Well, September is over. It was a busy month for me filled with getting back into the school groove and a trip to Mexico.
I was really bad and bought a ton of Korean skincare this month (image at the end of post). This was my reaction to stress. I also ran out of some of Garden of Wisdom products and made an order. Their website is confusing but the products that I’ve bought have been great (cleansers, serums and hyrdosols).
I was feeling like buying new color cosmetics despite saying that I was quitting that because I own so much already. Well, I’m a weakling. I bought Juvia’s Place Nubian 2 Eyeshadow Palette and have no regrets. The colors and quality are excellent. Shipping was insanely fast. I also can’t resist the little Bite Beauty lip kits so I bought this “The Perfect Bite Set” and “The Perfect Pair” in Quince/Tannin. Actually as long as it takes me to use up lip products, these mini sizes are perfect.
I traveled to Mexico and of course, I bought makeup and perfumes there. I’m really behind on everything right now but I’ll have a “haul post” up sometime soon-ish.
Here’s my empties from September:
SKINCARE
It was a month with traveling and a season change that resulted in product switches. I didn’t really empty too much in general, including skincare.
Nip + Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Plumping Mask – So, I think this brand is Rodial but way cheaper. And like Rodial, this brand’s gimmick is irritation. Like you irritate the skin and it looks temporarily plump. It does temporarily plump my skin but it also irritates it. And it smells so strong.
- Repurchase? No.
Garden of Wisdom Honeysuckle Hydrosol – I’m on a hydrosol kick right now. Honeysuckle is supposed to be good for the skin (anti-irritation, antioxidants). I thought it would smell amazing but I was disappointed. It smells like weeds or something. But, I did like what it did for my skin and I shouldn’t be buying skincare because of its smell.
- Repurchase? I’m going to try some others because in comparison, this one is rather expensive for its size. However, it was really great.
Olay Daily Clean 4-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths – These things are so convenient for travel. No mess and they actually take off eye makeup and long-wearing lipsticks.
- Repurchase? Yes but usually for travel only. They are too drying and too wasteful for daily use.
Femme Couture Get Removed Gel Mascara Remover – This is one of those products where I have no clue where it came from. I don’t remember buying it. At first, I hated this formula. It’s a gel and smells so strongly of cucumbers. After using for a month, I finally got the hang of it and it does remove eye makeup thoroughly.
- Repurchase? No. The scent is way too strong.
OMI Menturm Shea Lip Balm in Rose – This is a Japanese lip balm that has a faint rose flavor/aroma.
- Repurchase? Yes. I really like it but it’s not easy to find in US.
Leaders Coconut Gel Mask with Blueberry – I’m in love with these Leaders coconut masks. This left my skin so soft.
- Repurchase? YES!
TonyMoly Pureness 100 Pearl Sheet Mask – I love anything brightening and this is one of my favorites from the brand.
- Repurchase? Yes.
TonyMoly Pureness 100 Caviar Sheet Mask – Because of luxury or something. It’s like the Pearl one but not as good IMO.
- Repurchase? Maybe. Maybe not.
Garden of Wisdom Grape Antioxidant Serum (deluxe sample, not pictured) – I can’t tell you enough how much I love this product. It’s weightless but all those antioxidants make me feel like I’m the girl in the bubble, which I want in NYC. I think of this like a cheaper, better Prevage. It layers like a dream under sunscreens too.
- Repurchase? I already bought the full-size!
JK7 Foaming Face Wash with Patchouli & Ylang-Ylang (store-made sample x2) – So I had a facial done with these expensive products. This face wash smells absolutely amazing – patchouil, lemony rose and heady ylang-ylang. But, I shouldn’t buy face wash because it smells good or because it’s $300+.
- Purchase? Umm, no.
Too Cool for School Rules Pore Minimizing Serum (sample x2) – It feels like a makeup primer and performs like one. Pore size isn’t one of my concerns so I can’t really comment on this other than it is a decent makeup primer.
- Purchase? I don’t need it.
Sunday Riley Cashmere 30+ (sample) – I’ve always liked this natural sunscreen but it’s so gosh darn expensive.
- Purchase? No.
FRAGRANCE
I traveled with a few samples of white florals but it felt really autumn-y here. I’m craving spicy scents again.
Naomi Goodsir Cuir Velours EDP (friend-made sample) – This boozy suede smells so good. Full review.
- Purchase? I wish I could buy everything that I like. I really, really like this but I can’t tell you why I haven’t bought it. I have no clue why I haven’t other than I can’t buy everything that I like.
DSH Perfumes Megaleion EDP (sample) – It was time to bust out some spicy perfumes.And this is spicy and balsamic. Full review.
- Purchase? No.
Green Tree Californian White Sage Incense (sample, 2 sticks) – Out of this brand, this has been my favorite that I’ve tried. It smells really strongly of white sage and musk.
- Purchase? Maybe.
BATH/BODY
Currently, my shower is filled with too many shower gel bottles that are basically full. I did use a few bar soaps because they’re so convenient for travel.
