Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 25

Alright, time for another set of empties. I have not been wearing a lot of makeup these days but I am glad that I am still being able to finish up products.

I typically talk about empty products one by one but I am lazy this time around plus most of the items from this bunch are my regular go-to products. So no point in talking about them separately.

Out of all these items, I absolutely loved @pravana Hair Oil and @hairfood Repair Shampoo. I want especially repurchase the Hair Oil and @hairfood Repair Shampoo but I have not really figured out where to buy them from yet! I loved the @playa California Salt Shampoo as well. @freshbeauty Sugar Lemon Body Lotion was absolutely lovely but also expensive so I don't plan to repurchase it right away! May be some day! The @olehenriksen products are my go to especially in summer!

That's all for today,

Love

~Arrru

Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 24

 Alright, another set of empties:

FRESH BEAUTY Rose Face Mask: This is my holy grain hydrating mask. I already have a back-up.

HERBIVORE Blue Tansy Mask: Another holy grain mask for clearing up my skin. I love it and use it 3-4 times a month. Already got an back-up.

HERBIVORE Prism Exfoliating Glow Serum: An AHA serum that I was looking forward to use it but I did not really like it that much. Will not repurchase. 

STRIVECTIN Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum: I got this in in an Influenster Vox Box and I definitely liked it. It is a bit strong so first few days/weeks I saw some purging but overall it was starting to clear up my skin - however it is too pricey and if I use this I cannot use my AHA mask without proper scheduling and I don't enjoy that. Also it is expensive. So I will not repurchase.

BOTA 37 MG CBD Calming and Distressing Nightly Face Cream: My first skincare item with CBD, and surprise, I didn't see or notice anything new or different than normal face cream. Will not repurchase.

SK-II Moisturizing Cream: Samples that I thoroughly enjoyed but it is too expensive so I would not repurchase.

KIELS Ultra Facial Cream: It was a sample and I love using these. But I am not going to repurchase in full size.

ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair: Another product that I don't repurchase but I like to use it if I get it as a sample.

BELIEF the True Cream Aqua Bomb: Another sample that I love, I do not need to buy new moisturizers but I can see myself repurchasing it at some point.

TOCCA Hand Cream - Simone: I love these. But I don't need any new hand cream right now :-)

BORO PLUS Antiseptic Cream: It is a holy grail multi-purpose cream for me. Comes all the way from India.

RITUAL Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel: I do not enjoy foaming shower gels all that much but this scent was very enjoyable. I will not repurchase.

CAUDALIE Make-up Removing Cleansing Gel: Did the job. Will not repurchase,  

SMASHBOX Primer Water: It was one of my must-have makeup items especially for my dry skin in winter. I apply it before applying foundation and helps me keep my skin hydrated and fight with the dry skin. I have a travel size right now but I will definitely repurchase for the next winter.

MAK UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation in Y415: My holy-grail foundation. I love the medium coverage. I love the long staying power and I love the subtle dewiness it provides me. And I love the shade on me! All in all a perfect match for my dry skin and my mind that doesn't like to wear full coverage product. I have a few other foundations that I am trying to use up but I am definitely missing this foundation. Someday I will repurchase, that is for sure.

CLINIQUE Coconut Pop Lip Gloss: I liked it and I almost used it as a lip balm during winter. But I do not believe in repurchasing a lip-gloss, life is too short for that.

LAURA MERCIER Tulip Lip Gloss: This is half empty. It has been in my take-to-work bag for 3-4 years now - time to throw it out. I definitely enjoyed it for the time I used it.

BENEFIT the Porefessional: These pore filling primers work for me so if I get a sample I use it :-) 

BURBARRY Perfume: Loved it, used it up and now would not think about it again.

Define Me Fragrance in Clara, Audrey, Harper, Sofia Isabel: I liked Sofia Isabel, and Clara. Audrey is too strong and Harper is too sweet. They also do not last very long on my skin-tone. I will not repurchase.

That's all for today!

Love,

~Aru

Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 23

This year, I am trying to post my empties every two months. Otherwise, the products accumulates and it just gets to a stage which feels like too much to handle. I will try my best to stick to this schedule :-)

DRUNK ELEPHANT C-Firma Day Serum: This was ok. It sank in quickly and it was nourishing. I am not too sure if it helped with brightening. But I have used other Vit-C serums that I like better and which costs less. I will probably buy it in a value set but I don't think I will repurchase in a full-size. 

FRESH Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream: This is my go-to moisturizer. I always have a back-up of this. It is such a good moisturizer. It gets absorbed into my skin real quick but it gives my dry skin plenty of hydration! I love it.

