I didn’t think I used up very much in March, but on second look, I did pretty well.
As usual, the products I finished were primarily skincare products. No surprise. But I used up 4 hand creams! I guess that’s because we’re coming out of winter.
Hand Cream
- H2O+ Spa Targeted Care Hand and Nail Cream: This is my favorite hand cream. It works the best for me to keep my uber dry skin hydrated and plumped. It’s on the thick side but gets absorbed completely. I reviewed it previously here. Repurchase? Already one in waiting, but I intend to buy another for my stash during the Ulta Platinum Sale Event this week because this one works the best for me.
- Ayres Hand Cream, Pampas Sunrise: I got this deluxe hand cream in either an ipsy bag or Birchbox. It’s also on the thick side, but it absorbs completely. It makes my skin very, very soft, but it isn’t quite as plumping as H2O+. But I love this hand cream not only because of the formula but mostly because of the scent. It has lemongrass and patchouli in it, two of the notes that I love, so no surprise that I like it so much. Repurchase? Not right now because I have other hand creams to use up.
- Whish Hand Remedy Rice Milk: I’ve had the Whish Hand Remedy for several months and reviewed it in the past here. It’s lighter weight than the H2O+ and Ayres Hand Creams. But it’s formula is quite different: in addition to moisturizing, it also brightens and exfoliates. Although my big dark spots are still with me, it has faded some smaller dark spots. That’s a good thing, IMHO. Repurchase? Yes.
- L’Occitane 25% Shea Butter Whipped Hand Cream: I got this tube in a spring L’Occitane box along with another L’Occitane hand cream. I’m not overly crazy about this hand cream. It is a thick cream, absorbs after a little while, and it has a strong, floral-ish scent that I don’t really like. Repurchase? No.
BodyCare
- Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion, Unscented: If you’ve got really, really dry skin like I do, Eucerin Professional Repair is the way to go. I don’t use it all the time because it’s so functional compared to the more luxurious, great-smelling lotions that I often use. The lotion is more liquid than the other body butters that I use, but it is a rich formula, it absorbs very well and is very hydrating. The hydration is very long-lasting. Repurchase? Next winter, I’ll buy some more.
- Moulton Brown Shower Gel, Tobacco Absolute: Jeff bought me my favorite scent of Moulton Brown Shower Gel, Ylang Ylang, and with it, I got a deluxe sample of Tobacco Absolute. I’m a big fan of gender neutral scents, sometimes even men’s fragrances, but this one was a bit too masculine for me. Repurchase? No.
- Nature Island Botanicals Blood Orange Bar Soap: Handmade by Daphne Frampton, natural and organic Blood Orange soap, reviewed here) is one of the most gorgeous and hydrating soaps I’ve ever used. The colors are bright and cheerful, and the orange scent is heavenly. Repurchase? Yes, of course!
Facial Skincare
- MDSUN Super Hydration B Serum: I recently reviewed this fabulous face serum here. It’s a super hydrating HA serum that my skin absolutely loves! Repurchase? I would be sobbing upon finishing up this rather pricey serum, but I fortunately have another bottle.
- Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream: This sample packet came along in the box when I purchased the new Too Faced Peach Eye Shadow Palette, and I decided to use it the other night. First, it’s green, and for me, that’s a good thing. It’s a rich night cream that is very hydrating and very soothing. I got 3 days worth of cream, and I love it. Sorry to see it go. Repurchase? If I weren’t drowning in skincare products, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Perfect for dry/very dry skin or for winter.
- 111 Skin Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel: This deluxe sample of eye gel came in the Barney’s goody bag that I got last fall. I just discovered it about a month ago. It’s a cloudy, medium weight eye gel that helped give the skin above my crease more elasticity and helped it look firmer. I loved it! Repurchase? At $190 for a full size but still little bottle, it’s out of my league but on my wish list.
