Empties: Spring + Summer 2014

Okay, so I've been slacking pretty hard on empties posts this year. I know I originally said I would do this seasonally, but as I got busier with work, I had less and less time to blog and I soon neglected to do empties. But my empties bag got so full that I just couldn't ignore it any longer. So I've decided to do empties posts bi-annually rather than seasonally. This post is, as per usual, dedicated to the original Beauty Reductionista, who inspired me to start the empties project to begin with. Without further ado, here is my empties tally, collected from March 31 to September 30:

Skincare:

MAC Wipes (100 sheets) — My holy grail make-up removing wipe. Still the best in the industry, in my opinion. And one of the cheapest options when you calculate cost per sheet. These are a staple in my house and in my kit.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion (150 ml x 3) — This softening lotion (used in the place of toner) is meant to "condition the skin for a smoother, more radiant look and feel." It makes my skin feel softer, smoother, and more hydrated without leaving a film. And it smells good.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence (30 ml x 3) — The Lightful line of skincare is probably MAC's most underrated products. I've been using the serum for ages, and it's amazing for evening out skintone and adding brightness to the skin. It doesn't necessarily fade dark spots, but it does help a lot with discolouration. It's lightweight and absorbs instantly and smells good, too. Love.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Lancôme Crème Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser (200 ml) — This was my holy grail make-up removing cleanser before I discovered Philosophy's Purity Made Simple Cleansing Gel. It got too expensive to use regularly, but I usually stockpile when they come out with the deluxe-sized versions (200 ml) for the same price as their regular-size version (120 ml). Still love this, but will likely stick to Philosophy after I finish my other tube because it takes off make-up better and is more cost-effective.

Re-purchase? Maybe, but only on promotion.  

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution (250 ml) — Favourite eye make-up remover of all time. Staple in my bathroom and in my kit.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Gel & Eye Makeup Remover (225 ml) — My holy grail make-up removing cleanser.

Re-purchase? Yes. 

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser (210 ml) — Actually a very effective deep cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin. But I couldn't stand the smell.
Re-purchase? No. 

Michael Todd Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser (210 ml) — I found this one to be more gentle than the Charcoal Detox, but more effective in removing make-up. If Michael Todd was more accessible in stores here, I would be inclined to buy this again. And it kinda smells like a Creamsicle, which I quite enjoy.
Re-purchase? Yes.    

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub (100 ml) — Extremely effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin. It seemed like this stuff sucked impurities out of the skin, to the point where I'd actually see a pimple forming the day after because it brought all the crap out of my skin to the surface. In terms of scrubbing, it was actually on the smoother side rather than gritty, so I treated this as more of a bi-weekly deep cleansing purifier. However, it didn't actually make my skin look or feel any smoother like an exfoliator would. This would be far better for acne-prone skin, who would benefit from having a gentler scrub but with excellent deep cleansing properties.
Re-purchase? No.  

Michael Todd Hydration Boost Facial Serum (30 ml) — It is a hydrating product, but I felt like it was too heavy to be a serum for my combination skin; I prefer my hydration serums to be extremely lightweight and absorbed almost immediately, and this serum was heavy and sticky and seemed to take a while to absorb. I ended up not using moisturizer on top of this. I can see those with drier skins quite enjoying this, though. Still, the smell on this is terrible.
Re-purchase? No. 

Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner (250 ml) — Actually quite an effective toner, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but the smell is so strong and so horrible (like, it was so bad that I had to breathe in through my mouth while using this) that I would not get near this again.
Re-purchase? No. 

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator (50 ml) — It's lightweight and absorbs quite immediately on the skin, but this kept me matte for approximately 30 minutes so I can't imagine it keeping anyone matte for "up to eight hours." And I didn't notice any difference in pore size (though, to be fair, I don't have big pores). Basically: it's decent on the hydration front, but not great on the stay-matte front. Think this would work better as a serum than as a moisturizer, and for normal skins than combination-to-oily.
Re-purchase? No.  

Clarins Hydra-Matte Lotion (50 ml) — More effective than the Clinique Stay-Matte Hydrator as a hydrator, a mattifier, and a moisturizer. Nice and lightweight; I liked it as a day-time moisturizer in the summer. But again, it doesn't keep my skin matte for that long. Longer than the Clinique (maybe a couple hours), but not any more than that. I've since come to the conclusion not to rely on moisturizers to keep me matte, but a mattifying primer instead. This is decent, but not special enough for me to buy again.
Re-purchase? No.  

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster (30 ml) — I quite enjoyed this serum; it made my skin look smoother and more radiant in general. I like the texture and the smell, too. Think I would benefit from using this more so in the winter, though, when my skin really needs the boost.
Re-purchase? Yes.  

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation (30 ml) — This is meant to gently exfoliate and fade dark spots, though I didn't really see a huge change in my skin with this. I think you need to use this for a longer period of time to really see any differences. I do love the texture of this moisturizer, though, and it kept my skin well-hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. Again, I think I would benefit from using this more in the winter.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

The Face Shop Green Tea Phyto Powder Cleansing Foam (170 ml) — I used this exclusively to wash my face in the morning so I don't know its efficacy as a make-up remover, but it has everything I love in a cleanser: whipped cream texture, lathers into a foam, leaves skin feeling fresh and clean but not dry. And the price is right at under $10.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion (400 ml) — I've been using this on and off for years. I actually really like this toner, and it always becomes my back-up when I'm trying other toners. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, but comfortable and smooth, and it smells really nice. Sadly, this formulation was discontinued; I picked this up at the Lauder warehouse sale earlier this year.
Re-purchase? No, it was discontinued. 

Haircare:

Lush Big Shampoo (325 g) — I used this twice a week to clarify and deep-cleanse, but it can be drying if used often (I wash my hair everyday, so I switch between a few different shampoos and conditioners). It makes my hair feel lighter and cleaner, and look shinier and more voluminous. But... I'm kinda over my Lush phase. For now. I want to try other brands, but I will return to this someday.

Re-purchase? Yes, but not right now.

Bath & Body Works Aromatheraphy Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Body & Shine Conditioner (473 ml) — Probably one of Bath & Body Works' most underrated products. I originally bought this for the scent (which is one of my favourites from the brand) but it's a surprisingly effective conditioner. I didn't see a huge difference in volume, but it did add shine and was great at detangling. Good price for the amount you get, too.

Re-purchase? Yes, if it's on promotion.

Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Clean Rinse Shampoo (375 ml) — I stopped using Pantene Pro-V because I've found that most of their shampoos and conditioners weigh down my hair, but when I saw that they came out with this silicone-free formula, I was down to try it. And no regrets; it cleans hair without adding weight or stripping it of moisture, and smells fresh and clean. Simplicity is best, really.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Clean Rinse Conditioner (375 ml) — As with the shampoo, I was really quite pleased with this formula. It detangles hair beautifully and leaves it feeling soft and smooth without adding any weight or residue. Beautiful.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Herbal Essences Naked Volume Shampoo (300 ml) — I originally bought this for the scent (white grapefruit and mint) and it's actually become one of my favourite shampoos. As with the Pantene Aqua Light, it leaves my hair feeling really clean without adding weight or stripping it of moisture, but this scent is way more addictive. My new favourite drugstore shampoo.
Re-purchase? Yes, already bought a double-sized bottle. 

Herbal Essences Naked Volume Conditioner (300 ml) — Same as above, and it detangles surprisingly well, too. And leaves my hair smelling positively delightful!
Re-purchase? Yes, already bought a double-sized bottle. 

Garner Fructis Passion Splash Fortifying Conditioner (384 ml) — I bought this because it was on sale (I go through a lot of conditioner). It smells good, but that's pretty much the only thing I like about it. It doesn't detangle well, nor does it make my hair smoother, softer, or more "fortified."
Re-purchase? No. 