DRUNK ELEPHANT B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: To be honest, this felts more like a gel moisturizer than a serum. I did like it - mostly I mixed it with the Marula Oil and it was perfect. But I still feel like it is too expensive for what it is!

PHILOSOPHY Amazing Grace Whipped Body Creme: Another long time favorite. I get this in value sets so I can definitely see this reappearing in my empties. 

FRESH Soy Face Cleanser: This is my second tube of this cleanser. It is very gentle cleanser and does a good job of cleaning without stripping off your face. I can see myself repurchasing it in the future.

SOAP & GLORY The Righteous Body Butter: I like this body butter and I will definitely repurchase at some point. 

BELIF The True Cream - Aqua Bomb: It is a hydrating moisturizer and I do really enjoy it. I want to try their Moisturizing Bomb next, it seems to be more intensely hydrating. 

BELIF Hungarian Water Essence: I liked it but did not see much difference between the Aqua bomb and the essence. I will use it if I can this is some value set. 

HERBIVORE Lapis Facial Oil and Phoenix Facial Oil: I mean, these are expensive facial oils. I used it, liked it but not enough to repurchase full size.

SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate: Naah, I do not like this that much but I do use any sample size whenever I am able to snap one. I hated how the product looks though; white and slimy. And it takes a bit of time to sink in! Will not repurchase.

ELEMIS Superfood Day Cream: It was a decent face cream however it had such a strong herbal scent, I did not enjoy the scent that much. Wil not repurchase.

ELEMIS Firangipani Monoi Body Oil: I absolutely adored this body oil. It is very moisturizing and I will definitely repurchase it. It is very expensive though so may be next winter I will buy another bottle. But I did ENJOY this oil VERY, VERY MUCH!

AMIKA Soulfood Nourishing Mask: It was a good mask, I am currently using a full-size tube.

LIVING PROOF night cap overnight perfector: I honestly do not know how to feel about this product!  

MARC JACOBS Daisy Body Cream: I had it, used it up, nothing more to it :-)

L'occitane Hand Cream: I do enjoy these hand creams and I will repurchase once I can finish all the other ones I have. 

FRESH Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Balm: I do not like these lip balms from Fresh, they are very emollient. I sometimes get them in those value sets, then I just use them up.

ELF Lip Exfoliator: I used it and loved it for  a while but then it expired. I don't think I will repurchase.

HUM Beauty zzZz: I got this in value set from Birchbox, I am not sure if they helped or not. Some days it felt like it helped but other days I was not too sure! I don't see myself repurchasing.  

PACIFICA Lotion Wipes: I had a set quite some time ago, and I am just trying to use it all up! I don't really like these!

SATURDAY SKIN Cotton Cloud Probiotic Power Mask and TONYMOLY I'm Green Tea Mask: Liked the Saturday Skin but not enough to repurchase. TONYMOLY was just fine.

SHEA MOISTURE Coconut & Hibiscus Foaming Milk & Body Wash: I absolutely detested this body wash. I hated it. But I still finished it up. It says "foaming" but it does not lather up. and it had a weird sweet smell which I just could not enjoy. plus it does not even work well.

That's all for today.

Love,

~Aru

EMPTIES VOL. 20 ::: THE TALE OF RESURFACED EMPTIES:

So, I was cleaning my room the other day and I found a box neatly packed and tucked away in one of my shelves! I looked high and low in both my blog and here, I did not put these in any of my blogposts. I think these empties were from late 2018 or very early 2019. LOL! My life was in shambles around that time and I stopped wearing makeup! I actually took a break from IG that lasted more than a year! So, I think these empties are from that era. It has a lot of my favorite products and they are almost all full-size, so I thought I will go ahead and give myself the credit I deserve. 

MAC Prep+Prime Fix+: This is a classic makeup spray and it is still the one I love the most. It removes any kind of powdery-ness that may come from applying too many products. And it adds a very healthy but not overdone dewy-look. I have 1 full size that I using and may be 2 travel size backups, but after that I am going to be torn because I am not sure if I would want to repurchase; MAC is not cruelty-free.

MAC Paint Pot in Layin' Low: This was my MOST favorite eye primer! It performed so well for me. I have dry skin but occasionally my eyelids can get oily. It really works for me but again, MAC is not cruelty free! Plus, I have been using Smashbox Primer for the whole of this year and it actually is working for me. So, I will not repurchase this till MAC becomes cruelty free! Lol, if & when that happens?

