I ended the year with a lot of empties to recycle. Yay! Here’s what I used up in December 2016.
Skincare and Bath & Body
Cleo Shower Cream, Vanilla: I was sad to come to the end of this bottle of Italian shower cream. It smells like heaven and leaves my skin feeling hydrated rather than dry. Unfortunately, the manufacturer Paglieri Profumi stopped making this fan favorite which is mystifying to me.
Sebastian Color Ignite Single Tone Conditioner: A few years ago, I was a big fan of Sebastian Color Ignite Single Tone Conditioner in cream form. They discontinued it, claiming they were reformulating the conditioner. As far as I know, it never returned. I found this foam version and thought I’d try it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t hydrating enough for my hair. I was going to toss it, but it was expensive. So I decided to try it as shaving foam, and it worked very well. Repurchase: No.
Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme: One of my absolute favorite products of 2016, Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme is a product I strongly recommend to anyone with dry skin. It’s the absolute best for winter cleansing for us dry skinned gals. It has a light sweet scent that goes away instantly upon use. Repurchase: Yes, as soon as I finish up another cleanser that also is good for cold weather and dry skin.
Beekman 1802 Fresh Cream Coat Milk Hand Cream: What a lovely hand cream for vanilla lovers! It’s made with essence of vanilla absolute, and it packs a vanilla punch. I got this hand cream in an Indigo Beaux subscription box in July, and it was the perfect hand cream for the summer or warmer weather. It is very lightweight, feels almost like water when it’s applied, but it makes hands feel and look very smooth. Repurchase: I am not repurchasing this now because it’s not heavy enough for my dry hands in winter, but I definitely recommend it if you like a greaseless, vanilla-scented hand cream and you live in a warmer climate than I do.
Pacific Resources International Manuka Cool Citrus Hand Cream: Another one of my favorites of 2016. I love this hand cream from New Zealand made with healing Manuka Honey. Greaseless but hydrating, Manuka Hand Cream is just about perfect IMHO. This is the second tube of three that I received earlier this year, and fortunately, I have one more tube left. Repurchase: Not yet, but I will when I use up my final tube. The hand cream comes in 3 varieties including unscented and is or was on sale for $2.99 on the Pacific Resources International website. Sign up for emails and get 10% off your order, plus try the Manuka Honey while you’re at it!
Belif Hungarian Water Essence: I love this stuff! I like the idea of using a water-weight hydrating essence to start off my skincare routine, and this one fits the bill. Another one of my favorites of 2016. Repurchase: I already did. I bought the full size which came in a holiday box with deluxe sample size Witch Hazel Toner and an eye cream, both of which I like.
Good Earth Beauty Warm Vanilla Candy Whipped Body Cream: Another 2016 favorite. I received a one ounce sample jar of this scrumptious, hydrating Warm Vanilla Candy Whipped Body Cream from Good Earth Beauty, the natural and organic retailer. I had never heard of this brand or website, but I’m glad I know about it now. I love all four of their products that I got to try. Repurchase: Yes, I plan to, but I’m waiting to use up a couple of the other deluxe samples before I place my order. Try this brand’s natural, organic and affordable stuff!!
Cosmedica Skincare High Active Vitamin C 79%: I am testing out a brand new super high percent vitamin C serum from Cosmedica Skincare. I’ve completed a 7 day course so far. The way it works is by combining a vitamin C pellet with a liquid activator so that the serum is made fresh each day and the high concentration vitamin C doesn’t degrade. It is so generous of Cosmedica to let me test it out because I am a “torture test”. From years of vitamin C serum use, I have already faded all of my easier to get rid of freckles and dark spots, and what’s left behind is the most difficult to fade spots that really need IPL. I have two more 7 day courses of the new Cosmedica High Active Vitamin C 79% to go through before I report to you. But in the meantime, why wait? I know if you’re fairly new to vitamin C serum, this will make much quicker work of getting rid of much of your discoloration. Check out this unique high percentage actives serum here: http://www.cosmedica-skincare.com/products/high-active-vitamin-c-booster
Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath and Shower Gel: I received this deluxe sample as an amenity at a hotel a couple of years ago. It smells so heavenly that I slowed down using it because it was hard to find this U.K. brand in the U.S. But I just found a Temple Spa USA site, and the product is available! Repurchase: Yes! Just waiting for my 10% off coupon code to arrive.