L'Oréal Elnett Satin Lumiere Ultra Strong Hold (400 ml) — My favourite hairspray but in a formula that leaves a "luminous" finish rather than a flat finish so it looks more natural. Also protects hair against humidity, so it was quite excellent in the warm months.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

L'Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold (250 ml) — My favourite hairspray but in an extra strong hold formula.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bodycare:

Lush Celebrate Body Lotion (220 g) — I think this is the only Lush body lotion I have ever liked, so of course it's limited edition (it came out for New Year's). It's a little heavier than most body lotions but lighter than a body cream or body butter. What got me hooked is the scent. It has "fresh citrus oils" and "a splash of cognac." It smells kinda like... limeade. So, it's awesome.
Re-purchase? Yes, if it ever comes back.

Lush Lime Smoothie (240 g) — Amazing! This was a Retro product from Lush, so it wasn't available in stores, but it became one of my favourite Lush body products. It's much more moisturizing than their regular shower gels, and I was confused about how to use it at first because you scoop it out of the tub and it's like cream. But you put a dollop of it into a shower pouf and it foams up like crazy. This one smells like classic soap with a hint of citrus. Fresh and clean.
Re-purchase? No, sadly, all of Lush's Retro products are now discontinued.

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel (500 ml) — My friend who works at Lush gave me this last year for my birthday, and I liked it at first; it's a blend of rose, vanilla, and lemon, so it was somehow citrus and floral but soft. But it gets a little too sweet and ultimately, cloying. And honestly, I was so sick of this halfway through the bottle.
Re-purchase? No. Plus, it was limited edition.

Lush Slammer Shower Gel (500 ml) — Best shower gel scent Lush ever made (it's like sweet lemonade) and it's discontinued. So, so, so sad.
Re-purchase? No. It was a Retro product and is discontinued. 

Lush Party On Shower Jelly (240 g) — I quite like Lush's Shower Jellies, and the same Lush friend got this one for me for my birthday. It smells terrible, like really bitter and herbal, but it leaves this really refreshing tingly minty sensation that's quite delightful on a hot summer day. Still, though, the smell isn't great. I'd rather get a minty body wash.
Re-purchase? No. It was a Retro product and is discontinued. 

Naked Advanced Skin Cream (200 ml) — Bought this at last year's IMATS. Amazing for sensitive, rash-prone, allergy-prone, eczema-prone skin. It's all-natural, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Kinda magical for problem skin.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Shower Cream (250 ml) — I like The Body Shop's Shower Creams in general because they're non-irritating and soap-free but lather up really well. But I've decided that I don't like the Brazil Nut scent in this formulation. I liked it in the scrub, but it's too cloying in the shower cream.
Re-purchase? No. 

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter (200 ml) — I love The Body Shop's Body Butters and this formula is great for dry skin, but I got sick of the Brazil Nut scent about halfway through. It smells a bit like cookies, so it's great if you like those dessert-based scents. I think I would appreciate this more in the winter, but still, there's a sweetness to it that gets cloying.
Re-purchase? No.

The Face Shop Green Tea Mild Body Wash (300 ml) — Foams up really well and smells exactly like Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea scent. Simple, fresh, and clean.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

The Face Shop Honey Citron Tea Moisture Body Wash (300 ml) — Foams up really well and smells exactly like honey and lemon. I like this one a little better because it does seem to provide more moisture.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

The Face Shop Honey Citron Tea Moisture Body Lotion (300 ml x 2) — I love the scent and it's lightweight but provides a decent amount of hydration. Probably not enough for winter, but great for warm weather months.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

The Face Shop Honey Citron Tea Moisture Hand Cream (70 ml) — Again, I love the scent and it's lightweight but provides a decent amount of hydration. It's not a repairing hand cream by any means, but it absorbs fast and is good if you want a non-greasy hand lotion. Good to have at work.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Soap & Glory Hand Food (125 ml) — Again, not repairing, but it does hydrate hands well. It's a little greasier than a lightweight lotion but it absorbs relatively fast. Good for dry hands, but not enough for very dry or cracked skin. It has an inoffensive, slightly sweet, floral scent.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

C. O. Bigelow Mentha Body Vitamin Body Lotion (295 ml x 2) — This was my obsession this summer. It creates a really cold, tingling sensation because there's peppermint oil in it (I only put it on my arms and legs because if you put it on your chest, it's almost too cooling) but it's so damn nice on a hot day. It smells a bit like toothpaste but it's oddly addictive.
Re-purchase? Yes, but it's discontinued here now.

Make-up:

MAC Fix+ (100 ml x 3) — The original make-up setting spray. Makes make-up look smoother, less powdery, less "make-uppy." You don't know the difference it makes until you use it. I spray it on mid-day to freshen up my make-up, too. I always keep a full-size one in my bathroom and a travel-size one in my purse.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation — NC35 (15 g x 2) — My go-to foundation. It's been a staple product for me for years. I'll try other foundations and always come back to this one because it feels weightless, is super buildable (to full coverage), has a matte finish, is super fast to put on, and is really low maintenance. And I've since learned that I prefer powder foundations over liquids or creams. I usually use this on its own with a flat-top buffing brush, but I sometimes layer it on top of MAC's Mineralize Concealer if I want a bit more coverage.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Blot Powder Pressed — Medium Dark (12g) — This has been my go-to finishing powder for years. Goes on nearly colourless and keeps me matte enough so I only have to blot once or twice a day. I also sweep some under my eyes; it keeps all eye make-up from smudging so I don't look like a raccoon by day's end.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.  

MAC Eyeshadow Pro Palette Refill Pan — All That Glitters (1.5 g) — Staple shade. Universally flattering, goes with everything, and amazing on its own.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish — Soft and Gentle (10 g) — This is my staple highlighter. Despite having a ton of highlighting powders, I always go back to this one. What I can't believe is that I actually finished one. Like, it took me nearly three years of using this almost everyday to use up. So, well worth the money.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Liquid Eye Liner — Boot Black (2.5 ml x 3) — I use this everyday; it has a precise felt-tip applicator and is a true carbon black with a matte finish. Another staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

L'Oréal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Felt Tip (1.5 ml) — I insert my Lancôme Artliner felt tip applicator into this (it actually screws perfectly into the tube) so I can save some money in between buying Lancôme's version (Artliner retails for $37, whereas this one is usually around $10).
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Mineralize Concealer — NW25 (5 ml x 2) — I use this mostly for evening out any redness on my cheeks, but occasionally under my eyes if I'm looking particularly tired. It has medium buildable coverage and a natural luminous finish, so it's ideal for people who want to even out skintone but not full or heavy coverage. It's hydrating and super-blendable, and doesn't cake or build-up in fine lines so it's ideal for layering. Love this stuff.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara (9 g x 3) — My go-to mascara. Another staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.   

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara (7 g) — It gives great volume and length, but it gets insanely clumpy after two coats. I don't really mind clumpy, but this was a little too spider-leggy for my liking, and it just doesn't go on quite as smoothly as I like. Either way, it's way too expensive for me to purchase regularly, even if I was completely in love with it.
Re-purchase? No. 

Dior DiorShow Black Out Mascara (10 g) — My favourite mascara by Dior. Gives amazing volume and length without being clumpy. But again, quite expensive for me to buy regularly. I do like to treat myself to this from time to time, though.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (8 g) — My holy grail eyeshadow primer.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

MAC Eyebrows — Lingering (0.09 g x 6) — My go-to eyebrow pencil. A staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have three back-ups. 

Other:

Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml) — My signature perfume. I go through about four full-size bottles a year.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a bottle with me.  

Boscia Blotting Linens — Green Tea (100 sheets) — Staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I usually buy two or three at a time. 

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm — Grapefruit & Ginger (7 g) — Staple lip balm. Love this flavour/scent, just like sweet grapefruit.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm — Vanilla & Lavender (7 g) — Could not stand this flavour/scent. I like smelling vanilla and lavender, but tasting it is a whole other story. It was somehow herbal and floral and sweet at the same time. Too cloying. Made it halfway through before giving up on it.
Re-purchase? No. 