LORAC TANtalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo: I did not care for the highlighter but I loved the bronzer. It was deep enough for me, the formula was quite easy to work with. But I do have other bronzers that I love more so no need to repurchase.

REVLON Colorstay Foundation in 320 True Beige: This is the first foundation I bought in USA. I think this was my second bottle? I am not sure. I care very less about foundation and concealer but this served well - especially for a beginner. I will not repurchase.

PALLADIO Herbal Primer: There was a time I loved silicon primers. I have fond memories of this product but I did not repurchase.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation: This is my current go-to foundation (actually my only foundation). So I keep collecting and using up these tiny samples which are/were good for travelling.

URBAN DECAY Primer Potion: Do you remember this old packaging? I do not remember anything about finishing this or how I felt about it. But I do have a free sample right now that I somehow accumulated.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Hydrating Primer: I had it and used it up. Didn't dislike it but it was not the best either.

BARE MINERALS Lip Gloss in Party Starter: I absolutely love the pretty coral color of this gloss, but I am not a big lip gloss person. It is a miracle that I finished this.

STILA Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso: This is my absolute favorite (red) lipstick, I have already purchased the full size which I think is almost half gone now. 

ULTA Juice Infused Lip Oil: I really liked this - it wasn't a sticky formula like a lipgloss. I started using this more as a makeup but I eventually ended up using this as a lip-care product. 

MASCARAS (MAKE UP FOR EVER Smokey Extravagant Mascara & Excessive Lash, TOO FACED Better Than Sex, Lancome Hypnotize, MARC JACOBS Mascara): I guess I did not like any of this, cause I did not repurchase any of this.

KATE SPADE LIVE COLOR FULLY eau de perfume: This is my fav perfume. It has dominant floral notes! I absolutely love the smell and it lasts a very long time on me. Also, the name of this fragrance kind of speaks to my color loving soul. And yes, I have already repurchased this. 

DEBORAH LIPPMANN Mermaid's Dream: This was my favorite shade of nail polish! It had so many pretty blue teal glitters in a seafoam blue base. It was very unique to my collection. I could see myself repurchasing this someday! But right now I do not want to! 

Love,

Arrru

Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 19

Time for a giant empties post! 

I hope I learn my lesson soon and do these empties at a quicker intervals otherwise there is just way too many empties and it gets harder to record my thoughts. These empties are from the last 2-3 months! I also discovered quite a few of them hidden in nooks and crannies of my house. I am also trying to finish all the sample/travel size products. Now that we are not really travelling, I wanted to finish these up before they go bad.

NEUTROGENA Body Oil Light Sesame Formula: Nothing much to say about this. It is my go-to body oil, I especially need it during winter. I have gone through many, many bottles of these and I will continue to repurchase.

AVEENO Creamy Moisturizing Oil: This is called an oil but I feel this was just some normal body lotions. I liked it; did what it meant to do but I would not repurchase.

KATE SPADES Live Color Fully Body Lotion: Body lotion that I got with a value/gift set. I had it and I used it up. That's about it! 

HERBIVORE Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish: It was nice enough. But I felt like it was expensive; I could get similar experience from less expensive alternatives. I would not repurchase, at least not at full price.

TREE HUT Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion: I typically get it as a part of a value set. I love Tree Hut products and I definitely  see myself repurchasing this, in a value set.

TOCCA Giulietta Nourishing Body Scrub: I got it in a set and finished it. That's it :-) 

L'OCCITANE Shower Oil: Among all the bath products, this is definitely my most favorite. I already have a full size as backup.

L'OCCITANE Milk Concentrate & Ultra Rich Body Lotion: Some travel size that I finished. I will definitely repurchase this in a value set.

PHILOSOPHY Amazing Grace Body Emulsion: Travel size that I finished. I actually do like Philosophy body products. And I like to save them for when I am travelling - which isnt gonna happen anytime soon.

ORIGINS Ginzing Energy-boosting Moisturizer: This is one of my ABSOLUTELY favorite moisturizer, especially for summer. It has a thin gel-like consistency and smells very fresh and bit citrus-y. I will definitely repurchase in the future.

AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel, Sleeping Recovery Masque & Enzyme Treatment Peel: I have only used a handful of Amorepacific products that too in sample sizes but I do like them. I liked this one too but I don't necessarily use eye creams that much.

DR DENNIS GROSS Exfoliating Moisturizer: Out of all the tiny little samples I finished up, this one impressed me the most. It was moisturizing but I think the exfoliating nature also helped. I would be interested to invest in a full size - but it is a very expensive product.