Madame Scodioli Smoke & Mirrors Soap – I’m not usually one that likes “fresh” scents but this one works for me because of the patchouli. It’s cool, green and herbaceous with a perfect woodsy base. It’s really great for those that like more traditional masculine scents.
- Repurchase? Probably.
Aunt Nancy’s Carrot & Goat Milk Soap – This came in a Boxwalla. Sometimes a fragrance-free soap is exactly what I’m craving especially with a formula smooth like this one.
- Purchase? Probably not but I liked it.
Rite Aid Renewal Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 – It’s a Neutrogena dupe. Whatever. I needed sunscreen then and there. It did its job despite being so non-luxurious.
- Repurchase? No.
MoroccanOil Body Souffle Body Butter in Originale (travel size) – I had high hopes for this but it let me down. The formula is extremely runny and doesn’t smell as good as the hair products. Totally not worth the price IMO.
- Repurchase? No.
HAIR
Look at this. I used up hair products. This is a rarity.
Shea Moisture Peace Rose Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo – I love this formula. I love the aroma.
- Repurchase? Yes.
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream (deluxe sample) – In general, my hair doesn’t respond well to these lightweight lotion things. It smells great but did nothing for my hair. I had to use a ton to control my frizz. I’m guessing it works best for fine hair?
- Purchase? No.
FAR Botanicals Verde Oil in Temple Hymn (deluxe sample) – Now my hair loves oils like this. This smells amazing too. Full review.
- Purchase? Yes and these little bottles last forever.
MAKEUP
I actually didn’t wear much makeup in September other than lipstick and mascara. So, less empties.
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 (travel size) – I absolutely hate this product. It’s drying and leaves a sticky film on the skin. It’s a great idea but an awful execution.
- Purchase? Hell no.
By Terry Terrybly Mascara in Black – This is a rather basic, natural-looking mascara. It’s good for daily wear. Maybe it’s the marketing but I do feel that my lashes looked fuller with this, even when washed off. It is a very nourishing/moisturizing formula.
- Purchase? No. I’m so cheap when it comes to mascara (this retails for like $50 a tube!)
Total: 25. 12 full-size. 5 travel/deluxe samples. 8 samples
September was a lame month of empties for me. It was like a collection of the most random crap and most of it stuff that I didn’t like or was neutral on. Life is too short to use products I don’t love so I don’t know why I keep using products I don’t love.
What about you? Which products did you empty in September? Did you buy anything new?
*Target, Nordstrom, Memebox, Birchbox, Beatnik Emptiness, Amazon and B-Glowing contain affiliate links. Thanks!
I had no idea Chocopie Hand Cream existed! It’s adorable. I’m such a sucker for products like that. I’m looking foreword to your review of it!
I KNOW! It’s so cute and I’m such a sucker for stuff like that. It’s smells like a whoopie pie.
I wish I could remember who said this but I was watching a Youtube video and she was discussing her favorite Korean skincare. She called an adorable product like that “skintertainment” and that’s the perfect word for it!
I really want to try the Shea Moisture rose shampoo! I’m just stuck working my way through a bottle of Garnier Whole Blends coconut shampoo first. Which, don’t get me wrong, I’m actually pretty surprised by the Whole Blends line, but I smelled the rose shampoo at the store the other day and it was gorgeous.
I haven’t commented in forever because I moved to Boston last month! I now live on the east coast for the first time ever, and have been adjusting. I’m trying to figure out the perfume shopping scene here. As far as fall spicy scents go, I bought Cimabue this summer and have been waiting to wear it. Any day now it will be perfect!
Thanks for your awesome posts, and I really look forward to hearing more about your Mexico trip and haul! My fiancé is from Mexico, and we’ve been a few times, so I need to know what to see/buy next time! 🙂
My hair loves Shea Moisture products. So, when I saw there was a rose one, I had to try it! Speaking of Whole Blends, it’s a good line especially for the price. I bought a duo when I was in Nashville and was surprised by the quality.
OMG! Awesome! I hope this move went smoothly and wasn’t too stressful. It does take some adjustment but I think you’ll enjoy it. I’m not up on the perfume shopping in Boston. All I know is that there is a Barneys!
Pulling out my Cimabue as well 🙂
Oh, I’ll get it up and hope that you see it. I was surprised by how many great products I found. I can’t wait to go back!
I also want to try the Shea Moisture rose shampoo. I have only used their lotion in frankincense and myrrh and love that scent.
Here’s my empty list from September:
Manuel Canovas Opus Incertum candle
Tonymoly Pureness 100 Propolis Mask Sheet Skin Soothing
Prada L’eau Ambree decant
The Different Company Osmanthus decant
Chanel Cristalle EDT decant
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Fruit Enzyme Cleanser
The Face Shop Protect Me Hand Cream Lesser Panda in Avocado
Olfactive Studio Chambre Noir decant
Neutrogena Hand Cream
Lincoln Candle Blooming Lilac
I felt like I barely used up anything, but I do always feel good when I use up decants. I also bought bottles of TDC Osmanthus and Chanel Cristalle. Also, the MyChelle fruit enzyme cleanser is a pass. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t do anything for me and I got tired of it.