Farmhouse Fresh Coconut Cream Shea Butter Soap: I just used up a big bar of Farmhouse Fresh Soap that I received in August or September. The first one I tried was coconut scent. The scent was very nice but not overly scented. The bar lasted me either 4 or 5 months in my shower. It lathered well, and cleaned without stripping. In fact, it is a moisturizing soap. I have two more bars in different scents, so I don’t need to repurchase. As usual, the packaging is fabulous too. These soaps make great hostess gifts!
Makeup
IT Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation, Light: I bought this cushion foundation (compact plus another refill) on QVC last year along with a couple of brushes, a great blush and lipstick, all for $60. It was a fantastic deal! However, I always have a difficult time choosing a shade in IT’s foundations. Light turned out to be too dark. Also, this cushion was an absolute mess to use. The little cushion applicator that they provide never gets clean, it’s too small, and my fingers get coated with foundation when I use it. So I usually use a blending sponge instead. Cushion compacts provide light-medium coverage, and I’d say this one provides buildable medium coverage. Repurchase: No. I’ll stick with the regular IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream in the tube that I strongly prefer to the cushion.
Stila Under The Mistletoe Limited Edition Holiday Palette: I think this was the first little portable palette I bought when I started blogging, and it has served me well. I loved the blush, and I hit pan in a big way on it. The purple family of shadow shades is very nice. Although I still have a way to go on the shadow shades, I think it’s too old. Bye, Under The Mistletoe and thank you!
theBalm How ‘Bout Them Apples? Blush, shade Pie, deluxe sample: I received this little cutie blush in a makeup goodie bag that Kohl’s was kind enough to send me a couple of years ago. I love cream blush, and this bright pinky-coral shade is fun to wear. The teeny size was perfect for my purse makeup bag, and I hit pan on this one. In fact, I liked it so much I bought the entire How ‘Bout Them Apples? blush palette. Love it.
Bare Minerals 5 In One BB Advanced Cream Eyeshadow, SPF 15: I received a deluxe sample of this mousse-like cream shadow in an ipsy bag in a medium/dark brown shade that’s either Radiant Sand or Sweet Spice. I liked it, so I bought a full size in Blushing Pink shortly after. Both are over a year old, and they either thickened to unusable or dried out, so it’s time to chuck ’em. Repurchase: No. Although I’m a fan of cream shadows, I don’t love mousse shadows like these. I find the only way you can really wear them is as a solo lid color. They’re too difficult to blend. Plus I like regular creams because they’re hydrating. These mousse consistency creams dry down and feel dry on my skin. Too bad. I think that might be better for those with normal skin.
P.S. I decided to hang onto the Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eyeshadow shown in a couple of the photos. Although a bit old, it still is usable and I love the rose gold color.
Other Beauty Products
Swisspers Hypoallergenic 100% Cotton Rounds: This was the last sleeve in the 8 pack of cotton rounds that I bought a year ago at Costco. I love these affordable, non-pilling cotton rounds. Repurchase: I’m trying to! Unfortunately, Costco didn’t have any in stock last time I was there. Hope they’ll be there next time I go, or I’ll have to break down and buy them at CVS or online.
Crown Brush Tweezers: I got this pair of Crown Brush Tweezers in an ipsy bag, and I was excited about getting it because I needed another pair of tweezers while my Tweezerman tweezers were away being sharpened. Unfortunately, the Crown Brush Tweezers were terrible at their job – tweezing! There’s no use holding on to them as they’re not getting any better or more effective. Fail.
Seche Vite Fast Drying Top Coat: I love Seche Vite because it does help nail polish dry relatively quickly, but most of all I love it because it leaves such a great shine. Unfortunately, it thickens in the bottle relatively quickly, or certainly before I can finish up the bottle. Repurchase: I probably will, though I’m thinking about trying CND’s fast drying topcoat to see if I like it. What do you think about Seche Vite vs CND?
