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

Monthly Favorites ::: April 2017

Lets get to the point straight away; here are my April Favorites -

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in Plum: First of all, I enjoy the name of the product! It is effortlessly chic without sounding "trying-too-hard to appear cool"! Secondly, and most importantly, I love the product. I have this in 3 shades and I have been wearing “Plum” non-stop for past 1-2 months.  I got this shade in a Sephora Favorites "Extravagant Eyes" set (reviewed here). It was a great deal. Anyway, I am using it as an imperfect, just-there eyeliner, I am using it on my inner rim or as a base on my lid for other powder shadows. I am LOVING it! It is of very soft & creamy consistency, glides on like a dream and gives me about 30 secs to blend or smudge before it sets. It holds up quite nicely throughout the day. I see it shrinking when I use it as eyeliner after 8-9 hrs.!

Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops in C+Lemongrass: I have slowly started to fall in love with Cover FX as a brand. This product is stated to be “An active, vitamin-rich concentrate that can be used alone to hydrate and treat the skin, or can be infused into any product in your beauty regimen while offering the benefits of a potent, super-strength, hydrating serum." You can use it on its own or mix with your foundation, moisturizer etc. I know that you can use any skincare oil to do the same but I feel that they somehow alter the consistency of my foundation. This on the other hand, merges seamlessly with the foundation and makes it soft and hydrating without affecting the coverage or the formula.  I am not sure if I will like it in summer but past few months I have been really enjoying it while concocting my foundation! I add Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops and Custom Drops, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation with one or two drops of this Infusion Drops – LOVING the result.

NARS Blush in Goulue: Look how adorable is this little blush! I got this as VIB Rouge Gift for 2016. I love the shade.- It is a deep muted maroon-rosey shade. More fitting for fall rather than Spring/Summer. But I am not one to care! I have been doing a lot of colorful eye looks this month and I quite enjoy using it with those looks. It gives my cheeks some healthy color without being too competitive with my eyes. Very pigmented but easy to blend and has excellent staying power. It appears to have some sheen but on application the glitters does not really make my porous acne-ridden cheek look bad.

Tarte Shape Tape Contouring Concealer in Tan Sand: I just reviewed it here. If you check the blogpost you will know why I have conflicting thought on this. But it has legitimately earned a place in this post! Like I said, I am doing a lot of colorful look this month and this concealer has been great in hiding my under-eye darkness and in brightening that area against those colorful looks. I don’t wear foundation every day and without a proper base this concealer just looks weird because it so full-coverage. I am bummed that I cannot wear it every day but I sure enjoy it with fully glamorous looks.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No.7 in The Siren 210: This is a limited-edition palette and is not available anymore. So, I will be brief. I love the warm neutral shades with which I can create some beautiful looks that can be simple or very glamorous. And you know my love affair with blue shadows; I am definitely a big fan of all those shades. These are very pigmented shades with great wear time. They mix well with each other to create custom shades. Last but not the least, the palette is just so photogenic.

What are you loving this month?

Love,
~Arrru

Products I've Used Up/Empties Vol. 10

For a makeup hoarder like me, empties posts are always fun to write about, especially if it the First Empties of the year :-)

Paris Hilton Bath Gel: I bought this long long time ago, glad to have finished it. It was ok, I mean you don’t really expect a lot from a bath gel. I still don’t have a clue as to why I decided to buy a celebrity line of perfumes but I will definitely not buy it again.

Victoria’s Secret Love Spell Fragrance Mist: I bought this in a set long, long time ago as gifts to give my cousins back home. I could not take all of them cause of weight restrictions. This was the last of it and I am so glad I finally was able to finish them all! I mainly used it as room spray when I cook heavy Indian curries :-)

Marula Facial Oil: Just a little sample I used up! Noting super impressive about it!

Bath & Body Works 3-wick Candle in Honeysuckle: This is one of my favorite scents from BBW. I already have a backup and will definitely repurchase.