Blistex Lip Medex Tube (4.25 g) — One of the best drugstore lip balms, in my opinion. So great for lips that need intense repair. I actually didn't buy this one; my friend had bought a double pack and gave me the second one. Quite a lifesaver in the winter.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex 'I'm Shea Butter' Lip Repair Cream (12 g) — I obviously bought this for the cute packaging (and also because The Face Shop was having a sale), but it's actually a pretty decent lip balm. The consistency is very similar to the Jack Black ones, but I do find the JB ones more repairing/moisturizing. What killed it for me, though, was the "seam" of the applicator broke, so that every time I squeezed the tube, a lot of the product came out (through the seam and the tip opening). Bad packaging is a no-no.
Re-purchase? No. 

Equate 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover and Up & Up Acetone Nail Polish Remover (473 ml x 2) — Only thing that effectively removes glitter nail polish. Don't care what brand I use, as long as it's 100% acetone.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

Joe Fresh Nail Polish Remover Regular (350 ml) — Ordinary nail polish remover. Not the greatest or most efficient formula, but I like the packaging (it has a small hole at the top to control flow rather than a massive hole that spills remover everywhere). Still, takes quite some work to take off non-cream polishes.
Re-purchase? No. 

Joe Fresh Extra Strength Nail Polish Remover (250 ml) — Great formula for taking off non-glitter polishes. And the same packaging that I like in Joe Fresh polish removers. Since I can't bring myself to spend so much money on Zoya's remover anymore, this is a decent replacement at a much more reasonable price (I think $3.99?).
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap — Wild Poppies (259 ml) — A lovely hand soap in a lovely scent, but I have found that B&BW's anti-bacterial soaps are the cause of my hand eczema, so I actually can't use these anymore.
Re-purchase? No. 

The Face Shop Silky & Soft Cotton Pads (80 pieces) — Actually a great facial cotton. It's less cushiony than the Shiseido ones, but just as soft and smooth, and doesn't leave pieces of cotton on the face. Pretty decently priced at $3. Far superior than any drugstore cotton for the same price. And I like that they come in a box.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g x 2) — This were my go-to staple cotton pads, but since they raised the price from $9 to $12 in a single year, I've switched to The Face Shop's. My friend Cynthia was kind enough to grab me four packs from the Shiseido warehouse sale, though (I think they were $5 a pack there), so I reckon I'll just ask her to stock up for me next time she goes.
Re-purchase? Yes, but not regularly.

Muji Cut Cotton (80 g) — An exact dupe of Shiseido's Facial Cotton. They might even come from the same damn factory. And guess what? These are $2.25 a pack. When is Muji going to come to Canada?!
Re-purchase? Yes, I am going to buy like, 10 packs next time I'm at Muji.

Total: 86 products (82 regular size, 4 jumbo size)

How are your empties going?

Empties: Winter 2013

This is technically my first empties post of 2014, which I actually should've put up at the end of March, but whatever, I'm only a couple days late. And, no, the title to this post is not a mistake; this post is for winter, not spring, even though it feels like it's still winter. (It's actually only been spring officially for two weeks!) Last January, when I did my first empties post of 2013, I decided to do these once every season rather than once a month, to kind of keep track of how many products I use up, and also to provide mini reviews of products. I'm going to continue this "once a season" schedule with empties posts for 2014, as I think it provides enough time for me to finish up products. This post is, as per usual, dedicated to the original Beauty Reductionista, who inspired me to start the empties project to begin with. Without further ado, here is my empties tally, collected from January 1 to March 31, 2014:


Skincare:

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Gel & Eye Makeup Remover (225 ml) — My holy grail make-up removing cleanser.

Re-purchase? Yes.

The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner (200 ml) — A no-frills toner that's good for even the most sensitive skin. Just leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean without feeling stripped.

Re-purchase? Yes, when it's on sale.

Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion (125 ml) — My holy grail face exfoliator.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover (100 ml) — An excellent dual eye make-up remover that takes off the most stubborn mascara or lipstick. I find this one comparable to many of the high-end eye make-up removers out there.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Wipes (100 sheets) — My holy grail make-up removing wipe. Still the best in the industry, in my opinion. And one of the cheapest options when you calculate cost per sheet. These are a staple in my house.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Cleanser (100 ml) — MAC says this cleanser "actively cleanses, rebalances, refreshes, hydrates and brightens the skin." I don't believe this has any long-term benefits since you rinse it off almost right away, but it has the most perfect texture: creamy, whipped, foaming, like a really thick mousse. It smells good, makes my skin feel soft and not stripped or dry at all. It doesn't take off make-up very well, but I use it in the morning and after removing make-up. I just love the feel of this stuff.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion (150 ml) — This softening lotion (used in the place of toner) is meant to "condition the skin for a smoother, more radiant look and feel." It makes my skin feel softer, smoother, and more hydrated without leaving a film. And it smells good.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence (30 ml) — The Lightful line of skincare is probably MAC's most underrated products. I've been using the serum for ages, and it's amazing for evening out skintone and adding brightness to the skin. It doesn't necessarily fade dark spots, but it does help a lot with discolouration. It's lightweight and absorbs instantly and smells good, too. Love.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex (50 ml) — As much skincare as I buy and use, I credit this serum as single-handedly fixing all my skin problems. I thought it was just for old people with wrinkles and dry skin (the opposite of what I have), so I was totally wary of using it... but within a week, my skin was clearer, smoother, more radiant, more hydrated. It makes pimples heal and scars fade faster. My skin's texture has never been better. Seriously a skin saver, if there ever was one. This formula was discontinued, but I managed to get another one of these at the warehouse sale last December for $55.
Re-purchase? Yes, but in the new formulation as this one was discontinued. 

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum (30 ml) — One of the best hydration serums I've ever used. Super-lightweight, absorbs almost instantly, leaves my skin feeling truly hydrated and soft. Such a great addition to my skincare routine this past winter. This is so hydrating, in fact, that I can use it without an extra moisturizer on top and my skin still feels quenched.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Haircare:

Herbal Essences Shine Collection Conditioner (400 ml) — Nice, but I don't find it quite as effective as a conditioner as the Smooth Collection conditioner overall. Still a good conditioner in the sense that it made my hair feel soft and detangled without adding residue or build-up. But I also prefer the scent of the other one more, too.

Re-purchase? Maybe, if it's on sale.

Herbal Essences Smooth Collection Conditioner (400 ml) — I love everything about this and the shampoo, too. You know those commercials where the woman is just basking in the delight of washing her hair? That's basically me when I use this. I would buy it for the scent alone, but it actually leaves my hair feeling soft and smooth without any film, residue, or build-up, and yes, the scent lingers, too. Extreme love.

Re-purchase? Yes.

The Body Shop Banana Shampoo (250 ml each) — A gentle shampoo that smells like banana popsicles. But nothing special otherwise. Just bought it out of nostalgia, but I don't love it.
Re-purchase? No.

MoroccanOil Treatment (100 ml) — It's a cult-status product for a reason. I smooth a very small amount of this in my hair after I straighten it. Leaves my hair so smooth, so shiny, and smelling positively delightful. And one bottle has lasted me nearly two years.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bodycare:

The Body Shop Body Butter in White Musk and Blueberry (200 ml x 2) — These have been my go-to body moisturizers in the past few months. My skin's incredibly dry and is prone to eczema and itchiness, and these are truly amazing at keeping my skin well-moisturized. These particular ones are formulated for dry skin, which is why I chose them to begin with. In colder months, I prefer heavier, almost greasy body creams, so these are ideal for me. I like both of these scents, but there are other ones I prefer.
Re-purchase? Yes, when they're on sale.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Satsuma (400 ml) — As I've mentioned, I love The Body Shop's Body Butters in general, but the Satsuma scent is one of my favourites which is why I bought the jumbo size of this. But I got really sick of the scent about halfway through the tub and it started feeling like a chore to get through the other half. It has a very, very strong smell and lingers on everything (clothes, sheets), too.
Re-purchase? Maybe, but only in the regular size.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Scrub (200 ml) — Smells like waffles and makes my skin feel baby soft.
Re-purchase? Yes, when it's on sale.

Lush Karma Kream (225 g) — Nice formulation and texture and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, but dear god, the smell is so strong that you literally smell like a Lush store for hours and hours and hours. I got this as a gift, but I wouldn't buy this for myself because the scent isn't really my cup of tea.
Re-purchase? No.