Makeup Related Products
- Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: I bought the travel size of this primer 2 years ago. When I first tried it, I wasn’t so taken by it. It seemed too lightweight, so different from the gels I usually used. But over time, it grew on me. Now, I love how lightweight but still effective it is. It works so well under the new lightweight, water foundations. Repurchase? Yes. I plan to buy it during the Sephora VIB sale event next week.
- Shiseido Lash Curler Pad: I really love my Shiseido Lash Curler. It works so well to curl my stick straight lashes without leaving a crimp like some other lash curlers can. But after a couple of months, it’s time to change the curling pad. Repurchase? Fortunately, the curler comes with a spare pad! Unfortunately, Sephora doesn’t carry the pads anymore so I have to buy them from Shiseido.
- Almay Eye Makeup Remover Liquid: After becoming disillusioned with my former favorite Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover (I think they changed the formula!), I discovered Almay. I love it. It’s gentle but it does a good job removing even mascara with built-in fibers. Repurchase? Not right now. I’m using cleansing balms that remove my eye makeup, so I’m holding off on buying more eye makeup remover and going with the multitasker.
So that’s it for me. What about you? What did you use up this month?
What’s your Reaction?
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
I like that Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream, and I just discovered how much I like their Seaweed Cleanser. It’s got little bits of seaweed exfoliant in it. Great job with all the skincare empties this month!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Melts On My Nails…
I looked up the Seaweed Night Cream and it costs $22. Mario Badescu products are such a great value, and they were on sale at Ulta during the 21 Days too.
That’s a great list of empties, Allison! I’m also planning to pick up something from the sale and my husband is already cringing. LOL!
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…REVIEW: Sleek Eyebrow Stylist (Medium)
LOL! What are you thinking of getting, Shireen? Other than the Hourglass travel size Veil Primer and a Bite Beauty lipstick, I don’t have anything else that I’m sure about. I will look at the Tarte round eye shadow palettes, but I may get one at Ulta because I get 20% off there this week. There’s nothing I “need”, but I hate to miss an opportunity for a sale!
Becca Backlight Priming Filter primer! Everyone is raving about it and because I love me some glow, I just need to get it!. Haha! And maybe the Hourglass Veil primer in a travel size because I want to do a comparison post with NYX Angel Veil. Ohh….Bite Beauty lipstick sounds good, which shade do you have in mind, Allison?
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…REVIEW: Sleek Eyebrow Stylist (Medium)
I’m considering Bite Beauty Pepper, Sweet Cream and one other – they’re all everyday neutral, pinky-peach shades! The Becca primer sounds lovely! I wish I had read this before I went to Ulta, lol, because I used my 20% off coupon there already. My Sephora VIB discount is only 15%, boo hoo 😉 I am going to replace the travel size Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer because I really like it and it’s great for travel. I forgot to check out the NYX Angel Veil. does it come in a tube like the Hourglass?
Haaa! Lucky you! I only got 10% because I’m new to the whole Sephora North America thing and initially thought I could use my Sephora Malaysia card here. Why I thought of that? I don’t know, it was one of my many blonde moments.
NYX Angel Veil comes in a tube and many claimed it to be a very close dupe to Hourglass Veil primer. I really like NYX Angel Veil, it’s actually the first primer that made a difference to my makeup.
Btw, this might sound like a stupid question but how do you apply your primer? I see all the YouTuber apply all over their face like a moisturizer whereas I only use a tiny bit on my cheeks where my pores are showing and the middle of my forehead, am I doing it wrong?
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…REVIEW: Sleek Eyebrow Stylist (Medium)
I don’t blame you for trying to use your Malaysia card, Shireen! But 10% is better than nothing. I will definitely look for the NYX Angel Veil next trip to Ulta. I apply primer over my entire face too. Because my skin is so dry, I like having that buffer between my skin and the foundation. I helps the foundation last longer all over and gives a more uniform finish. Give it a try and see what you think. For me a primer is more moisture too.
