I was very good in September and didn’t buy anything which meant that I had to go on a spree in October. I bought some luxurious things like a Chanel Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil and some newly launched makeup like the Shiseido Kajal Ink Pencil in Rose Pagoda and Christian Louboutin Tape à l’Oiel in Daria. By the way, I am very pleased with all of this. The Chanel cleansing oil is so good. The Shiseido pencil is gorgeous. I love the Louboutin shadow formula and shade; however, the packaging is much cheaper looking in person (it’s all plastic), so I’m a little conflicted about it.
I made an Ulta order and it was a partial bust (Makeup Revolution concealer in C6.5 is too light but I love the Essence lip glosses). I’ve been able to re-purpose the ghostly white concealer as an eyeshadow base.
Then I just kept being bad. I couldn’t resist Neiman Marcus having 20% off of beauty so I ordered some Chanel (it’s never on sale!). I got a lip gloss and a bottle of No. 19 EDT. Sephora had one of their lip kits on sale for $14. And guess what? I couldn’t resist.
And then one day I was feeling worn down and tired after work (I started a new job in October so there were many of those days). I stopped by LUSH for a bath bomb and left with a massage bar that smells like Rose Jam and a shower gel that I absolutely do not need. Cinders is bright orange with a weird smell that is like cherry chewing gum with a little bit of pumpkin pie spice. It’s weird and I’m still trying to determine if I like it or not.
Finally, I ended up buying some of the H&M perfumes mainly because they are under $10 and I thought you guys would be interested in hearing about them. Stay tuned…
Anyway, I was bad. Let’s move on to the empties:
SKINCARE
This was the month I emptied cleansing products.
Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm * – My first cleanse. Full review. BTW this stuff lasts forever because you need so little.
- Purchase? I’m torn because I like it (it’s effective) but I’m also lazy and like things with a pump. (Limited sink space, yo).
Dr. Brandt Xtend Your Youth Face Cream * – I really like this because it’s in a pump and layers well with my sunscreen. It has antioxidants and some good conditioning ingredients. What I like best about it is that it leaves my skin soft without feeling like too much during warmer days. I think combo complexions would be happy with it.
- Purchase? Yes. It’s better for me in milder weather so I’ll probably wait.
SMD Cosmetics Alogel * – This is an aloe-based gel that I used to mix/dilute Vitamin C. It is refreshing, great for summer. Full review.
- Purchase? Maybe later. I need heavier stuff in my routine for the upcoming winter.
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Banana-Oat Instant Smoothing Mask – These masks aren’t great but they are cheap and have some novelty. This one is supposed to be AHA-heavy and smells like fake bananas. I didn’t notice anything from it (positive or negative) other than I felt like I was doing something for me.
- Repurchase? No.
Aveda Lip Saver – No weird flavor or smells. It’s not overly glossy or thin. Perfectly fine.
- Repurchase? Maybe.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil (travel size) – Works and has a nice texture. I was hoping it would smell like jasmine but it does not. I didn’t really notice a fragrance.
- Purchase? Probably not because it’s pricey.
MAC Cleanse Off Oil (deluxe sample) – Back in August, I said I really liked this emulsifying oil.
- Purchase? I’m still tempted.
Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX (travel size) – Totally obsessed with this. Left my skin feeling so soft and soothed.
- Purchase? Yes!
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules (deluxe sample) – I like these but I think I actually prefer the cheaper serum.
- Purchase? No.
SK-II Skin Balancing Essence (deluxe sample) – I’m mad that I liked this. I actually felt my skin looked smoother after using it.
- Purchase? Maybe. But, the price hurts.
Borghese Fango Ferma Mud Mask (travel size) – This is my favorite mud mask of theirs. It isn’t drying.
- Repurchase? I would if it is still available.
Valmont Hydra 3 Regenetic Cream (deluxe sample) – A lightweight gel-cream for dehydrated skin. I love it for layering.
- Purchase? I wish! It’s expensive.
Valmont Hydra 3 Regenetic Serum (deluxe sample) – I think I like this even more than the cream-gel.