Make-up:

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens (100 sheets) — My go-to blotting sheets.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Fix+ (100 ml) — The original make-up setting spray. Makes make-up look smoother, less powdery, less "make-uppy." You don't know the difference it makes until you use it. I spray it on mid-day to freshen up my make-up, too. I always keep a full-size one in my bathroom and a travel-size one in my purse.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Lashes Mascara (6.5 ml) — Didn't like the brush or the effect that it gave my lashes. Doesn't build well at all, so while I like some clump to my mascara, this one was just clumpy in the most unflattering way. Literally made my lashes look like spider legs. So scary. Then again, dolls scare me, too. So... not sure why I bought this. And it smudges under my eyes, too.
Re-purchase? No.

MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara (5.6 g) — Because this is a fibre mascara, it's excellent for holding curl and adding extreme length, but not so much volume. So it's not really my cup of tea, but this is great for shorter lashes.
Re-purchase? No. 

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara (9 g x 2) — My go-to mascara. Another staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups. 

MAC Liquid Eye Liner — Boot Black (2.5 ml) — I use this everyday; it has a precise felt-tip applicator and is a true carbon black with a matte finish. Another staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Eyebrows — Lingering (0.09 g x 2) — My go-to eyebrow pencil. A staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have three back-ups. 

MAC Eyeshadow Pro Palette Refill Pan — Honey Lust (9 g x 2) — I finished another eyeshadow! Honey Lust has kind of replaced All That Glitters for me recently. A little bronzier, a little darker, and a little more sparkly, but it's been my go-to lid colour.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Mineralize Concealer — NW25 (5 ml x 2) — I use this mostly for evening out any redness on my cheeks, but occasionally under my eyes if I'm looking particularly tired. It has medium buildable coverage and a natural luminous finish, so it's ideal for people who want to even out skintone but not full or heavy coverage. It's hydrating and super-blendable, and doesn't cake or build-up in fine lines so it's ideal for layering. Love this stuff.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation — NC35 (15 g x 2) — My go-to foundation. It's been a staple product for me for years. I'll try other foundations and always come back to this one because it feels weightless, is super buildable (to full coverage), has a matte finish, is super fast to put on, and is really low maintenance. And I've since learned that I prefer powder foundations over liquids or creams. I usually use this on its own with a flat-top buffing brush, but I sometimes layer it on top of MAC's Mineralize Concealer if I want a bit more coverage.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Miscellaneous:

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief Hand Soap — Eucalyptus Spearmint (236 ml) — I have developed an allergic reaction to Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Soaps, so this is one of the few from them that I can actually use now. Love the scent; smells clean, fresh, and unisex.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Method Foaming Hand Wash — Daffodil Bouquet (300 ml) — My go-to liquid hand soap, because it's not as harsh as Bath & Body Works' hand soaps, which dry out my hands too much during colder months. I love, love, love this scent, but it was limited edition so I can't get it anymore.
Re-purchase? No, it's been discontinued.

Method Orla Kiely Hand Wash — Cloudburst (354 ml) — I prefer the foaming version of Method's hand soaps to these ones, but this one was a really nice scent. Clean, like laundry detergent.
Re-purchase? No, it's been discontinued. 

Equate Scented Baby Wipes (100 wipes) — I mostly use baby wipes to clean off swatches and sometimes my skin if I just need a refresh. I don't love these ones, though; they're not the softest and the pack dries up about halfway through.
Re-purchase? No.

Up & Up Acetone Nail Polish Remover (473 ml) — A staple product to take off glitter polishes.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g x 2) — Staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.

Slatkin & Co. 3-Wick Scented Candle — Sparkling Icicles (411 g) — Um, it took me two years to finish this. But I love the scent of this one. It's described as "a sparkling blend of citrus bouquet, bergamot and a touch of holiday moss." A nice crisp, bright scent that's quite unisex; a nice option in the winter when you don't want spicy, woodsy scents.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml and 30 ml) — My signature perfume. I go through about four full-size bottles a year.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a bottle with me.

Glysomed Hand Cream (50 ml) — A staple for my eczema-prone hands. It's thick and kind of greasy so I only apply it before I go to sleep, but it repairs dry skin like nothing else I've tried.
Re-purchase? Yes, I just got two super-size tubes from Costco.

Total: 43 products (42 full size, 1 jumbo size)

How are your empties going?

Empties: Autumn 2013

This is technically my last empties post of 2013, which I actually should've put up at the end of December, but whatever, I'm only a couple days late. And, no, the title to this post is not a mistake; this post is for fall, not winter, even though it feels like it's been winter forever already. (It's actually only been winter officially for two weeks!) Last January, when I did my first empties post of 2013, I decided to do these once every season rather than once a month, to kind of keep track of how many products I use up, and also to provide mini reviews of products. I think I'm going to continue this "once a season" schedule with empties posts for 2014, as I think it provides enough time for me to finish up products. This post is, as per usual, dedicated to the original Beauty Reductionista, who inspired me to start the empties project to begin with. Without further ado, here is my empties tally, collected from October 1 to December 31, 2013:


Skincare:

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner (200 ml) — A decent toner overall; makes my skin feel extra clean. I like that it's alcohol-free, too. I prefer this in the warmer months, though, 'cause it makes me skin feel a bit tighter in colder weather.

Re-purchase? Yes, but only in the summer, and when it's on sale.

Lancôme Tonique Douceur Softening Hydrating Toner Alcohol-Free (400 ml) — My ol' stand-by when it comes to toners. I got this double-sized bottle at Duty Free, 'cause it's way too expensive to purchase on a regular basis at retail price. It's great to use all year round and helps balance my skin without drying it out, though the scent isn't my favourite.

Re-purchase? Yes, but not at regular retail price.

MAC Cremewash (100 ml) — One of my favourite make-up removing cleansers. Creamy, lush, foaming, smells nice, takes off all make-up. I usually go back to this one when I'm in between trying out different cleansers. But I found out recently that it's been discontinued, so I can't even get this anymore.
Re-purchase? No, it's no longer available.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence (30 ml) — The Lightful line of skincare is probably MAC's most underrated products. I've been using the serum for ages, and it's amazing for evening out skintone and adding brightness to the skin. It doesn't necessarily fade dark spots, but it does help a lot with discolouration. It's lightweight and absorbs instantly and smells good, too. Love.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Fresh Rose Hydrating Serum (30 ml) — It made my skin feel soft and hydrated, and I liked the lock pump dispenser, though it was a little heavy for my liking and I absolutely hated the scent (which actually doesn't smell like rose at all, but more like herbal lavender).
Re-purchase? No.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate (50 ml) — It triggers your skin's genetic environment to speed up its youth protein cycle, so skin feels super-soft and looks glowing. I love this stuff and have been using it for years now, but it's really expensive at $125 for a 50 ml bottle, so it's a huge splurge for a product that's nice but not essential.
Re-purchase? Yes, but not for now.

Origins Make a Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Treatment (50 ml) — I was using this as my night moisturizer for half of the summer leading into fall and absolutely loved it. It has a kind of minty watermelon scent that reminds me of a mojito so it's kind of perfect for summer. It's a gel-cream so it's lightweight and absorbs really well, and left my skin feeling super supple and hydrated but not greasy. Those with drier skin can use this as a "treatment" and use a moisturizer on top, but I felt like this one was more than enough hydration for my combination/oily skin. A great moisturizer for that transitional period between seasons.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Origins Make a Difference Night Skin Rejuvenating Gel-Cream (50 ml) — This was my main night moisturizer for the majority of fall (starting from mid-October). I actually really love this one because it's incredibly hydrating but not heavy, so my skin never felt stripped or tight even in -20°C weather. However, this was discontinued (I actually picked it up at one of the Lauder warehouse sales), so it's no longer available.
Re-purchase? No, it's no longer available.

Haircare:

Garnier Fructis Citrus Mint Fresh Fortifying Shampoo (384 ml) — I bought this because it was on sale and I really liked the fresh citrus mint scent for warmer weather (it took me a while to finish this one because I was switching between this and like, three other shampoos). It's a good shampoo for purifying without stripping, and it makes hair feel light and super-clean. Good for warmer months; I like something more hydrating for winter.