No 7 Booster Serum: Sample product used up.

OLE HENRIKSEN Invigorating Night Treatment: Another sample that I am glad to use up! Nothing special to report.

The Estee Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack: This was an older product that was lost in my bag I keep my travel sizes products in. Glad I used these up.

BELIF The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb: I really like Belief moisturizers. I try to get them in sample sizes. And I do prefer the moisturizing bombover the aqua bomb. This one is a bit more moisturizing.

PETER THOMAS ROTH Water Cloud Cream Cleanser & PACIFICA Sea Foam Complete Face Wash: Two cleansers that I never tried before. They were ok. Nothing special that would make me want to repurchase.  

Vita Liberata Broad Spectrum SPF 50: It was ok but I dont see myself repurchasing this one. 

JACK BLACK Sun Guard: I actually used this sunscreen long time ago but I forgot to put this in my empties post. While cleaning up my vanities, I discovered it. I did like this sunscreen. It was not greasy at all and it sat well under my makeup. I have a few open sunscreen tubes that I need to finish but I can eventually see myself repurchasing.

CAUDALIE Beauty Elixir: I used to love this a long time ago. I used up 1-2 bottles and then for some reason I didn't repurchase. Then I started using it again earlier this year. And I really did enjoy it, again! I am not sure though, if I would repurchase just now. I have other toners in my backup that I need to use up.

PETER THOMAS ROTH Cucumber Gel Mask: Another staple mask in my skincare routine. It’s a hydrating type of mask; simple and easy. I tend to use it at least once a week - this or the next one.

FRESH Rose Face Mask: Another one of my fav go-to hydrating masks. This is even more hydrating than the one above. I often use this one when my skin is severely parched - will definitely repurchase.

ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask: I have gone through 2 full-sizes and many many sample size of this mask - definitely one of my go-to masks. It clears up my pores, tightens my skin and brings a lot of liveliness to my skin! I am currently using another full-size. I am a little bit annoyed with Origins that they reduced the size of the tube while increasing the price.

And now, soooo many Drunk Elephant empties. 

I typically buy their value set, and the little ones come very handy when I am travelling. We all know, drunk elephant is expensive. I did not have any bad experience with any of these, however I don't think all of them is worth the price.

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: Out of all the DE products, this is my most favorite. I have gone through a few of these bottles. It helps with my acnes - I dont really have senstivie skin but I do get acnes occasionally and sometimes it can get out of hand. This serum I feel like helps in controlling those type of acnes. I can definitely see myself repurchasing.

C-Firma Day Serum: This was ok. It sank in quickly and it was nourishing. I am not too sure if it helped with brightening. But I have used Vit-C serum that I like better and which costs less. I will probably buy it in a value set or in a set but I dont think I will repurchase in a full-size. 

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: To be honest, this felts more like a gel moisturizer than a serum. I did like it - mostly I mixed it with the Marula Oil and it was perfect. But I still feel like it is too expensive for what it is!

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: Another product that I loved using but not enough to repurchase. It was nice lightweight oil. On my less dry skin type of days, I would use it alone or if I am feeling particularly dry, I would mix it with B-Hydra Serum.

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream: This is the product that I did not like. I mean it was ok, however after I used for some months, I could see some milia developing around my eyes. I am still trying to get rid of them. There is still a little product left in here that I am not going to use up.

Lala Retro Whipped Cream & Protini Polypeptide Cream: They were just ok and I know that both of these felt different but honestly, I do not remember if I could differentiate how I felt about each one. Which definitely indicates that I did not enjoy either f them enough to repurchase, not in full size at least.

MAKEUP & HAIR

BECCA COSMETICS Backlight Priming Filter: ❤✔️ Absolute FAV! I love wearing it on its own for a subtle, healthy glow! It also plays nicely under foundation. This packaging was 👌 for travelling. Already repurchased full-size.

CLARINS Instant Eye Make-up Remover: ➖ It was just meh. Will not repurchase.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover:  ➖  It does the job, but not my fav. Will not repurchase. 

MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix Setting Spray: I think I used long back. I have no recollection if I liked it.

LILAH B BEAUTY Aglow Face Mist: ➖ It was ok. Didn't justify the price for me. Would not repurchase.

@skindinavia the Makeup Finishing Spray: ✔️Classic product for a reason. I don't have issues with makeup sliding off my face, but I think this is a great setting spray! Currently using a full size.