- Purchase? I wish.
Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence (deluxe sample) – A sticky essence but it makes you look good.
- Purchase? No.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel-Creme (sample) – I love this stuff and this entire line. So great for layering.
- Purchase? I tend to keep coming back to it, so yes.
LLang Healing Energy Essence (sample x 2) – Sort of a thick, gooey essence that smells like rich ladies and leaves a glow.
- Purchase?
Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Cream (sample) – Lies. Not intensively hydrating. It’s too light for me and smells like green tea.
- Purchase? No.
Laneige Water Bank Serum (sample) – Feels good.
- Repurchase? Probably not.
SMD Cosmetics Cleansing Oil * (sample) – It was fine.
- Purchase? No.
AmorePacific The Essential Creme Fluid (sample) – Pretty sure that AmorePacific skincare is just fragrance. This was very <meh>.
- Purchase? No.
Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel (sample, not pictured) – I was amazed by how much I liked this! It’s so goth. It’s a black gel with galaxy shimmer. It feels great, has an herbal fragrance and actually left my skin looking happy. PLUS the full-size has a pump.
- Purchase? Yes but probably next spring.
The Sheet Masks:
Verso Reviving Eye Mask – I’m mad at how much I liked this because they’re expensive.
Tonymoly Changing U Magic Mask in Red Wine – Perfectly fine and basic with a light, fruity scent.
Fil-Lup Pearl Essence Mask – I have always liked these cheap masks even if they fit weird. Now I can’t find them for sale.
Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch – Discontinued which is a shame because I liked these.
Nature Republic Apple Mango – Not my favorite and I have a ton of these things.
FRAGRANCE
You’ll notice an unseasonal citrus-heavy trend for me. I am still trying to figure out what works for “workplace” fragrances. I’ve also been oddly enough craving citrus. Anyway, this is really a collection of random fragrances.
Murray & Lanman Florida Water – To be fair, I dump these into bath water but it’s technically a dirt cheap cologne so I included it here.
- Repurchase? Yes. Bottles have been around me since I can remember.
Duru Limon Spray – This is a Turkish cologne you see used in a lot of homes. This one has a spray bottle so I used it as a post-bath body spray. The scent is a zesty citrus eau de cologne.
- Repurchase? Yes. It’s one of my favorites in the summer.
Charlie Gardner Candle in Golden Amber Vanilla * – How cute is the julep packaging? It’s a modern vanilla scent that reminds me of stuff like Diptyque Eau Duelle.
- Purchase? No. It’s discontinued.
Yves Rocher Secrets d’Essence Neroli (mini) – I think this is a wonderful neroli for the money. Review.
- Repurchase? I probably will. It’s a good “work” scent.
Demeter PMU Cologne in Fig Leaf (mini) – Not a bad fig scent at all. It wears like a cologne because it is one, but if you like a budget Diptyque Philosykos, this may be worth trying. Review.
- Repurchase? No because I already have many things like this.
Samples that I’d like to purchase:
MIKMOI Itoh * – I guess it’s finally time I buy this. Review
Amouroud Miel Sauvage – Review
Samples I wouldn’t purchase:
Montale So Flowers – Review
Escada Rockin Rio – Trashy pineapple juice you’d expect from the brand but I admit that it’s fun.
DSH Perfumes Oude Arabique * – Review
Our Modern Lives Sunset-Orange-Peace * – Review
Le Jardin Retrouvé Citron Boboli * – Review
The Different Company Pure eVe * – Review
Olfactive Studio Autoportrait * – Review
April Aromatics Unter den Linden * – Gorgeous but $$$ Review
Alora Ambiance Verde Room Spray * – Review
BATH/BODY
There really isn’t a theme hear other than maybe “Euro”. Or maybe floral? Or Euro floral?
Maison Francis Kukdjian Amyris Femme Scented Body Oil – It’s a body oil with the pretty floral Amyris Femme fragrance. I truly believe you could use this as a perfume. But, I’m decadent and used it as a body oil.