Re-purchase? Yes, but in the summer.

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Conditioner (675 ml) — This used to be my go-to drugstore conditioner, and it's great for detangling and making hair look smooth and shiny. But after going back to the Herbal Essences conditioner, I realized how much heavier and filmy it made my hair feel because it's not silicone-free or sulfate-free.

Re-purchase? No.

Herbal Essences Smooth Collection Shampoo and Conditioner (400 ml each) — This was my favourite drugstore shampoo/conditioner from elementary school days and it was discontinued a long time ago, but they brought it back and I originally got them for nostalgia's sake. I love everything about them. You know those commercials where the woman is just basking in the delight of washing her hair? That's basically me when I use this. I would buy it for the scent alone, but it actually leaves my hair feeling soft and smooth without any film, residue, or build-up, and yes, the scent lingers, too. Extreme love.
Re-purchase? Yes!

Lush Big Shampoo (325 g) — You can read my review of this here. I use this twice a week to clarify and deep-cleanse, but it can be drying if used often (I wash my hair everyday, so I switch between a few different shampoos and conditioners). It makes my hair feel lighter and cleaner, and look shinier and more voluminous.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bodycare:

The Body Shop Body Butter in Vineyard Peach, Papaya, Olive, and Shea (200 ml x 4) — These have been my go-to body moisturizers in the past few months. My skin's incredibly dry and is prone to eczema and itchiness, and these are truly amazing at keeping my skin well-moisturized. These particular ones are formulated for dry skin, which is why I chose them to begin with. In colder months, I prefer heavier, almost greasy body creams, so these are ideal for me. I love all four of these scents, too.
Re-purchase? Yes, when they're on sale; I just bought seven new ones.

The Body Shop Shower Gel in Vineyard Peach and Olive (250 ml x 2) — Nice basic soap-free shower gels that doesn't dry out my skin. Vineyard Peach is fresh and sweet, perfect for warmer months. Olive is a mild very slightly floral scent (doesn't really smell like olive or olive oil, to be honest) that's inoffensive and nice for all year round.
Re-purchase? Yes, when they're on sale.

Fruits & Passion Mango Escape Moisturizing Body Gel (200 ml) — The perfect formulation for a hot weather body moisturizer. I've never really come across anything else like this; it's a gel-lotion that sinks in super-fast and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. And it leaves skin quite scented, too, so it's ideal for summer when you don't want to wear too much fragrance and you don't need a super-heavy body cream. This one was a little too sweet and cloying for my taste, though.
Re-purchase? Yes, but only in the summer and when it's on sale.

Make-up:

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 (30 ml) — My go-to foundation primer. I've been using this for a couple years now. I like this primer because it protects my face without leaving a residue (I'm not a fan of gel primers because I can actually feel it on my face). In the winter, I only use it on my T-zone because it's mattifying, but I use it all over my face in warmer months. This also replaces facial sunscreen for me.
Re-purchase? Yes, but it's currently on long-term out-of-stock because it's being reformulated.

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance (50 ml) — I use this primer on my cheeks. It's super light but hydrating and makes my skin look smooth, radiant, and glowy without looking greasy.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Fix+ (100 ml) — The original make-up setting spray. Makes make-up look smoother, less powdery, less "make-uppy." You don't know the difference it makes until you use it. I spray it on mid-day to freshen up my make-up, too. I always keep a full-size one in my bathroom and a travel-size one in my purse.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Eyebrows — Brunette (0.09 g x 3) — My go-to eyebrow pencil. A staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have three back-ups.

MAC Liquid Eye Liner — Boot Black (2.5 ml) — I use this everyday; it has a precise felt-tip applicator and is a true carbon black with a matte finish. Another staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara (9 g x 2) — My go-to mascara. Another staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Black (9 g x 2) — Amazing mascara for curl and definition with natural volume. Honestly, I haven't used a better mascara to hold curl. But I like using this as my first coat and then adding MAC's Haute & Naughty on top for more intense volume.
Re-purchase? Yes.

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (8 g) — My holy grail eyeshadow primer.
Re-purchase? Yes.

L'Oréal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Felt Tip (1.5 ml) — I insert my Lancôme Artliner felt tip applicator into this (it actually screws perfectly into the tube) so I can save some money in between buying Lancôme's version (Artliner retails for $37, whereas this one is usually around $10).
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Miscellaneous:

Method Hand Wash — Waterfall (355 ml x 2) — My go-to liquid hand soap, because it's not as harsh as Bath & Body Works' hand soaps, which dry out my hands too much during colder months. Waterfall is a nice clean scent that I always go back to.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Soap — Sweet Pea (236 ml) — I bought the moisturizing version of B&BW's Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap because it's less drying on my hands in colder weather. But I didn't find this to be moisturizing, either. I like the Sweet Pea scent, though.
Re-purchase? Yes, but not in the winter.

Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml and 30 ml) — My signature perfume. I go through about four full-size bottles a year.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a bottle with me.

Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g x 2) — Staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.

Tatcha Aburatoriami Japanese Beauty Papers (30 sheets) — This is maybe the third or fourth pack of Tatcha blotting sheets I've used. They're beautifully packaged and look super luxe and are actually really nice blotting sheets that keep make-up intact, but at a retail price of $12 USD for 30 sheets, it's just way too expensive for me to continually use.
Re-purchase? No, unless they go on sale.

Boscia Blotting Linens — Green Tea (100 sheets) — Staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I usually buy two or three at a time.

Total: 42 products (39 full size, 2 jumbo size, 1 travel size)

So, in total, I used up 164 products in 2013. How did your empties go last year?

Empties: Summer 2013

Not being the biggest fan of summer (heat, humidity, bugs, general discomfort), I am absolutely stoked that it's fall right now, but I will say that the past few months flew by insanely fast — even I could've done with a slightly longer summer. We had a late start to the season, and then we had a heat wave, and then we got some intense rainfall, and then before we knew it, CNE was here which brought around Labour Day and now it's all over. And tomorrow's October. October! On that note, the end of September means that it's time for my third empties post of the year. In January, when I did my first empties post of 2013, I decided to do these once every season rather than once a month, to kind of keep track of how many products I use up, and also to provide mini reviews of products. This post is, as per usual, dedicated to the original Beauty Reductionista, who inspired me to start the empties project to begin with. Without further ado, here is my empties tally, collected from July 1 to September 30:


Skincare:

Lancôme Crème Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser (200 ml) — Probably my ultimate holy grail make-up removing cleanser (yes, even over Philosophy's Purity Made Simple Foaming Gel). I stopped buying it regularly because it was way too expensive, but I was at Sears one day with my mom and saw that Lancôme came out with deluxe-sized versions (200 ml) of this cleanser for the price of the regular-sized ones (125 ml). Amazing for removing make-up (including eye make-up and mascara), and it also cleans my skin effectively without leaving it feeling dry.

Re-purchase? Yes, but only when there's a special deal or promotion.

MAC Cleanse Off Oil (150 ml) — I don't use cleansing oils often because I prefer creamy foaming cleansers, so I've actually had this bottle for over a year now. But as far as cleansing oils go, this one is really effective in removing all make-up, including waterproof. It's also extremely good for removing wax off of skin (say, if you're using a wax strip on your upper lip) and for getting stains out of make-up brushes. Just sayin'.

Re-purchase? Yes, but not at regular retail price.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion (150 ml) — This toner is meant to "condition the skin for a smoother, more radiant look and feel." I'm not sure if my face has gotten smoother or more radiant because of this toner, but it feels great on the skin — it makes it feel softer and more hydrated without leaving a film. And it smells good.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Cleanser (100 ml) — MAC says this cleanser "actively cleanses, rebalances, refreshes, hydrates and brightens the skin." I don't believe this has any long-term benefits since you rinse it off almost right away, but it has the most perfect texture: creamy, whipped, foaming, like a really thick mousse. It smells good, makes my skin feel soft and not stripped or dry at all. It doesn't take off make-up very well, but I use it in the morning and after removing make-up. I just love the feel of this stuff.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence (30 ml) — The Lightful line of skincare is probably MAC's most underrated products. I've been using the serum for ages, and it's amazing for evening out skintone and adding brightness to the skin. It doesn't necessarily fade dark spots, but it does help a lot with discolouration. It's lightweight and absorbs instantly and smells good, too. Love.
Re-purchase? Yes.