@marcjacobsbeauty Perfecting Coconut Setting Spray: ✔️ Very hydrating for my dry skin. Loved the glow it added to the look. It's expensive; I would repurchase only if I find a good deal. Honestly, I don't exactly know if it's still available.

@narsissist Longwear Eyeliner: ➖ Decluttered - I used up half of this & I liked it. But it is old/dried up! And, I don't by from NARS anymore.

@stilacosmetics  Stay All Day Waterproof Liner: ❤✔️Absolute FAV! I can create wings very easily with this and it does not budge all day. Already repurchased.

@anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz: ✔️Most fav brow product. This & the clear gel is their only product I use. Lately, the brand's actions has been questionable! I have a backup and then I will see if I repurchase or not. 

I finished up a lot of perfume samples; Tocca, Atelier, PLur are the standouts but I have 7864 bottles of perfume that I need to finish before I think of repurchasing.

Dry Bar Triple Sec 3-in-1: This did nothing for me.

Lumiere D'hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect: Another sample size I acquired from somewhere. Glad to be done with it. 

MASKS & SAMPLE:

I love the Sephora & Farmacy masks. The Karun hand and foot masks were such a luxurious at-home-spa like experience. 

At the top are some declutters. Most of them I used at least 50% but did not like or cared enough to finish it up. 

Alright, that's it for today.

Love,

~Arrru

Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 18

I love doing my empties post every few months on the blog. The last post I did was back in December. After that, life has been crazy! I think for all of us, 2020 has been a challenge!

But here are the products I have finished - I have some makeup bits and skincare but there were no space left; I will post them later! 

H2O+ Waterbright Brightening Gel Mask: It was a good mask to put on - you know. It was easy to apply and it stayed on my skin nicely and tightly while I continue with my household chores. Will I repurchase - may be not! I enjoy wash-off masks more anyway!

KORRES Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial: I used this as night time moisturizer. I liked it enough but I did not really see any brightening effect. This is not exactly affordable, so I don't see myself repurchasing it.

PETER THOMAS ROTH Rose Stem Cell Gel Mask: One of my favorite hydrating mask. I have finished many many jars of this and I continue to repurchase this. It is hydrating but not overly heavy! I am currently using a brand new one!

FRESH Rose Face Mask: Another one of my fav hydrating masks. This is even more hydrating than the one above. I often use this one when my skin is severely parched. 

FRESH Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream: This is my go-to moisturizer. I already have a back-up and as you can see I finished one full big jar, and a tiny jar. I took this tiny jar with me during my travels! It is such a good moisturizer. It gets absorbed into my skin real quick but it gives my dry skin plenty of hydration! I love it.

IT Cosmetics Secret Sauce Moisturizer: It is a deluxe sample size and it was ok. But I don't tend to pay attention to skincare by makeup brands and for the same reason, I will not purchase full size.

ORIGINS Ultra-Hydrating Energy Boosting Cream: I have loved their Gel Moisturizer so I was excited to try this one as well. I loved it. I took it during my trip and it really worked for all different weathers that I was in. Will I repurchase? Sure, if I find it in a good value set.

CAUDALIE Hand and Nail Cream: This is a really good hand cream, I love using it on my cuticles also. It is a bit expensive but if I ever finish up all the hand creams I have now, I will repurchase this again.

BITE Agave Lip Mask: This is a hyped product for a reason. I really did enjoy using this one. I believe they reformulated this. However, I have a full-size that I need to use up before needing to repurchase a lip balm.

NIVEA A Kiss of Milk & Honey Lip Balm: This is my everyday lip balm. It does not melt away even when I keep it in my purse all day, every day. I will definitely repurchase.

JURLIQUE Rosewater Balancing Mist: I loved this mist. It had a lovely, very faint rose scent and it provided me with enough hydration during the day. I am not really sure if I will repurchase though!

FRESH Rose Floral Toner: I love Fresh products and this is no exception. A toner is not really a must-have in my beauty routine but I did enjoy this. I also love how they provided quality packaging for even the deluxe size bottle - it had a spray. I have the Deep Hydration Toner as a backup so right now I don't need to repurchase!

AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Hydration Delivery System: I am so sad that this tiny bottle is all gone. The smell is so calming and refreshing! It has a hint of sandalwood in the smell and it immediately transports me back to India and some childhood memories. I loved it. But it's a pricey product and the second ingredient is alcohol. Now I am torn whether I want to repurchase or not.  

PETER THOMAS ROTH Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion: I absolutely love this sunscreen. It was very light on my skin and it did not disturb the makeup over it. It has a pump which is always a blessing. Only problem is that you cannot exactly see when you are going to run out. I already have repurchased.