- Repurchase? Maybe. I also like this in the hair perfume.
Kappus Red Poppy Soap – I love this brand of German soaps (this was a gift). This scent is delightfully powdery and rumored to smell like cocaine.
- Purchase? Whenever I see this brand, I pick up a bar!
Féret Hyalomiel L’Original Hyaline Jelly – It’s an interesting product in cute retro packaging. It’s a clear glycerin gel that smells like rosewater. Super fast absorbing but feels like it protects some.
- Repurchase? Yes. I liked it for day-time use.
Kneipp Wunschlos Glücklich (Rhubarb/Rose) Bubble Bath – Turns the bath a red-orange shade. Smells like tangy, fruity roses. (Purchased in Hungary).
- Repurchase? Maybe. I would love to get the shower gel of this scent.
& Other Stories Body Scrub in Fig Fiction – This scent is a dupe for Diptyque Philosykos. I love their scrub formula. It’s thicker and gummier so you don’t have to worry about making a mess. The sugar is the right size. The best part is that it is a emulsifying formula so you don’t need soap. It’s been one of my favorite scrub formulas. Why? Because I can scrub in a hurry.
- Repurchase? Yes. PLUS if you return the empty container you get 10% off your next beauty purchase.
Borghese Tono Body Lotion – One of my OG daily body lotions. Full review.
- Repurchase? Probably not because I think they discontinued it.
Not Soap Radio Liquid Freud Body Lotion (travel size) – Basic lotion with a smell that reminds me of cherries and coconut cream. It’s not sticky or uncomfortable.
- Purchase? No. Scent isn’t for me. Neither is Freud.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (travel size) – It’s unscented and I like that. Otherwise it’s a basic lotion that is heavy on the ‘cones.
- Purchase? No.
LUSH Creamy Candy Bubble Bar (single use but I got 3 out of it) – Why did I buy this? It smells like candy (or their Snow Fairy) and turns the bath bubblegum pink.
- Repurchase? No. Sometimes I make bad choices.
HAIR
You’ll notice a lot of dry shampoos here for a person that claims they hate dry shampoo. I cut my hair shorter and I’ve been told these help with texture/volume. Since I have accumulated so many travel sizes, I’m now going to use them and see what the fuss is about.
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo (travel size) – I love how this stuff smells (figgy amber). But, I don’t know if it works. It adds some body and that’s about it.
- Purchase? No. But, I’m so picky about dry shampoos in general.
Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 (travel size) – Really the only dry shampoo that I like. It works for me and doesn’t irritate my scalp. Smells like a powdery, sweet amber.
- Purchase? Yes.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (travel size) – This stuff is really effective and didn’t cause my scalp to go nuts BUT omfg it leaves me looking like a snow leopard. I do not recommend this to anyone with hair darker than wheat because it is very apparent and hard to blend.
- Purchase? Nope. Too much work for a product that exists out of laziness.
Klorane Anti-Age Olive Shampoo (travel size) – I love the fresh, green fragrance but the product itself didn’t do anything for me.
- Purchase? No.
Kenra Volume Finishing Spray (travel size) – This was the first Kenra product I have ever used and I liked it. It does what it says it will do. Didn’t leave my hair feeling crunchy either.
- Purchase? Maybe but I have enough hairspray right now.
John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk (travel size) – With the name, I was so excited. But, I was disappointed. The product is good (nourishing but still with volume). The scent is just rose geranium and rosemary. I wanted roses!
- Purchase? No.
It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin (travel size) – People love this brand. I admit that I like it but I also like cheaper stuff just as well. This was a good leave-in but I actually think I like the Suave better!
- Purchase? No. But, I’ll happily use it.
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Creme (travel size) – I want to love Oribe because it smells so good but overall, it’s basic. This works just fine but so do a lot of drugstore creams too.
- Purchase? No.
MAKEUP
It was a pitiful month of makeup empties.
NYX Wonder Pencil in Light – Not bad at all for the money. I liked it for around the lips but didn’t like it in the waterline (too light).
- Repurchase? No.