Excellent job, Allison! I am impressed by the number of full size products that you finished in March!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…SEPHORA VIB EVENT 15% OFF APRIL 8-13
Thank you, Helen! I thought I hadn’t finished up much, but I did better than I thought. But so sorry to finish up the MDSun serum. Glad I’ve got some more
I think you always do a great job using up stuff. Much more than I usually do!
In March I did really well: BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 in Fair (already opened a new one; will re-purchase); e.l.f. Mist & Set (already opened a new one; will re-purchase); Mirabella Face & Eye Prime (love it as face primer; hate it as eye primer); a jar of loose e.l.f. HD Powder (already opened a new one; will re-purchase); e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara (would re-purchase); Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Glow Powder (a rare miss from SK; I won’t be re-purchasing); .5 oz jar of Olay Regenerist micro-sculpting cream (not bad, but I like Eslor much more); a travel-sized Urban Decay Primer Potion; Previse HydroMilk Hyaluronic Lotion (liked it); bhCosmetics Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (already opened a new one; will re-purchase); bhCosmetics Studio Pro Makeup Brush Cleaner (already opened a new one; will re-purchase); a pack of Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes; a few fragrance samples (Mark Jacobs Daisy & I forget what else). I’m very close to using up a few more things. Maybe by the end of this month.
Wow, Rachel, you did really really well this month! Isn’t it amazing when you finish up foundation? For me that’s a real accomplishment. Is the BareMinerals Original Foundation the powder or one of their liquids? I used to use BM mineral foundation exclusively, and I have repurchased it many times but now my skin is so dry, I’ve moved on to liquids. I’m a fan of Mirabella but I haven’t tried the primer. I’ve heard raves about the elf HD Powder – I’ll pick one up next sale. I was a long time fan of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, and I still use it from time to time. I haven’t tried Eslor, and I’m curious about the HydroMilk HA Lotion. Thanks for giving me some new products to check into! I hope you’re feeling a little better than you were last week xoxo
The Orginal Foundation is the powder (not the Matte Foundation powder, that came later). I’ve been using it for 15 years or so. For the longest time, especially before face primers existed, it was the only thing I could use on my oil slick of a face. The Mirabella Primer seems much lighter weight than most of the silicone primers out there, IMO. I’ve had the MUFE HD Powder, and I think e.l.f.’s is a perfect dupe. I actually like it better because e.l.f.’s doesn’t have the strong fragrance that MUFE’s does. Eslor works better than any firming cream I’ve used; it’s spendy, but amazing. A tub is nearly $100, but it if I use it every day, it lasts 3-4 months. I found after the first couple months, I could go longer periods in-between uses. Now I use it about twice a week. When I get the samples of Olay, Estte Lauder, etc. firming creams, I’ll use those on the days I don’t use Eslor.
Is Eslor sold in stores or is it online only? I’m very curious about it after your recommendation, but right now I have so much skincare to test I can’t buy any on my own. Nevertheless, I’d love to see it, sample it if possible. I’ve heard that the elf HD Powder is a dupe for MUFE. I don’t always wear powder, and I have quite a few, but I’ll check it out at some point. I started wearing BM mineral foundation about 2 years after it launched. I bought it during a business trip to SF, and I wore it probably for 8+ years. Now my skin is too dry for it, but it is the only foundation that does a perfect job covering my sun damage. It’s amazing that way.
I’ve only seen Eslor online on the Eslor website and Overstock.com. I don’t think it’s sold in stores, unless salons carry it.
I often use the BareMinerals foundation on my finger and pat it over blemishes. It works really great as a concealer, so I’m surprised it covered sun damage well. The make a powder concealer, but the lightest shade is still too dark for me.
Great idea, Rachel! I will find my BareMinerals foundation and start using it as concealer again, this time over my liquid foundation. Why not! I’ll keep my eyes open for Eslor on Overstock – thank you!
*not surprised it covered your sun damage
Hey lookie who’s back! ME! (who also hasn’t given up, and doesn’t plan to either, lol!)