What did you use up in December??
That is a massive amount of products, Allison and wow, I aim to hit pan on a blusher this year too. LOL! Happy New Year to you, how was Christmas and New Year celebration for you and family?
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…The Amazing World of Rouge Bunny Rouge
I hope you achieve your goal this year, Shireen, lol! I had a very nice holiday season until I came down with a bad cold on New Year’s Eve day. I still went ahead with the dinner party at my house that I had scheduled, but we stayed home yesterday because I didn’t feel well enough to go to a big neighborhood open house unfortunately. I still feel very under the weather today, boo hoo. Back to bed for me, I think! How were your holidays? Did you little man enjoy himself?
Oh no, that’s terrible, Allison! I hate falling ill during the holidays, it sucks and I hope you’ll fully recover soon. 🙁 We had a great holiday and definitely ate way too much. LOL!
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…The Amazing World of Rouge Bunny Rouge
Thank you, Shireen. I am very sick today. Gonna take a couple of days off till I get better 🙁 Stay healthy!
Wow, you really put a dent into your stash this past month, that’s awesome! I like Seche Vite, it used to be my Holy Grail until trying KBShimmer Clearly on Top. Same concept, but it doesn’t pull back the polish from my tips like Seche does. It’s my new go-to! Happy New Year, Allison!
Judy recently posted…40 before 40: How I’m dealing with a milestone birthday in 2017
I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for free shipping on KB Shimmer or HK Girl because I have wanted to try those two topcoats. I should’ve been on the lookout during the holidays!
I love empties posts! Those rounds are AMAZING! My hubby picked some up a month ago at Costco and I haven’t even started on them yet. And bummer about the tweezers – dud tweezer are such a downer. I’ve heard a lot of amazing things about FHF products. They are on my list to try this year. And SV was my initial end all be all Top Coat until I discovered indies. I prefer 3, 4, 5-free products now. I LOVE the fast drying of SV, but the thickness after 1/2 a bottle got frustrating.
I’m so glad that your husband brought home the Swisspers rounds from Costco because that means that they’re still carrying them – at least I hope they are. I agree with you about the “free” nail products. I’ve been thinking about the fast dry topcoat from HK Girl – but I hate having to pay shipping costs and I have so much nail polish I seldom buy enough to get the free shipping option. I agree that throwing out a half empty bottle of SV is not good.
Wow, Allison– this is very impressive! I can’t believe how much makeup that you finished up! Tweezers that don’t tweeze well, and a definite deal breaker. I usually take them and put them in a junk drawer and my husband uses them when something with a fine tip is needed to grab something or fix something.
Lola Seicento recently posted…Top 5 Anti-Aging Beauty Oils of 2016
That’s a good idea, Helen! Maybe I should fish those tweezers out of the trash!
Morning Allison ??☕️☕️ I’m watching The Rose Parade and drinking my first cup of coffee. Reading your blog. I am going to try the Cosmedica Skincare High Active Vitamin C 79%. My goal in 2017 is to fade my age spots. At age 67, it is a TASK! ? Where would be the best place to purchase the Cosmedica Skincare High Active Vitamin C 79%? Have a beautiful day. ?
Jeff just told me that the Rose Parade is on. I need to check it out! I have finished one 7 day course plus two days of the next 7 day course of this new product from Cosmedica. You can check it out via the link that is in that paragraph. As I mentioned, I’ve been using vitamin C serums for a couple of years, and all my easy to fade dark spots/freckles have faded and I’m left with four more serious ones that I seem to be stuck with. I am going to do the full 21 days and report back. Cosmedica’s regular Vitamin C Serum is the one I’ve used for a long time, and it definitely made a difference for me. The new product is a lot more expensive, but it’s supposed to work faster. Take a look at the website via the link and check out the new product as well as their regular Vitamin C Serum.