Hourglass Veil Primer (mini) – I think primers are a scam but I keep getting samples of them so I use them. This one is a little better because it does have SPF 15. Otherwise, I notice nothing from using it.
- Purchase? No.
Dermablend Loose Setting Powder (deluxe sample) – This is much more heavy-duty than I am used to. I don’t love the finish but it truly eliminated any transfer, which is great.
- Purchase? No. Too matte for me.
Throwout:
Make Up For Ever Excessive Lash (travel size) – I typically adore anything MUFE but this was awful for me. It didn’t do anything (actually was like not wearing mascara) EXCEPT it would flake like mad about mid-day. Just awful and why I threw it out.
Total: 65. 20 full-size. 24 travel size/deluxe samples. 20 samples.
Throwouts: 1
This sounds like a lot but most of it was samples. My full-sizes are about the same as every month.
What about you? Which products did you empty in October? 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.
In October I actually emptied out about 10 fragrance samples, which is a *lot* for me. I have a huge number of samples but for some reason I’m always holding on and using them sparingly, and I’ve been aiming to change that. Also emptied a L’oreal shampoo for color-treated hair that was fine but nothing to write home about, ran out of my favorite Rimmel lip liner (east end snob, a nice cool medium pink), and finished another bottle of Palmer’s face oil (which is really rather nice for $10 and has a pleasant scent). I didn’t *buy* any new products, which I’m proud of, because I know I’m going to buckle and end up with some holiday exclusives sometime between now and the end of November
I am trying to get better about emptying samples, especially ones that I like. Why do I sit on the things that I actually want to use? It makes no sense.
Those Rimmel liners are so good. I don’t spend much on liners because I can get good quality with drugstore stuff (the Rimmels being my favorite formula).
I’m really impressed that you didn’t buy anything. There are so many temptations! I wish I had the willpower to wait until all the sales.
I’m going to have to check out the Hyaline Jelly!
It’s an odd product but I like it for daytime use. I actually feel like it does “protect” my hands. PLUS look at that packaging!
You did a great job with empties, but wait! All that new Chanel but no red bottle of Chanel No.5/L’eau!!? I just placed my order of the L’eau this weekend .
I bought very few beauty stuffs in 2 months: a few bottles of nail polish, and a BareMinerals mini lipstick set and mascara duo with Ulta points, so I felt less guilty about the Chanel than I would’ve. I’ve finished up some uninteresting body washes/soap, threw out some old dried up mascara samples, and am trying to purge as much as possible as I plan a move to Vashon. I have 3 things in my basket for the Sephora sale, but otherwise am satisfied to work through my current stash. Woo!
Lol, right? Well, NM didn’t have those in stock yet (during their sale). I went by the boutique to buy L’Eau en rouge et the sales associate was a real dick to me so I just left. My plan was to go back when someone I liked was working. Anyway, now Nordstrom has it and I’m just going to ask for it as a gift (since I waited this long, lol). Anyway, happy you were able to pick one up!
Good for you! Stick to that goal. Vashon is such a lovely place. I think that makes this goal easier to achieve.
I need to get back to shopping my stash. I have some great things. October was just one of those months where there were too many temptations mixed with stress.
I emptied up some sample sizes of skincare and a bunch of conditioner, and tossed a few makeup items that seemed to have changed in texture. But I bought too bloody much in October. Most were repurchases of skincare and makeup staples, and I knew it was coming (I planned my Sephora haul like a month ago, lol) but yikes. Amidst my typical stuff I also finally caved and bought the full-size of some things like the Drunk Elephant glycolic serum, which (much to my chagrin) my skin just loves. I hate having finicky skin- why does it only love $$$?!?!
I think my most ridiculous (but wonderfully useful) purchase was the simple human lighted compact mirror. Did I need a freakishly expensive hand-held mirror? Yes and no… Am I happy I bought it? That actually gets an enthusiastic yes. It replaces a mirror of similar size and identical magnification (aka the deathtrap) that I use daily but probably shouldn’t. I’m a klutz and this old mirror doesn’t even have a frame anymore (because- klutz) so what am I thinking, tempting fate each and every morning by holding a sharp-edged piece of glass up to my face? Yeah I’m getting too old for that. Happy early birthday, Rachel. Stop trying to slice your nose off.