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum (50 ml) — This serum is described as "a highly concentrated, lightweight treatment to reduce visible signs of aging, restore density, and boost radiance." Now, I technically don't need any anti-aging skincare so I can't say how effective it is with the appearance of wrinkles and firmness, but it does make my skin feel really hydrated and soft, and look smoother and more radiant. I love the texture of it, too, and the scent is amazing — like a really nice, super luxe spa. And, for the amount you get, it's actually less expensive than many similar serums out there.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Origins Have a Nice Day Super-Charged Moisture Lotion (50 ml) — This was discontinued earlier this year and it was on sale for $10 so I couldn't say no. I had originally said I wouldn't buy this again because of the packaging; it doesn't have a pump and it's in a screw bottle which makes it annoying to dispense. But I love everything else about it — the lightweight texture, the fast absorption, how it feels on my face, how it makes my skin look, how it sits under make-up. Amazing for my combination-oily skin.
Re-purchase? No, it's no longer available.

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash (150 ml) — I bought this last year at the Origins store in New York and it took me nearly a year to finish it because you only need a dime-size amount to create a most glorious creamy foam. It's meant to be "a face cleanser that cleverly balances dry and oily places" and I would say it's pretty effective in this aspect. But I didn't find that it takes off make-up effectively, so I used this more so as a post-make-up-removing cleanser. Like the MAC Lightful Cleanser, I'd buy this again for the texture alone.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex (50 ml) — As much skincare as I buy and use, I credit this serum as single-handedly fixing all my skin problems. I thought it was just for old people with wrinkles and dry skin (the opposite of what I have), so I was totally wary of using it... but within a week, my skin was clearer, smoother, more radiant, more hydrated. It makes pimples heal and scars fade faster. My skin's texture has never been better. Seriously a skin saver, if there ever was one. This formula was discontinued, but I managed to get another one of these at the warehouse sale last month for $55.
Re-purchase? Yes, but in the new formulation as this one was discontinued.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex (50 ml) — Got this on a whim for use in the winter at the beginning of the year, but it lasted way longer than I expected it to. I was using this as my night cream and it lasted me over six months. Again, I didn't see any anti-aging benefits, but it did keep my skin feeling really hydrated and smooth and soft through the coldest of winter months. My skin actually felt more protected from harsh winds and bitter temperatures while using this, and it didn't break me out at all.
Re-purchase? Yes, in the winter.

Bodycare + Haircare:

Herbal Essences Smooth Collection Conditioner (400 ml) — I bought this along with the matching shampoo, but I always finish conditioners first. This was my favourite drugstore shampoo/conditioner from elementary school days and it was discontinued a long time ago, but they brought it back this year and you know I had to go back to it. I love everything about this and the shampoo, too. You know those commercials where the woman is just basking in the delight of washing her hair? That's basically me when I use this. I would buy it for the scent alone, but it actually leaves my hair feeling soft and smooth without any film, residue, or build-up, and yes, the scent lingers, too. Extreme love.

Re-purchase? Yes, already bought one!

Garnier Fructis Fruit Sensation Grapefruit Tonic Fortifying Conditioner (750 ml) — I bought this because it was on sale and I really like the grapefruit scent. And it's good at detangling and leaving my hair fairly shiny. But, between this and the Herbal Essences? I'm gonna go with HE.

Re-purchase? Yes, but only on sale.

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel (250 ml) — Bought this on sale for $4, and have no regrets at all — it has a fresh lemon scent that isn't too sweet or bathroom cleaner-esque. It was perfect for summer when you just want something light, fresh, and clean.

Re-purchase? Yes, if it's on sale.

Fruits & Passion Bamboo Body Soufflé (200 ml) — Bought this for $6 during Fruits & Passion's summer sale. I love, love, love this. The texture is like a thick mousse but still feels lightweight (actually a lot like the face cleansers I love), but offers substantial hydration and absorbs relatively fast. But it's the smell that gets me. It's somehow fresh and green but musky at the same time. Actually reminds me of the AmorePacific serum that I just finished.
Re-purchase? Yes, if it's on sale.

Fruits & Passion Pomelo Granité Moisturizing Body Gel (200 ml) — The perfect formulation for a hot weather body moisturizer. I've never really come across anything else like this; it's a gel-lotion that sinks in super-fast and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. And it leaves skin quite scented, too, so it's ideal for summer when you don't want to wear too much fragrance and you don't need a super-heavy body cream. This scent is also really nice for summer, sweet and citrusy and fresh.
Re-purchase? Yes, but only on sale and only during the summer.

Make-up + Nails:

MAC Blot Powder Pressed — Medium Dark (12 g) — This has been my go-to finishing powder for years. Goes on nearly colourless and keeps me matte enough so I only have to blot once or twice a day. I also sweep some under my eyes; it keeps all eye make-up from smudging so I don't look like a raccoon by day's end.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation — NC35 (15 g x 2) — My go-to foundation. It's been a staple product for me for years. I'll try other foundations and always come back to this one because it feels weightless, is super buildable (to full coverage), has a matte finish, is super fast to put on, and is really low maintenance. And I've since learned that I prefer powder foundations over liquids or creams. I usually use this on its own with a flat-top buffing brush, but I sometimes layer it on top of MAC's Mineralize Concealer if I want a bit more coverage.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Eyebrows — Brunette (0.09 g) — I have been using this eyebrow pencil for years (I used to use the shade Lingering, but like this one slightly more). I love that it's self-sharpening and has a super-fine point. I have thin, patchy, asymmetrical eyebrows, and this really helps fill them and shape them with precision. Brunette is a medium cool-toned taupe-brown shade and is universally flattering. The only thing I don't like about it is that it comes with such little product; I go through one every two months. But I haven't found anything I like better.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.  

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara (9 g) — My holy grail mascara.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.

MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara — Black (9 g) — The original version of the above mascara, which doesn't use carbon pigments so it's "less black." I find it's slightly less "wet" than Too Black Lash. I found this extra one in one of my overstock drawers, so I thought I'd use it up first before getting into my Too Black Lash stash.
Re-purchase? No, I prefer the Too Black Lash version.

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils  — High Density Black (6 g) — A lot of people love this mascara and I bought it because there was so much hype over it, but I actually hated it. I have very long, very thin, very straight lashes and I want a mascara that offers intense volume, is easily buildable, and doesn't smudge. This one is a really dry mascara so it didn't go on very smoothly and while it didn't clump a lot, I also found it hard to build up volume. I thought I had had a defective one because it's like the product didn't want to coat my lashes; it looked like I had barely anything on after one coat. I think this might be a good mascara for people with shorter lashes or perhaps those who are looking for more natural-looking lashes. It was really disappointing for me, though.
Re-purchase? No.

MAC Mineralize Concealer — NC30 (5 ml) — I use this mostly for evening out any redness on my cheeks, but occasionally under my eyes if I'm looking particularly tired. It has medium buildable coverage and a natural luminous finish, so it's ideal for people who want to even out skintone but not full or heavy coverage. It's hydrating and super-blendable, and doesn't cake or build-up in fine lines so it's ideal for layering. Love this stuff.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 (30 ml) — My go-to foundation primer. I've been using this for a couple years now. I like this primer because it protects my face without leaving a residue (I'm not a fan of gel primers because I can actually feel it on my face). In the winter, I only use it on my T-zone because it's mattifying, but I use it all over my face in warmer months. This also replaces facial sunscreen for me.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.   