That’s definitely a decent pile of empties. March here was mostly about…soap? The start of the [slightly] warmer season allowed me to put away the heavy duty Olay for a bit and concentrate on the stock of near-empties that have been sitting around since last fall. I finally FINALLY emptied up one of those hugemongous Philosophy pump bottles, as well as a L’Occitane Citron, and another in Honey. The citron and honey are perennial favourites so it’s not like there aren’t more waiting in the wings, but at least I can pull new ones out of the cabinet and feel like I’ve made a hole there, if not in my actual shower. 😉
I have that particular shea cream too and agree that the scent seems especially vivacious for what it is. Though truthfully where most scents are concerned, a lot of L’Occitane offerings seem not for those faint of heart. Even if the scent doesn’t stick around all day, the initial application is almost always a totally immersive experience. My cat hates all of their hand creams. If I so much as open a tube in her presence, she immediately flees from the room. I tried it once while she was sleeping and you should have seen the look that came across her sweet little kitty face. Daggers out the eyeballs, I tell you!
That’s hysterical, Rach! I can picture a kitty taking off like a bat outta hell! I like L’Occitane, but I received either 2 or 3 tubes in the box I bought last spring, and I’m not really a fan. There are so many nice smelling hand creams out there that I’ll stick to buying other things from L’Occi. I’m very impressed that you finished up the huge pump bottles! I finished up one of those biggies from EO last year, and I wanted to celebrate! They’re a bargain but sometimes I get sick of looking at them. However, if it’s for a family, it makes more sense. Hope you’re feeling better by now, and so great to hear from you xoxo
I love empties posts 😛 Too bad I’m bit too lazy for collecting empty jars, bottles and tubes 😛
Leelo recently posted…Simple Spring makeup with Avon products
I don’t collect mine, I recycle them 😉 You’ve gotta get rid of things one way or another, and I’d rather recycle something that’s empty. Unless I hate it, of course
I’ve been thinking about upgrading my lash curler to the Shiseido one, good to know I can’t get the pads from Sephora
Tess Galen recently posted…Cult Make Up Items
Tess, I was wrong. The suburban Sephora where I shop doesn’t have the replacement pads/refills in the store, but they are sold at Sephora online, $6 for 2. I usually replace mine every 4-5 months. The Shiseido Lash Curler comes with one already installed and one extra. It’s a great lash curler!
It is always fun to see people’s empties. I love that Hourglass primer too.
Carleen recently posted…Awesome Diet Blueberry Muffins, Low Carb, Gluten Free, 21 Day Fix Approved
I agree. I get turned on to so many products that way
I love seeing everyone’s empties posts because it usually means it was a good product to use! Sometimes not, but for those are that winners, I like to take note.
Kat Dinges recently posted…Wednesday Jam: Charisma
I have an aversion to throwing out unused product unless it’s really not good. But I have a body lotion now that works well but I hate the scent. Maybe I’ll actually toss it! That’ll be a first 😉
I haven’t met a L’Occitane product I didn’t like, but maybe I’ll steer clear of this hand lotion. I also used to swear by Eucerin when I lived in the northeast, their oatmeal lotion was the only thing that cured my itchy dry skin.
Julie recently posted…Beauty Junkees Contouring and Highlighting Kit + PRO Beauty Sponge Blender Set
It could be just me, Julie, but I’m not a fan of the scent and whatever the scent is, it’s very strong!
I enjoyed your March empties post..I use Eucerin lotion due to my dry skin issues and I keep look out if Rimmel does changed the eye remover formula (use this brand before!)
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Did you notice the Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover doing a less good job removing mascara? It’s been for about a year since it seemed to be changed. Anyway, I’ve given it up 😉
LOVE seeing posts like this. I always hear good things about Hourglass primer!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…PÃR Cosmetics Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara Swatches + Review
I took me a while to get on to it, but I love it now!