Oh my, you used up so much makeup! IDK why my makeup never seems to reduce, no matter how much I use up. I’m doing my Empties’ post – and link-up – tomorrow 🙂
CosmetopiaDigest recently posted…Goals And Resolutions For 2017
Well, these things were a long time coming! If I didn’t already have so many palettes, I probably would’ve hung onto the Stila a little longer. I will link to your post tomorrow. Thank you xoxo Hope your cold is better. I’ve got one too. How do you know yours is a Thai virus??
You’ve had a busy month! It drives me bonkers when I end up with tweezers that can’t grab fine hairs! I’ve tossed a few I’ve been given for that very reason myself.
The Jedi Wife recently posted…KBShimmer: The Office Space Collection
Great job! I love peeking at people’s empties. The Good Earth Body Cream definitely got my attention, so I’ll be checking them out for sure.
Bailey recently posted…Pearlesque Box | January 2017 Akar Skin
I love your empty posts and plan on doing one in February. I’m saving some things just for the post. I tossed some bath/body items though that just looked too moldy/oldy to save for the post.
MarciaF recently posted…Go a little crazy with Mad Hippie in your life
I like the pan porn! It’s cool to see what you’ve finished.
Phyrra recently posted…Tarte Tarteist Pro Palette Cat Eye Tutorial
I love seeing your empties posts! I never remember to save anything for an empties, lol!
Kat Dinges recently posted…PUR Cosmetics | Trolls Eye Shadow Palette
Thanks for the recap. I want to make it through more of my products this year before I purchase new ones. It’s so hard when you’re a product junkie…
LaShon Renee recently posted…How to Overcome Feeling Overwhelmed
I hear you, LaShon. But I hate throwing out unused or hardly used products so I try to get through at least some of them. But i do have over 100 lipsticks and probably close to 50 palettes so I’m not that good lol
Girl!! The quick dry topcoat you want is Glisten & Glow HK Girl. I never understood all the fuss, being a Seche girl, until I tried it. KB Shimmer is my second fave. I wanted that Stila Mistletoe palette when it came out, but I was already blogging and knew I’d never get around to it. but dang it, I wanted it!!
I know I need the HK Girl Glisten and Glow. Wish I had thought about it during the holidays when they might have had free shipping.
Wow. U used a lot. I love to read empties post.
Uma recently posted…New Year Nails 2017 Using Dry Flowers.
You used up so much stuff! I can never seem to finish anything. I think I just have too many open products of everything.
Simona recently posted…Kiko 391 Verde Erba
Thanks, Simona. Unless I actually hate something, I have this feeling that I need to use everything up and not waste it. Crazy, I know.
So many awesome empties, wow! I also tried that BareMinerals cream shadow and wasn’t overly impressed with it. Bummer when they dry out so soon!
Katie Garvin recently posted…LipSense – Is It Worth the Hype?
Yeah, I wouldn’t repurchase the BareMinerals cream shadow either. The mousse-like consistency doesn’t do it for me.
Every time I think that I threw out a lot of empties at the end of the month I see your empties post and I feel ashamed of myself lol. That Farmhouse Fresh soap in the coconut scent sounds like something that I would love.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Maybelline Big Shot Mascara Review
It’s a lovely soap, Aleya, and very long lasting. Plus that sweet printed paper wrapping is so cute. Great for a hostess gift too.
Great end of the year haul on your beauty products…I have been doing a good job last year and now into January using up my beauty/lifestyle products before buying anything new…except of stuff for testing!!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Yes, I’ve noticed that you have indeed!
You used up some great products this year! At first I was amazed that you made it through the Seche Vite but when I read that it had thickened I was like “Oh so I’m not the only one!” I was told that adding some thinner to it can get it to loosen back up but I don’t like to do that because I’m afraid it’ll ruin the good qualities of it and I’ll be put off it.
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest recently posted…Maybelline New Year Releases
Yeah, the Seche Vite is so disappointing when it thickens. I don’t like adding thinner because it definitely changes the performance of the polish or topcoat that I add it to. I’ve been hearing great things about HK Girl and KB Shimmer topcoats so I’m hoping they’re have a “free shipping” promotion one of these days so I can try them instead.