Also, please indulge me in my August empty list. I was busy in early Sept and forgot to post. And I emptied a lot!
Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion decant
Pilgrim Candle in Lilac
Badger Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm
Le Labo Rose 31 Shampoo and Conditioner (hotel size)
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Organic Shaving Gel
Yon-ka Age Correction Elastine Jour smoothing wrinkle remover deluxe sample (didn’t see a difference and didn’t like the smell, though to be fair, I don’t have many wrinkles)
Bliss Lemon and Sage Body Butter deluxe sample
Big Dipper Waxworks travel tin candle in Rapture (patchouli & cassis)
Root Candles Oakmoss votive
Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy
Lush Beautiful shower gel (maybe my most “meh” Lush product yet)
Mountain Goat Soap Company Sasquatch Sweat soap
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub deluxe sample
Lush Orange Blossom decant
House of Matriarch Devotion and Gateways samples
L’Artisan Premier Figuer decant
Innisfree Bamboo It’s Real Squeeze Mask
Mancera Roses Vanilla decant (loved this)
Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile EDP decant
I love their Frankincense scent too. That entire collection is good.
Look at you! You emptied a lot these past few months! And congrats on the additions of TDC Osmanthus and Cristalle. Those are two perfumes that I love.
I feel so awesome when I empty any perfume that is larger than a vial. As you can see, I’m soooo slow with emptying samples. I get them all to a point of one more wear left and well, just sit on them or something. I’d feel like a champ if I emptied as many decants as you have. I really need to use up all the “almost gone” stuff in my life.
Mancera Roses Vanilla – OK, so this sounds like something that I need to buy a sample of ASAP. This sounds so “me”.
Oh, and I’m 100% with you on LUSH Beautiful. It’s so meh. I had such high hopes but yeah, Meh with a capital M.
Yes, you must try the Mancera. It may be my perfect rose vanilla scent. I also like Neil Morris’s version, so maybe I should wear that again before pulling the trigger on a bottle purchase.
That is basically what I had been doing for years with my decants and samples, but my collection size is giving me anxiety so I have allowed myself to finish things. So this has been a concerted effort! Really more of a mission.
I’m hoping Lush will put out a new and enticing shower gel for the holidays. Are there any shower gels in their current lineup that you can recommend? I’m always looking for an excuse to buy more shower gel. Right now I’m working on, but also hoarding, a bottle of Flying Fox that I bought off Ebay. Soon, I’ll set it aside for a while and switch to Rose Jam again, which I never tire of. I should go back to their store and sniff some gels, but that place is overwhelming. It’s the reason I rushed into buying Beautiful. Bad impulse decision, and now I can’t remember how I liked the others.
I’m trying to see if there is somewhere I can try it locally or if I should just order a sample from Luckyscent.
This is now my mission as well. I have got to thin through my collection and actually enjoy the things that I have.
OK, so currently Don’t Rain on My Parade is in my shower and I’m so sick of it. It’s like a violet/vetiver that smells like a mashup of a Lush store. I have a back-up of Rose Jam that I have in a cabinet because I got sick of it too (I’ve been switching between the two). I sort of want Lord of Misrule because it’s a spicy patchouli but I think I only need a small bottle. The rest are either too candy or too citrus for my liking. I’m still bitter about Flying Fox. Their current lineup is really lacking with the big, bold florals.
You mentioned a fave of mine, Olay Daily Clean 4-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths, which I’ve been purchasing since they came on the market. Victoria, may I suggest cutting them in half or even quarters to get more use out of them? That’s what I do. When I purchase a box, the first thing I do is cut them to prepare for use. A half size or even a quarter size sheet is sufficient to get clean. They aren’t shelved high anymore which scares me. I hope they won’t be discontinued. I usually find them on the bottom shelf, and not in a high quantity. When I catch them on sale, I stock up. They are wonderful for my combo/oily skin. If you are on the drier side, I could see that being a con for repurchase.
I’m having one of those total “duh” moments because that’s such a good idea! Those things are oversized and even though that’s luxurious, it sure feels wasteful. I feel silly now using up an entire box when I could have had those last at least another month if I had cut them :S But, now I know! I like them in the humidity. I had no break outs in Mexico, Florida or when I went to Chicago in the middle of the summer. These things are great for removing makeup and oil. They are something I will travel again with in the future (if I’m traveling to more humid places).
My box was on the bottom shelf too and looked like someone had stomped it (but I had a coupon!) And in all fairness I thought nothing of it because where I live in New Jersey, everything looks like it has been stomped by someone. I’ve never seen a place not equipped to deal with its density. I go to a drugstore and they are literally sold out of all gel deodorants as if a huge tax on gel deodorants is coming along or something.
[…] has changed and so has my skincare. I’ve started using new stuff (as you can see from my September haul). It’s also boring for Empties because I’m trying to use up things that need to be used […]