I’m really happy you mentioned that pricey mirror. I had it advertised to me about a month ago. I was super curious about it. I know it’s $$$ but I can definitely see it being a useful item. Way more safer than a piece of jagged glass, lol.
It is a fact that skin will always prefer the more expensive thing. *technically* there shouldn’t be a difference between prestige or drugstore but nope, skin will always go for the stuff that costs more than gold per ounce. My skin’s favorite Vitamin C is Skinceuticals which is just cruel.
I’ll be curious to hear about the H&M perfumes you bought. I’ve been considering a blind buy of some of them online because I really don’t feel like going in the store. I was pretty good this month and at least stuck to buying perfume in small bottles that I might actually use up.
October purchases:
NV Bombay Bling travel set, split with one other person
Womanity mini and a bunch of samples from FragranceNet
Frederic Malle Monsieur travel spray
Avon Mesmerize vintage from eBay because I’m trying to figure out if it’s the scent I associate with my grandma
A couple basic t shirts and five sweaters
October empties:
Yves Rocher Sensitive Vegetal Soothing Moisturizing Cream sample – It was fine
Malin & Goetz Facial Cleansing Oil sample – I accidentally squeezed the open packet and wasted a bunch of it, but I really liked the one use I got from it. This was my first time double cleansing (I don’t really need to since the only makeup I wear is concealer under my eyes and lipstick), but my skin felt so smooth after using this
Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream sample – I wish. Loved it but it’s SO expensive.
Peter Thomas Roth Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Moisturizer sample – It was ok. I like other PTR products better
Belief Hungarian Water Essence travel size – Meh. I’m not a fan of Belief.
Peter Thomas Roth Blue Marine Algae Intense Hydrating Mask travel size – Love this mask. Need to order more.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (now called 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator) – The best thing I’ve put on my face maybe ever. I always want to have some of this and luckily still have two travel sizes to get through. Clinique is really winning me over lately.
Andalou 1000 Roses Beautiful Day Cream – I think I’m done buying this, but it smells delightful
Strange Invisible Perfumes Moon Garden parfum sample
Ayala Moriel Autumn sample
Aramis Calligraphy sample
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady sample
L’Artisan Jour de Fete sample – might want more
Etat Libre D’Orange Jasmin et Cigarettes decant – definitely want more
Ava Luxe Ambra Tibet decant – a really good, rich amber
Chanel No. 19 EDT decant – Now all I have left of the EDT is a vintage bottle. I should probably have bought a new bottle from the NM sale like you did.
Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles decant – I definitely want more, but it’s getting harder to find in the old 50ml bottle
DW Home Rose Ganache Candle – This candle is so good. I bet you would love it.
Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel – I never get sick of Rose Jam.
I’m tempted to try that Boscia cleanser, and I’ve been thinking of buying the Laneige travel set at Sephora for a little while. That Duru Limon spray sounds pretty fun.
Not bad at all! On all fronts 🙂
Some of my thoughts:
belif – I have yet to try anything from them that I like. I think maybe it’s for a skin type that is definitely not mine. I see it raved about all of the time online but I truly don’t understand.
Clinique – They are on a roll! I love that stuff. They are also launching a new range that sounds sooo good. It is an extension? reformulation? of the Dramatically Different. I’m really curious.
DW Candle – I’m on the hunt for this now. It sounds like somehting I’d love.
Rose Jam – Ditto.
Perfume samples – You emptied a lot of things that I really like. I hate to be an enabler but a couple of those are definitely full-size (or at least travel size) worthy.
Laneige is hit or miss for me. But, when they get it right, they get it right. I like that they offer travel sizes because you can figure out if any of it works without getting stuck with a full-size you’ll never finish. That Duru is actually good for the low price. It makes for an awesome room spray or linen spray.