gardenia candle. It sounds great. And I’m echoing your praise of the Clinique moisture concentrate. I’m so glad I was gifted that and their Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (that is called something else on their site now). I wouldn’t have tried these on my own, and I think they’re both staple products for me now.
You emptied a lot! I put together a little jar of perfumes with about 1-4 sprays left in them. At night, I’ve been wearing them. And most were florals so they really fit my mood.
Thoughts on your empties:
– I have got to get my hands on that DW violet candle. That sounds so good. I am usually really happy with their stuff. I sort of want to go to a Home Goods now because I know they’ll have the Halloween ones out and the vessels are usually pretty cool. Like I had the Gardenia out all year.
– A lot of the coconut fiber masks feel good but they give me a panic attack. You get that over your mouth or nostril and feel like you are going to die (OK, maybe that is just me).
– JAR if for some reason I came across tons of money, I’d buy myself a few of them and then do a huge giveaway on the blog. I love how “indie” and punk but pretty they are. But, geez, the prices!
– That jasmine hand cream is surprisingly funky. I did not expect that! They have a hand wash too and I wonder if it smells the same.
– Garnier – thanks for putting this on my radar.
– Clinique – a friend gave me some from orders/GWPs so I won’t be ordering it just yet but I do plan on it. It fits in with my routine with no problems. I have found that I like lots of thin, light layers.
– Delacourte – Should I cave in and order samples? Everyone is talking about them and they sound interesting.
For Sept, I will probably have a lot less empties. I’m still trying to focus on perfume samples/decants because of evaporation issues. I’ve noticed a few have really evaporated. It’s also the middle of the month and I have not bought anything yet 🙂
Oh, man! But “alien lavender and moon water” actually does sounds kinda intriguing!
…also I am keenly interested in that Darphin product. My skin is always just so red and irritated and nothing seems to help much past a certain point…
It is so weird. The most synthetic but like, obviously synthetic scent ever. I just wish the bottle was smaller because I got sick of it (I get sick of anything in that size bottle). But, anyway, it’s so weird even though I think they aren’t going for that!
Reading the ingredients the Darphin line should be utter natural-ish garbage. But, my skin likes it. For some reason, I don’t know why. Usually my skin hates stuff with essential oils, etc. The serum is super liquid-y but I like that. You don’t feel it and can layer whatever on top. The rest of that range is good. I like that the cream comes in a tube. I actually hate that I like the line as much as I do.
Thanks for the reminder about the goodness of the Mountain Ocean coconut soap!My husband worked in the Marshall Islands years and years ago and brought home a suitcase full of the most wonderful coconut soap. As it was running out, I did an exhaustive search for something suitably similar and Mountain Ocean was the winner, but I’ve forgotten about it over the years. Just placed an Amazon order for a case of it – should be nice for the long winter ahead.
Isn’t it amazing? I haven’t used it in a few years (used to be in the shower all the time). I’m also going to love it even more knowing that it smells like Micronesia. I absolutely agree. This is one of those scents I want in the winter (“take me away!”). The lotion is really nice too, especially for dry, wintry skin.