This time I finished up some makeup items! I am very proud about that. I have to admit that #finish17by2017 Project Pan (read full blogpost here) is definitely helping me in going through my makeup up products! These are mostly sample products, but an empty is an empty and I am free to rejoice in finishing up any product; irrespective of the size.

Anastasia Brow Wiz: Woo Hoo! I finished it in the first week of January. This is in my Finish17in2017 Project Pan and I am so happy that I was able to finish it up so early in the year! It is a must-have product for me! I never used to do my brows but now I do, and I absolutely LOVE the effect nicely groomed brows has on my look, especially when I wear a good amount of makeup! I use Medium Brown shade and I just adore how easy it is to use and how long lasting it is! I LOVE IT.

Lashfood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer: Hmm, sadly this was a disappointing product. I got this in one of "Sephora Favorites" kit and first off, there was so very little product inside. It almost discouraged me to apply this at night on a regular basis. But I did use it consistently and I could NOT see any effect on my lashes. It is such an expensive product and it is a shame that it did not work for me. 

Lakme LOVE Lipstick in Passion Fruit: This is the first lipstick that I ever bought with my hard-earned money! In fact, it was the only lipstick I had for that time. I finished it pretty quickly before I fall in love with makeup. I stopped using it long time ago, but was keeping it for emotional reason! But time to part away from it :-)

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50: I had so much hope for this one! I hoped this would be perfect for summer months to apply midday when I wear heavy makeup to act as a sunscreen! I actually finished this long time ago but it was still living in my office makeup bag. Anyway, I hated it. First of all, the spray was very, very bad. It speckled the product in my face instead of spraying it nicely. What was worse is that the speckles would turn white and would not sink in. Basically if I apply it over my makeup it ruined my whole look. Absolutely hate it.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: I don’t use makeup setting sprays often, so this tiny little bottle lasted me a long, long time. This is before they underwent a packaging change. Because I have dry skin, I don’t often face problem of my makeup sliding off my face! So, I am not really sure how much it helps to prolong the wear of my makeup. I still do enjoy it though. This is a product that often comes in sample sets or gift with purchase. I already have another sample of it.

Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence: This is my second Tata Harper product, and I have to agree that her products get used up pretty quickly. These are expensive products so I don’t like that these don’t last me a lot. Tata Harper is a natural brand, I love her purifying mask but this I don’t see anything special about. It was nice to use, I generally used it after cleaning my face, most of the times twice daily and sometimes just once. It absorbed rather quickly, and I could apply moisturizer very quickly thereafter! Lot of people were complaining about the spritzer but for me it worked fine. It has a unique lightly floral scent, I don’t hate but I don’t love it either! Overall, it was not worth the price; I used it nicely when I had but will not repurchase.

Nivea Lip Balm A Kiss of Moisture Essential Lip Care: I love this. This is one of the best lip balm money can buy. I have quite a few backups already and I will buy it again.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II: Another OG serum in this beauty community. It has been around for ages. I don’t feel any excitement for Estee Lauder products! I used it for a week and then used something else. I started to reuse again and it lasted me about 10 days. It did not break me out but I did not see anything extraordinary. Will not repurchase.

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum: Deluxe sample that was about to get expired and I had to finish up! I did not care for it much. It did not break me out so I guess that’s something!

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum: The best thing about this serum was that it got absorbed in seconds. I am able to apply moisturizer almost immediately after I apply the serum. The consistency of the serum is very thin, gel-like. I liked it but it is a small sample to realize any huge affect on my skin. I have a lot of serums that I need to finish up but I can see myself considering this when I actually need to purchase a serum.