MAC Fix+ (100 ml + 30 ml) — The original make-up setting spray. Makes make-up look smoother, less powdery, less "make-uppy." You don't know the difference it makes until you use it. I spray it on mid-day to freshen up my make-up, too. I always keep a full-size one in my bathroom and a travel-size one in my purse.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish (17 g) — A really nice lip scrub made with brown sugar (it looks and tastes and feels like brown sugar, so there's no surprises here). Made my lips feel super-smooth and super-soft. Except I've since learned that I am really bad with using lip scrubs. Like, I bought this over two years ago and I think I've used maybe a quarter of it. And then I totally forgot about using it. So this pot isn't actually empty; it's just old and probably expired.
Re-purchase? No; as it turns out, I cannot be bothered using lip scrubs.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (14 ml) — I've gone through a few of these, and it's definitely one of my favourite top coats — dries polish in seconds, leaves a shiny finish, and keeps my nails from chipping — but I find that it starts thickening quite a lot after using about half of the bottle, to the point where you need to use a polish thinner to fix it. It's definitely the fastest drying top coat I've ever used, but I've been preferring Essie's Good to Go over this one recently.
Re-purchase? Yes, but maybe only on occasion. 

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 — Lemon & Chamomile (7 g) — Best emollient lip balm I have ever used. It really hydrates lips and repairs cracked, chapped, generally dry lips, instead of just protecting them (like Vaseline). The lemon and chamomile scent is my favourite; it smells like lemon cupcakes!
Re-purchase? Yes, I always buy a back-up. 

Principessa Bacio Me Lip Balm (14 g) — I got this with one of my beauty subscription boxes a couple years ago, and it's actually a really good lip balm — very smooth and moisturizing, and leaves lips really soft and glossy, and smells like raspberries — but it doesn't repair my lips nearly as well as Jack Black. I didn't finish this one completely; I had to toss it because it's really old now and the formulation has started to separate.
Re-purchase? No.

Miscellaneous:

Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g) — Best cotton pads, ever. Ridiculously soft and fluff-free, and holds product better than any other cotton pad out there, so you end up needing less product. And before you think $9 is too steep for a package of cotton pads, think again. In terms of cost per pad, it's about the same as your typical drugstore brand. Also amazing to use to remove nail polish, because it holds remover like no other so it's always soaked.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always buy two packs at a time. 

Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml) — My favourite perfume. I go through about four full-size bottles a year.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap — Rain Kissed (259 ml) —  I go through hand soap like they're going out of style; I wash my hands like crazy because I am a germaphobe. I bought this along with a few others during the Semi-Annual Sale and it was a limited edition scent, but I actually really liked this one; it's clean, fresh, and slightly floral. However, the deep cleansing formulation of Bath & Body Works' Anti-Bacterial soaps are insanely drying, and I've found that they've contributed to my eczema, so I go for the moisturizing formulation instead now.
Re-purchase? No.

Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Foaming Hand Soap — Honeysuckle (300 ml) — While I was at Target many months ago, I stockpiled on Method + Orla Kiely hand soaps. I bought this more so for the packaging (love Orla Kiely's designs), but I actually really love the scent. In fact, it might be my favourite of all the Orla Kiely range. It's fresh and sweet and floral, much like you'd expect from a Honeysuckle scent, but not cloying at all. The Orla Kiely collections are all discontinued now, though, 'cause they were limited edition.
Re-purchase? No, it's no longer available.

Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Tomato Vine (354 ml) — Part of my Method + Orla Kiely stockpiling at Target. This scent was actually really nice; I originally thought it was going to be like... salad-y. While it does have a very slight herbal scent, it was more fresh and clean than anything else. I didn't really get "tomato" from it, but maybe what a tomato plant smells like... if it was wearing perfume.
Re-purchase? No, it's no longer available.

Glysomed Hand Cream (50 ml) — A staple for my eczema-prone hands. It's thick and kind of greasy so I only apply it before I go to sleep, but it repairs dry skin like nothing else I've tried.
Re-purchase? Yes, I buy a couple at a time.

Quo Nail Polish Remover — Strengthening (354 ml) — I originally bought this because I had ran out of my Zoya remover and needed a back-up. This takes three times the amount of work to take off nail polish. But it doesn't dry out my nails or skin, and it doesn't have that strong alcohol smell like most removers do. Still, there's way better removers out there for the same price.
Re-purchase? No.

Up & Up Nail Polish Remover — Acetone (473 ml) — 100% acetone nail polish remover is the only thing that will take off glitter polish (with relative ease). Any brand will do, but I bought a few bottles of this last time I was at Target.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up bottle.

Total: 38 products (35 full size, 2 jumbo size, 1 travel size)

Empties: Spring 2013

First of all, hope all you fellow Canadians had a lovely Canada Day yesterday! Secondly, it's July, which means it's empties time again! At the beginning of the year, when I did my first empties post of 2013, I decided to do empties posts once every season rather than once a month, to kind of keep track of how many products I use up, and also to provide mini reviews of products. This post is, of course, dedicated to the original Beauty Reductionista, Liz. Without further ado, here is my empties tally, collected from April 1 to June 30:


Skincare:

MAC Wipes (100 sheets) — Expensive, but still the best make-up removing wipes I've used.

Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Fix+ (100 ml) — The original make-up setting spray. Makes make-up look smoother, less powdery, less "make-uppy." You don't know the difference it makes until you use it.

Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel (50 ml) — A surprisingly nice moisturizer, and by far my favourite one from MAC. Lightweight, oil-free, incredibly hydrating, quickly absorbing, fragrance-free, and doesn't make me break out. I'm always trying out different moisturizers, but I would use this one again.
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Cremewash (100 ml) — One of my favourite make-up removing cleansers. Creamy, lush, foaming, smells nice, takes off all make-up. I usually go back to this one when I'm in between trying out different cleansers.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion (150 ml) — The purpose of MAC's Lightful line is to brighten the skin and help even out skintone. This toner is meant to "condition the skin for a smoother, more radiant look and feel." I'm not sure if my face has gotten smoother or more radiant because of this toner, but it feels great on the skin — it makes it feel softer and more hydrated without leaving a film. And it smells good.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer (60 ml) — Bought this on a whim while shopping online at Sephora over the winter. My skin gets really dehydrated and dull-looking over the winter, and this one kept my skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant without adding extra oil. Bonus: Didn't make me break out. Great for tired skin, for sure, and works for most skin types. Plus, it's a pretty affordable moisturizer from a luxury brand.
Re-purchase? Yes, during colder months, and only when I'm in the US (it's $10 more in Canada!).

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser (150 ml) — I was using this as my morning cleanser because it doesn't remove make-up. It has everything I love in a cleanser: creamy, lush, foaming. It made my skin feel clean, but not tight or dry, and it's fragrance-free. A tiny bit goes a long way, so this cleanser actually lasted me about half a year used everyday.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser (236 ml) — Bought this last year in New York and was using it on and off for about nine months. It's a gel cleanser, and as such, does not foam up very well. And also, it didn't take off make-up that well, even though the demo I bought it from said it would. My face just didn't feel as clean as I wanted it to.
Re-purchase? No.

Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion (125 ml) — Officially my favourite face scrub of all time.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up!

Bodycare:

Dove Go Fresh Cool Moisture Body Wash — Cucumber & Green Tea (354 ml) — This is probably my favourite body wash formula from the drugstore, and the one I go back to when I want a good, inexpensive body wash. I love this especially for colder months since my skin suffers from dryness and eczema, and this is mild and moisturizing. Love the cucumber and green tea scent, too.

Re-purchase? Yes, when it's on sale.

Origins A Perfect World Highly Hydrating Body Lotion with White Tea (200 ml x 2) — I stockpile this stuff when I see it at the Estée Lauder warehouse sale. Besides the fantastic scent, which is reminiscent of mangosteen fruit (or peach gummy candy), it has a thinner consistency so it absorbs really fast and doesn't feel sticky, but leaves skin feeling perfectly hydrated. It is very pricey, however, considering how much is in each tube (and how fast I use it up!).

Re-purchase? Yes, but only at a discounted price.

Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Wash and Bubble Bath (200 ml) — Bought this at the Estée Lauder warehouse sale a few months ago. A regular body wash; I didn't find that it gave me any skin benefits aside from the scent. I mean, it's relatively mild and doesn't make my skin feel dry, but it doesn't feel particularly hydrating, either. The Gloomaway line of products has a kind of spicy grapefruit scent, which is nice especially if you're feeling tired, but I found that I got kind of bored/sick of the scent after like, half the bottle. 