I’m so impressed with the amount you used up. I give up on products too soon to make them into empties. I tossed 2 mascaras since time was up and they weren’t working quite as well. I also finished my giant bottle of Bioderma Micellar Water which I loved. I’ve got two other brands open or I’d be repurchasing it immediately.
MarciaF recently posted…Get ‘blurred lines’ with Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant Skin Finish #BodyBlur
Finishing that big BioDerma MW is quite an accomplishment, Marcia!! I try hard to use everything up or give it away. I’m struggling now because I have a tube of body lotion (that’s more like a butter) that I was sent last year for review. I really like the brand, but even I hate the scent of this “lotion” so I seldom use it. I’m trying to convince myself to toss it. And maybe I’ll ask my housecleaner if she wants it – wish I had thought of that yesterday when I gave her 6 Milani matte lipsticks!
Yes, I need to repurchase some hourglass, too. I also am j huge fan of eucerin for my daughter. She has such dry skin and it works perfectly for her sensitivity.
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…Rimmel Sculpting Palette Trio and a Bonus Bunny?!
Hourglass seldom disappoints, and for serious skin issues, Eucerin can’t be beat. I’m glad it works well for your daughter.
I bought the giant 2 oz tube of the Hourglass primer during one of the last sales, love it!
Phyrra recently posted…Top Ten March Beauty Favorites
The Hourglass Veil Primer really grew on me. After I first bought it, I was so impressed, but the more I used it the more I stopped using my Smashbox and others. It’s so lightweight yet it works so well even for my older skin.
I use Euecerin, it’s great for KP!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Your Guide to Beauty Blending Sponge
Eucerin is so good for so many skin issues!
You got through some really good stuff! I’ve tried that L’Occitane hand cream and I prefer some of the other scents in their line to that one. Too floral!
Justina recently posted…Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks
Glad I’m not the only one who feels that way. I can’t stand the scent of this one.
Great Empties this month! You used up so much product! I’ve always wanted to try Mario Bedescu products but haven’t gotten around to it yet… so much product, so little time!
Megan T. recently posted…Tutorial: Megan’s 21st Springtime Birthday Makeup
I haven’t tried very many Badescu products but I’ve been so impressed with the ones I have tried. Plus they’re affordable 🙂
Impressive! I don’t think I finished anything other than cleansing cloths. I’ve been bouncing around too much to put much of a dent in anything.
Bailey recently posted…OPI Soft Shades 2016 | Pastels Collection
I know what you mean. I am making a concerted effort to get through some things that are nearing the end, yay!
Wow, you really got through some products this month 🙂 I love the Hourglass primer – I’m all out & I must use up a few other products before a re-purchase.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…My Five Top Picks for the VIB Rouge Sale Event
I have some other primers too, but I find the Hourglass travel size one so handy, and we’re going on vacation next week!
That L’Occitane cream actually sounds like something I would LOVE! I’m all about florals!
Babi recently posted…A little bit of vamp from NAILNATION 3000 : Swatches and Review
Then you might like this one!
You used up some amazing stuff Allison. I am obsessed with the Hourglass Veil primer, it’s one of my favorites and I don’t like to run out of mine. haha. I need to try the Whish Hand Remedy Rice Milk, it sounds like something I’d love.
Brigette Ramos recently posted…Kick Start Your Skincare with The Power of Two from Elizabeth Arden New York + GIVEAWAY!
Good job finishing all those products, Allison!
Thanks, Anastasia! Gotta make room for more 😉
Great empties list! I used that hourglass primer too and I think I had the same initial thoughts as you; but seeing as you will repurchase I may give it another try!
Elaine recently posted…The Clinique Pretty Easy Eye Palette
When I went to Sephora, the Hourglass rep was there and he convinced me to try the Hourglass Antiaging Primer because it’s more hydrating but it lacks the SPF 15. Fortunately, he thru in a good size sample of the Veil Mineral Primer – perfect for my trip! He also introduced me to a nice lip balm with non-drying plumper that’s a form of Restalyne. I like it. Deciding whether to buy one during the Sephora sale.