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil: Another tiny sample of face oil. I had a very dry skin before but now it has become more acne prone! Otherwise I could have just slathered this type of oil on my face. This is a bit heavy in consistency so I use it in selective part of my face. I liked it while it lasted. I had two tiny samples that I gave to my mother and one of my family member. I am not interested in a full-size.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture: I really enjoyed using this tiny sample. It was of the right consistency; not too thick not too thin, gave me enough hydration for almost the entire day. It also sinked in quickly allowing me to apply my makeup without waiting much time. I will not repurchase in full-size now but I will keep this in my “revisit” list.

Fresh Rose Face Mask: An absolute must-have mask for me. Especially during winter, this really helps me keep my skin hydrating. I try to apply it once a week. I already have a full-size back up and I do collect deluxe size samples whenever Sephora offers them!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask: This one has a very cooling affect on application. I do enjoy it but I am not really sure if it does anything incredible for me. I have a full-size bottle that I got in a set but I don’t think I will repurchase after that.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial: This was a deluxe sample I got from Sephora and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is so moisturizing yet absorbs so quickly. I am also impressed that this sample lasted me for so long! I will definitely look into repurchasing once I go through all the current nighttime moisturizer I have.

Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturizer: After trying out many different moisturizers, I have settled with this as my regular daytime moisturizer. I absolutely love how moisturizing and yet how thin this is. Also that mild ginseng smell is very much appreciated! When I went to India last October, this the only thing I could use on my face as it was extremely hot and humid there. During winter months here in the windy city, it sometimes not enough for my dry skin but I just use an oil over it. It is also priced moderately compared to other high end moisturizers. This is my second jar, I already have backups and will continue to repurchase unless I find something that impresses me over this.

Origins High-Potency Night-A-mins Mineral-enriched Renewal Cream: I initially liked this one too but I have grown out of my fondness for this one! It is actually a very nice moisturizing night cream but I am afraid that if I use it all over my face, it tends to break me out. Hence, I just use it on the dry areas of my face. I have a travel size one that I need to use up but I don’t think I will repurchase this in full-size.

Nivea Crème: My god, this brings back memories. My father has been an ardent fan of this for decades! So it always reminds me of my childhood when he always used to boast that his great skin is because of this crème :-) I got this tiny jar just as a reminiscence. I used it over some very dry patches of my skin and it worked great. Will repurchase but not right now!

TonyMoly Pureness 100 Collagen Mask Sheet: I have realized that I am not really a huge fan of sheet masks! I much prefer the good old way of applying masks. I like to keep doing other stuff like cleaning the house or work on my blog when I apply a mask! Most of the sheet masks I have used are just not that comfortable. But anyway, the mask itself was ok. I am not sure if I detected any firmness that this may have provided but it sure felt hydrating. I am however, not interested in repurchasing!

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots: I bought this in one of those “I-will-try-everything-to-fight-these-goddamn-acnes” moments! The performance of these dots was very inconsistent. Sometimes it did not do anything, an a few times I felt it reduced my pimple quite drastically. I feel like I might just be imagining that because I wanted something that works on my acnes. Will not repurchase.

Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hair Therapy (Repair Rescue) Shampoo: This is my regular shampoos. I have gone through many bottles and will continue to repurchase. I used to buy it from Ulta and now I don’t see it there and I am already panicking!

Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Oil Miracle Light Finishing Treatment: I stumbled upon this while searching for a hair oil that my regular hair stylist back in India gave me, the first time I chemically smoothened my hair. I could not find that particular oil so decided to try it. I anyway use the Repair Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner from this line, so it made sense. I have been using this on and off for past 2-3 years. I love it as a live-in conditioner after I wash my hair. I only need a few drops! I enjoy just applying tiny little bit on my roots to tame my insanely frizzy hair.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original: This is the first dry shampoo I tried. And I very much love it. It is one of those that gives you white cast when you apply it but it is easy to get rid of it by just jazz-ing the roots of my hair. It definitely prolongs the time between I wash my hair. These days, I have been using it on my 2^nd or 3^rd -day hair before I go to bed, and I can survive one more day without washing my hair :-)

Until next time-

Love,
~Arrru