CLARINS One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: I probably finished it during January - in fact there is still a bit left.  It was just a boringly ok product.

TREE HUT Shea Sugar Scrub in Moroccan Rose: An absolute fav bath product. These are easily available in Ulta and they are such a wonderful product to use. I already have backups of this :-)

PHILOSOPHY Amazing Grace Whipped Body Creme: Another long time favorite. I get this in value sets so I can definitely see this reappearing in my empties. 

RITUAL "Ritual of Sakura": I always wanted to try this brand for a long time. One of my closest friends gifted me a bundle of things for my birthday earlier this year, so I took this along with me during my India+Sri Lanka trip before this whole Covid situation! I loved it and I will definitely purchase it myself.

KORRES Body Milk in Bellflower, Tangerine Pink Pepper: This is a body moisturizer that I absolutely enjoyed. I believe I got this in some beauty box but I am not able to find this particular scent anywhere, plus I am quite sure it is expensive. But I surely did enjoy it.

KORRES Shower Gel in Japanese Rose: Absolutely love Korres shower gels. They are soft, does the job of cleaning nicely and gives me a quick spa like feeling. These are very expensive to be honest, so I only buy them if I find some good deal!

RENU Contact Lens Solution: It is what it is :-) Nothing much to write about it.

Ulta Cotton Pads: There were a little bit dry and rough, I prefer the pads I get from Sephora. So, I will probably not buy these!

OLE HENRIKSON Cleansing Clothes :  I like this. I will buy them if I find a good deal. But right now, I have enough cleansing clothes to last few months. 

Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hair Therapy (Repair Rescue) Shampoo & Conditioner: This is my last batch of these shampoos. I really love using these shampoos, I used it for the last 3-4 years. I typically bought them from Ulta when they had 21 days of hair. Now Ulta does not carry this line anymore. And it is otherwise very difficult to get my hands on it.

Schwarzkopf Bonacure Miracle Oil: Another hair oil I really did enjoy. I used it in many different ways for my hair care! But, I mainly used it after a hair wash for a light shine on my hair or on my scalp to calm any itching and dryness I might have had. I would repurchase but it is just so difficult to get my hands on this. 

Earth's Nectar Green Olive Lavender Scalp Oil: I really did enjoy this scalp oil. I have always had dry scalp and issues with dandruff. Whatever I have tried has never did help. I don't really know if it helped calm my dandruff issues, but I used it for a massage every night before washing my hair and it really helped with overall health of my hair. I will definitely repurchase it but I will do it during the next Sephora sale.

HAIR FOOD Avocado & Argon Oil Smooth Shampoo: I first tried Hair Food through Influenster. I loved the shampoo. It was available in Ulta and I bought a few as they were on sale. But of course now Ulta discontinued it. So, I will have to figure out where I can buy it.  

OUAI Shampoo and Conditioner: I liked it enough! But I did not develop enough of an opinion to try it in full size.

ALTERNA Shampoo and Conditioner: Did not like this. I feel like it made my hair even frizzier and dry.

Until next time,

Love

~Arrru

Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 14

It has been 4 months since my last empties post. But I am back it at again with quite a few products that I have used up :-)

Yankee Candles Appalachian Daisy 2-wick Candle: I bought this candle at a discount but cannot exactly remember from which store. I really like the fragrance and if I find it at a fairer price again, I will repurchase.
Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Mint 3-wick Candle: I soooooo loved the fragrance of this candle! Now that I have tried a few different brands now, I have finally arrived at the conclusion that the performance of BBW candles is much superior; especially when I can get them during sale! I will definitely repurchase, but of course, I will wait for a sale.

Voluspa 3-wick candle in Mokara: This Mokara fragrance is such a familiar fragrance to me, I cannot really pinpoint why and how, but I think this fragrance brings back childhood memories. While I loved the smell, I did not like the quality of this candle. It has 3-wicks but as you can see it did not burn evenly and there is still a lot of wax left unburnt. The throw also was not that strong. I will not to repurchase but I love the smell so much!

Skincare & Hair Empties:

Redken No Blow Dry NBD Just Right Cream: I saw absolutely no effect of this cream on my hair. It just felt like an additional step without resulting in any benefit. I am just glad to get it finished. Will not repurchase.

Living Proof Timeless Shampoo: This was a deluxe size and hardly lasted me for a single use :-)! Honestly I don’t exactly remember if I liked it or not. I did not have any negative experience though :-)

O.P.I. Avojuice Coconut Melon Hand Body Lotion: I sincerely hope this is the last of a set I bought quite some time ago. This was ok  but it took a little bit of time to sink in which was not very convenient. As you can imagine, I will not repurchase.