Re-purchase? No, plus it's discontinued now.

Bath & Body Works Body Lotion — Orange Sapphire (236 ml) — I actually quite like the Bath & Body Works body lotions; they're not too thick or too thin and are quite hydrating. I usually buy them more for the fragrance than the formula itself, though. The Orange Sapphire scent is citrusy, refreshing, and a bit sweet but not cloying.
Re-purchase? Yes, but it was discontinued.

Bath & Body Works Body Lotion — Cucumber Melon (236 ml) —  Read above. Cucumber Melon is a classic scent from Bath & Body Works, and they only offer it during their Semi-Annual Sales now. This is light and fresh.
Re-purchase? Yes, when it's available.

Haircare:

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (250 ml) — L'Oréal's Elnett is by far the best line of hairsprays I've ever used. This is the second bottle I've used up. Gives seriously amazing hold for all hairstyles, and no matter how much you use, you can always brush it out easily.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Shiseido Super Mild Conditioner — Green (600 ml) — All the writing on it is in Japanese, so I can't really tell you what it's supposed to do or what it's supposed to smell like, but I love the scent of this. This conditioner comes in three fragrances, but I am partial to the green one, which is a light, fresh, clean floral scent. I love that this conditioner isn't heavy, but leaves my hair feeling super soft and silky and completely detangled without leaving a residue. (For the record, I have non-dyed, long, medium-thick, coarse, dry hair.) Plus, it comes with a pump (which I personally like), and a 600 ml bottle is around $16 here (but it does go on sale for around $12, which is when I buy it).
Re-purchase? Yes.

Lush Big Sea Salt Shampoo (325 g) — You can read my review of this here. I use this twice a week to clarify and deep-cleanse, but it can be drying if used often (I wash my hair everyday, so I switch between a few different shampoos and conditioners). It makes my hair feel lighter and cleaner, and look shinier and more voluminous.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Make-up:

Lancôme Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner — Noir (1.4 ml) — Best liquid eyeliner, ever. Ridiculously expensive at $38 a pop, but one usually lasts me just under six months and I use it everyday. I don't buy it for the actual formula (it's nice, but not as opaque or matte as I like it, so I layer MAC's Boot Black on top), but more so for the felt tip applicator. Gives the perfect, winged-out line every time. You'd think in a market with so many liquid eyeliners, that there'd be one that's exactly like it, but there isn't. But, the Artliner applicator fits perfectly into L'Oréal's Lineur Intense, so I've been buying L'Oréal's version in between finishing an Artliner to save some money.
Re-purchase? Yes.

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (8 g) — Best eyeshadow primer, bar none. In my opinion, it's better than both Too Faced Shadow Insurance or Urban Decay Primer Potion, which are two top contenders in the eyeshadow primer category. NARS' is by far the best I've used. Keeps my eye make-up looking perfect and pristine and completely crease-free for over 24 hours (yes, I have tested this... but I don't condone it!). One usually lasts me about half a year, so while it's on the expensive end, the cost per use ends up being pretty reasonable.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 (30 ml) — My go-to foundation primer. I've been using this for a couple years now. I like this primer because it protects my face without leaving a residue (I'm not a fan of gel primers because I can actually feel it on my face). In the winter, I only use it on my T-zone because it's mattifying, but I use it all over my face in warmer months. This also replaces facial sunscreen for me.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.  

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara — Black (9 g x 3) — My holy grail mascara. I go through one every month-and-a-half.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.

MAC Eyebrows — Brunette (0.09 g x 2) — I have been using this eyebrow pencil for years. I love that it's self-sharpening and that it has the finest point I have ever seen on an eyebrow pencil. I have thin, patchy, asymmetrical eyebrows, and this really helps fill them and shape them with precision. Brunette is a medium cool-toned taupe-brown shade; perfect for my Asian hair. Another staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups. 

MAC Cremesheen Glass — Double Happiness (2.7 g) — This officially marks the first lip gloss I have ever finished (!). MAC's Cremesheen Glass formula is my favourite because it's non-sticky, ultra-creamy, super-glossy, and excellent for layering. Double Happiness is a light-medium peachy beige, and I usually layer it on top of any lighter lipsticks (a fave combo of mine is Double Happiness on top of MAC's Faux or Viva Glam II lipsticks).
Re-purchase? Yes.

MAC Mineralize Concealer — NW25 (5 ml) — I use this mostly for evening out any redness on my cheeks, but occasionally under my eyes if I'm looking particularly tired. It has medium buildable coverage and a natural luminous finish, so it's ideal for people who want to even out skintone but not full or heavy coverage. It's hydrating and super-blendable, and doesn't cake or build-up in fine lines so it's ideal for layering. Love this stuff.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

MAC Eyeshadow — All That Glitters (1.5 g) — This is the second eyeshadow I have ever finished, and both of them are the same shade. MAC's All That Glitters is definitely one of my favourite and most-used eyeshadows. It's a light-medium pinked champagne-beige that looks beautiful on its own and with any other colour (seriously, everything from gold to green to blue). Plus, it's universally flattering and in a Veluxe Pearl finish so it's smooth, buttery, and pigmented.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation — NC35 (15 g) — My go-to foundation. This is a staple product for me. I usually use it on its own with a flat-top buffing brush, but I sometimes layer it on top of MAC's Mineralize Concealer if I want a bit more coverage.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens (100 sheets) — Best blotting sheets, ever.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

Miscellaneous:

Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle — Eucalyptus Mint (411 g) — As we all know, I have a problem with buying copious amounts of candles from Bath & Body Works. Eucalyptus Mint is one of my favourite scents from Bath & Body Works. I usually buy two or three of these at a time, 'cause they're perfect for any time of year. It's just a nice, clean, fresh, unisex scent.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap — Eucalyptus Mint (259 ml x 2) —  I go through Bath & Body Works hand soaps like they're going out of style. I wash my hands like crazy because I am a germaphobe. These ones are more drying than the Method ones and don't last as long for me as the regular gel soaps, but I love the foam. I buy these when they're on sale, so they're usually $3 a bottle. This is the same scent as the candle.
Re-purchase? Yes.  

Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Foaming Hand Soap — White Nectarine (300 ml) — While I was at Target a few months ago, I stockpiled on Method + Orla Kiely hand soaps. I bought this more so for the packaging (love Orla Kiely's designs), but I actually really love the scent. It's exactly as you would imagine a nectarine to smell like.
Re-purchase? Yes!  

Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Cloudburst (354 ml) — Part of my Method + Orla Kiely stockpiling at Target. Cloudburst kind of reminds me of their Sweet Water scent, kind of just fresh and clean, like laundry.
Re-purchase? Yes.  

Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Pear Ginger (354 ml) —  This was from Method + Orla Kiely's fall/winter collection. It's like a zestier version of Method's Juicy Pear scent, but between the two, I prefer Juicy Pear.
Re-purchase? No, this scent was discontinued.

Zoya 3-in-1 Formula Remove+ Polish Remover (960 ml) — Best nail polish remover I've ever used. This is the second professional salon size bottle I've finished. This bottle lasted me about six months, which I thought was pretty good. It removes all of my nail polish quickly and efficiently while being really gentle and completely non-drying, and is even effective in taking off glitter nail polish. It's phenomenal, especially if you change your polish often!
Re-purchase? Yes!

Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g x 2) — Best cotton pads, ever. Ridiculously soft and fluff-free, and holds product better than any other cotton pad out there, so you end up needing less product. And before you think $9 is too steep for a package of cotton pads, think again. In terms of cost per pad, it's about the same as your typical drugstore brand. Also amazing to use to remove nail polish, because it holds remover like no other so it's always soaked.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always buy two packs at a time.

Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml) — My favourite perfume. I go through about four full-size bottles a year.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

Glysomed Hand Cream (50 ml) — A staple for my eczema-prone hands. It's thick and kind of greasy so I only apply it before I go to sleep, but it repairs dry skin like nothing else I've tried.
Re-purchase? Yes, I buy bulk packs of this.

Total: 41 products (39 full size, 2 jumbo size)

Kind of justifies my hauls, right?