Empties #20: April 2015 – Part 2

Welcome back to Part 2 of my empties post for April 2015! Do you ever feel like, when you’re nice or the responsible one, people seem to take advantage of you? This is what my April felt like – I’ve been running around helping other people and I can feel myself burning out. My to-do list for others are so long, but a lot of things are for people really close to me so I just can’t say no. Add on all of my own issues to settle – and my skin suffers. I’m going to hold back trying new stuff for the next month or so, to let my skin have a rest; so I’m guessing that next month’s empties won’t be so full! But then again, I always surprise myself. Anyway, let’s dig into my beauty trash!

Empties #15: November 2014 – Part 2

Here comes Part 2 of the massive November’s empties post! Some times I can’t believe how much I run through in a month. There’s a ton of products to run through so lets dive right in!

Empties #13: September 2014 – Part 2

Continuing on my EPIC empties post, here are a ton more empties that I am waving goodbye to! This is actually the more insane half of the empties post… I couldn’t believe it when I started counting them!

Empties #11: July 2014 – Part 1

Hi everyone! It’s empties time again! Another large empties post – managed to accumulate A LOT of products; some completed, and some too old and needed to be thrown out. I routinely check through my stash every few months and toss out items that are bad, expired or opened for too long.

I don’t always follow the expiry date for makeup – I toss it if it’s no longer in good condition/quality and sometimes if it’s too old, but I’m quite strict about doing so for skincare products. I don’t know why, since it all goes onto my face! Anyway, let’s see what empties I have this month!

Unboxing: The Little Black Beauty Box July 2014

After last month’s box, I decided to continue with my subscription of The Little Black Beauty Box. July’s box is dubbed “An Invincible Summer Box”, and cost the usual S$22.90. Let’s take a peek at what’s inside!

Unboxing: The Little Black Beauty Box June 2014

Yes, another beauty box! After the wonderful beauty box from Vanity Trove last month, I decided to give another beauty box a try. This month I decided to try a different company so I googled for “beauty boxes in Singapore” and randomly chanced upon StyleXStyle. Incidentally, they were coming out with a beauty box – they don’t do beauty boxes regularly but there was one coming out in June and will be a collaboration with Tangs.

For non-Singaporeans reading this post, Tangs is a department store, with a really big beauty hall that carries mainly high end and exclusive brands. I love shopping at the Tangs beauty hall! At S$22.90, I thought it was a great price to sample from high end brands and also wanted to check out the new beauty box service! Are you curious about what’s inside it?

Empties #6: February 2014

After the massive clearout of 26 items in January, this months’ empties look mighty small in comparison! But after counting them, I guess it’s still a healthy amount. Honestly I’m surprised that I still have empties after clearing out so many last month! Yay!

1. Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Conditioner
A rather thick hair conditioner; I think it’s pretty average – I can’t use it regularly as it makes my hair oily and weighs it down. Used twice a week only at the ends of my hair, my hair feels softer and more manageable, but anything more turns it into an oily mess.

2. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
My favourite makeup setting spray! This is the only makeup setting spray that really worked for me; I find that it really helps my makeup last through the day, even in Singapore heat! Will repurchase!

3. L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo
I actually really like Loreal’s shampoo but I don’t often buy them. Maybe they’re just not as visually attractive on the shelves. I really enjoyed this shampoo – I feel my hair is more manageable with less tangles after using it.

4. Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion in No21 Natural Beige
I really wanted to try this and was so excited when I received a sample, but was so disappointed; this did not stay put at all even on my very dry face – by mid day it was clearly gone, and messed up the rest of my makeup as it shifted around. If I powdered my face, I could see it clearly breaking down in patches as the BB cream “migrates”. Not pretty. Will not purchase.

5. Caudalie Eau De Beaute Beauty Elixir
Reviewed here. Not a fan; will not repurchase.

6. Loccitane Mom & Baby Balm
A rather thick and oily body balm; I’m neither a Mom nor a Baby, but because of my intensely dry skin I was recommended this. I do find that it soothes my skin when they are going through a “cracked and insanely dry” phase, but it’s also too heavy for regular use even for my dry skin.

7. Neogence Extremely Off-Heads Serum
Initially I did not like this because I didn’t think it made a difference. But I wanted to use it up so I’ve been using it every night for over 2 weeks. One day, my mum suddenly asked if I’ve had facial treatments because “your black heads are gone”. OMG. I haven’t used anything lately that’s targeted at black heads, so it must be this! I’ll be getting the full size to make sure.

8. Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum
I really adore the texture of this – it’s gel like, and feels cooling on the skin plus not sticky at all. Will look to purchase full size.

9. Lancome Visionaire Advanced Skin Corrector
I already own a full size bottle of this before receiving the sample – I would say, try to get a sample first before purchasing the full bottle, as this broke me out badly initially. I’ve learnt to prevent breakouts while using this – alternating this and never 2 consecutive days of using this.

10. Watsons Nail Polish Remover
Another bottle down! I’ve lost count of how many of these that I’ve used up. Affordable and works just like any other more expensive brands.

11. Bausch + Lomb Renu Fresh Multipurpose Solution
Not empty but expired. I don’t wear lenses daily, so I rarely finish a full bottle of solution before they expire.

12. Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge
I used to love this and stocked up before I discovered the Make Up Store Brush Cleaning Soap; then I realised that this was stripping out my brush hairs, making them really dry and scratchy. I’ve since stopped using this for my brushes with natural bristles. Will not purchase after I finish my stash.

13. The Face Shop The Rice Ceramide Lasting Moisturizer
Did not finish this item actually; but it has expired so it’s time to throw out. Was way too watery and not moisturizing enough for my liking.

14. Caudalie Makeup Remover Cleansing Water
Reviewed here. Not a favourite.

15. Beauty Buffet Charcoal & Cyress Facial Mask
16. My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask
17. Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch
I use facial cloth masks regularly but never remember to keep the packaging. I did remember with these 3 this month, though I definitely use lots more in a month. I find that cloth masks dont really differ between brands in terms of efficacy, so I usually just opt for the cheapest. I really like the Leaders Eye Patch; slimy in texture and feels really good and soothing.

Again, not many makeup related items. I’ve been clearing out my stash in other ways lately – by giving and selling some makeup away. I’m really happy at how my stash is shrinking to a more reasonable amount as the months go by – I no longer have 5 bottles of creams that will expire in 2 months, nor a stock of 10 face washes. It’s still a huge amount and way more than an average person, but they’re getting more manageable.

I’ve found writing on empties so therapeutic – because of my wanting to write these posts, I feel less of an urge to buy and hoard new products. I don’t know if anyone can understand this, but this is how I feel. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post as much as I’ve loved writing it!