L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil: I love using body oils because my dry skin really need it. I have been trying and  using a lot of different body oils for a long time now. And I was quite excited about this one because it is a cult favorite within the beauty community. I liked it but at times it felt a little bit heavy. It also has a sweet smell from the almond which I am not a big fan. I am not quite sure if I want to purchase a full-size just yet.

The Body Shop Pinata Colada Shower Gel: It is a decent shower gel. I did not really enjoy the smell. I have never tried the drink so I don’t really know how close is the smell is to the actual drink. But it was a bit thicker in consistency and I had hard time getting the gel out. I will not repurchase.

The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel: One of the very few scents I can use from Body Shop is this Mango one. I still would not want to repurchase a full-size.

Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Water: I love a good facial spray! This is one out of the 3 sprays from a set and I have already finished the Truth Facial Water. That was my most favorite. This was enjoyable too! Would I repurchase? I do not know :-) Btw, they have changed the packaging and it looks so much better now.

Sephora Collection Super Supreme Body Butter: Can you tell I go through Body moisturizes like crazy? I absolutely loved this one! It is a huge jar but because it has been a long winter and often I have been it using twice daily, I finished it sooner than I expected! It is very moisturizing with a lasting effect. It is kind of a thick cream but easy to apply all over my body. I think I purchased it randomly just to get qualified for picking deluxe sample, & I can definitely see myself repurchasing!

Tree Hut Mediterranean Salt Scrub: I absolutely enjoy Tree Hut products. As it is evident from the total 3 Tree Hut products I finished here. I absolutely enjoy the smell of this one, it is sooo comfortable and relaxing! And it was perfect for winter. However, I actually prefer their sugar scrub formula more than the Salt one. I will not repurchase the salt scrub but I already bought 2 or 3 sugar scrubs as backup.

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime: Another lovely body butter. I have loved almost everything from this brand. This was no exception. It was lighter in consistency than the Sephora body butter.But it was enough for the transitional Spring weather here. I will repurchase full-size at some point but for now I would love to repurpose this jar from my travel needs. 

Korres Body Butter in Jasmine: I am sad that this is finished. I absolutely loved the product. It is quite moisturizing, easy to apply and sinks into the skin so quickly. The smell of Jasmine is quite subtle but oh-so-lovely! I have two other body butters from Korres in my backup shelf but I would definitely repurchase in the future. Also, it is not so difficult to find gift sets of these so I will buy them in sets; otherwise it can get a bit expensive.

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser: It is a very generic, very simple cleanser. It did a good job as a basic cleanser. This 1 oz. tube also lasted for quite some time. I love my Philosophy Purity Cleanser as my second cleanser. Hence, I would not repurchase. It was a good enough cleanser while it lasted.

(2) Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet: I do not know if there is any difference between the pink and the white packaging, The name of the moisturizer seems to be the same. I do detect a ever-so-slight difference fragrance. It is a decent lightweight moisturizer; not quite enough for my dry skin during winter. I think I would enjoy it more during the summer months. I will not repurchase but I would not mind it in smaller size in skincare kits. 

Kinerase Advanced Cream: I do not know about this brand & I did not care for it either. Just glad it is finished.

Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight: I did not love this night cream. It did not sink in quickly and it kind of peeled on my face, especially near my face. I ended up using this on my neck. I will not repurchase.

CAUDALIE Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream: I got this deluxe sample size in a Sephora Favorites set. This is a glass jar, I appreciate it so much because it is almost rare to see companies put the same quality in deluxe size samples compared to the full-size products. In general, I do like Caudalie products. Most of them I really, really love. This one however was not extraordinary. I did not like the consistency that much! Like all other Caudalie products, I enjoyed the faint nice smell of this product but other than that it was just ok.

Fresh Beauty Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream: This was the first new product I tried in 2018 and I very much ENJOYED it. The texture is so silky smooth, the smell is so natural & beautiful. It is also easy to apply and it absorbs almost immediately. The best part is it keeps my dry, parched skin moisturized. I have already collected a deluxe-size from Sephora & I truly want to buy the full-size but right now, I have 2-3 other full-size moisturizers that I want to finish up.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleepng Night Oil: I ended up collecting three of this sample sizes from Sephora in order to see if those product works for me. This is second bottle I finished and honestly I not excited by it. I accept that I have not been very diligent in using this but I don’t even find any excitement to use it. It is an expensive product to begin with so naturally I had high hopes. It felt greasy on my face which would have been ok if I would have seen any improvement of my skin’s overall health. I will definitely not repurchase.

Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappe Skin-Revining Fresh Gel: I finished this back in January, I think. And I am having a hard time remembering how i felt about it. All I remember is that it was very light consistency, and it was refreshing!  But it still offered moisturization. Beyond that, I don’t remember if I wanted to try it in a bigger size!

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: Oh man! The hype around this brand! I finished this serum back in February, and I must admit that I am definitely missing it in my routine. I used it 1.5-2 pumps almost every night and it lasted me only 3 months. That seemed a bit quick for such a pricey product. Now that it has 1-1.5 month without using it, I do have to accept that I really did see positive effect of the serum on my skin. I had uneven texture along with a lot of cystic acnes and I could feel this serum smoothening that out. My acnes were also under full control! I did get one or two here and there. Now that I have not been using this serum, I can definitely feel the issue of uneven texture coming back to haunt me. I have repurchased a 0.5 oz size bottle in the Acid Trip during Sephora VIB Sale. I do have other serum type products that I want to finish up first though!

Lotus Herbals Aloehydra Aloe Vera Gel: This a product from India and my sister passed it onto me. I actually mainly used it on my elbows. I don’t have much to say about it. I did like using it so when I go to India next, I may pick it up again but for now I not missing it in my routine.

Freeman Beauty Infusion Cleansing Sheet Mask: This was the first charcoal “sheet” mask that I have used. What I liked about it is that I did not feel the need to wash my face after using the mask. It claims to instantly boost purity but I did not feel any special cleansing effect on my skin. Overall, I did feel good right after using the mask. However, the very next day, I got two huge acnes right on my skin! So, I am terrified now.

Makeup & Perfume Empties:

Marc Jacobs Daisy Deluxe Sample: Look how cute is this tiny bottle? I am going to display it along with the other mini perfume bottles I have finished up :-) This is a cult favorite scent. It is a simple, clean fragrance. It is not a favorite per se, but I don’t dislike either. I do not need repurchase this because I have way tooooo many perfumes to use up.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara: I have said this before that I am not too picky about mascaras. But I love this one, I think this is my second tube! I always get this in travel size :-) I am using another tube now and I can see myself repurchasing it. Also, Sephora & Ulta often includes this in travel size as Gift with Purchase.

Bite Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil in Meritage: I absolutely adored this lip product. It is a beautiful rose hued shade; perfect for every day. It was one of my favorite shade last year and I would love to repurchase but I fear that Bite Beauty is discontinuing this product line. Do you guys have any idea?

Bite Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil in Rhubarb: Another Bite Beauty product that I thoroughly enjoyed! This formula is so moisturizing on the lips and on me it stays almost the entire day. I would not repurchase this over Meritage though!

Stila Stay All-Day Waterproof Eyeliner in Intense Black: This has been my holy grail eyeliner since 2014. One of these I finished a long time ago but for some reason it never made it to my empties bin! This first liner lasted me a long time too! However, the second one did not even last me a year. It makes a bit sad! I loved this liner, mainly because of its waterproof quality and its jet black color. I have worn this for my sister’s wedding and it survived beautifully through a hot, humid, hectic and emotional night till the next morning! I want to repurchase but I am hesitant because the second  one dried out sooner! I recently picked up a few colored ones from this line during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty and I want to see how they perform, then probably decide.

Clinique Pink Honey: This was a tiny, deluxe sample but it was in my #finish17in2017 project pan. Nothing special about this but I am just glad this is finished! The shape of the bullet makes it difficult to use up till the very last bit of product.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths: I have been trying to cut down my usage of makeup wipes. I have to say that I have been somewhat successfully. Anyway, this was a good enough wipe. It had enough moisture in it and it did a decent job in removing the first layer of makeup! Will I repurchase? Probably not!

Aquaphor Heal Ointment Mini Jar: Such an inexpensive lip balm. And this tiny jar lasted me a long time. I typically used this before I go to bed and it healed and smoothened my lips for the next day. I always used this at night if I knew that I will be using matte liquid lipstick or any drying regular lipstick next day. I would ABSOLUTELY repurchase.

I also finished up some samples (and of course my trusty contact lens solution!) 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Balm & Agave Sugar Lip Scrub: This tiny little sample lasted for almost two weeks. But keeping the price of these products in mind, I don’t think they are worth it. Just my experience.

Love,
~Arrru