Empties #5 | Products I've Used Up + Mini Review

I really felt like I used up a bunch of products in a short amount of time, but my last empties post was almost two months ago. I'm actively trying to get rid of a bunch of things because I recently hauled a ton of stuff from Bath & Body Works and Sephora and Nordstrom during sales. When I get around to it, I'm sure I'll post a haul.

Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in Ghost Puffs: I've had this little jar hanging around for two years and it was time to finish it up and get rid of it. I love the scent, but I'm trying to downsize and I wasn't even using it. I haven't ordered from Haus of Gloi in over a year because of the increasing difficulty of ordering. Would I repurchase? I would possibly consider it, but I have a couple Cocoa Pink scents that rival this one and I prefer the feel of those lotions.

Cocoa Pink Voluptuous Body Butter in Blood Orange Cotton Candy and Bing Cherry Coconut Frosting: I know I've mentioned that Cocoa Pink makes some of my favorite body butters. I've been trying to get through a few scents only because I have so many and I know some of them are starting to get old. These both moved with me and are in the older style packaging. I like both of the scents and I think they're permanent. Would I repurchase? I constantly repurchase Cocoa Pink body butters. I do prefer the Coco Mango formula, so I have more of those. I want to try other scents, so I probably won't get these again.

The Saem Snail Trio #1 Cherry Blossom: This is a hand cream from a Korean brand that I ordered from KoreaDepart with a few things over a year ago. I really liked this hand cream while it was around and the packaging is super cute, of course. Would I repurchase? Probably not, but I would definitely consider using the snail for a different lotion because it is adorable.

Paintbox Soapworks Sorbetto in Little Paper Umbrellas: I feel like it took such a long to work through this scrub. I think I was using something else in the shower until I realized that this scrub has a recommended shelf life of three months once opened and I'd been using it off and on since August. I really love Paintbox Soapworks scrubs, but they're a little on the pricey side to ship. Would I repurchase? Currently, no, but only because I just purchased two pots of scrub from Cocoa Pink and seven scrubs from Bath and Body Works. I think I have enough scrub!

Cocoa Pink Shine Sweetie Conditioner in Black Cherry Upside Down Cake: I needed to use this up because there was only a couple squirts remaining in the bottle. I prefer to use my Junkett Creme Conditioner, also from Cocoa Pink, but I didn't want to waste this conditioner. Would I repurchase? No. I like Junkett better and I'm really sick of this scent.

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner: This is by far my favorite toner that I've found. I think this is my third or fourth bottle of this stuff. I'm definitely going to continue purchasing this, but I know I need to use up the multiple toners I tried to replace this with. Would I repurchase? 100x yes. I still have another bottle that I'm working through, but I'm currently trying to get through a few others so I'm not moving with several extra bottles of toner that are half empty.

Missha Super Aqua Pore Correcting Toner: I was really hopeful that I would love this toner, but it was just okay. I was glad that I got it on sale, but I ended up using it to wipe down my skin after using a facial cleansing oil. Would I repurchase? On sale, probably. Otherwise, I have other toners that I like better.

Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream: I've had this tub of cream for such a long time. There are quite a few things that I remember buying while I was in my old apartment, and this was one of them. I did really like this cream. I think it is one of my favorite products from Mizon. Would I repurchase? This is definitely something that I would like to buy again. I'm waiting until I move to place an order from Korea because I've missed the cut off date. I don't want to miss a package by chancing an order that may not arrive before we leave.

It's Skin VC Effector: This has appeared in my empties and favorites posts quite a bit. I think this is my third go around with this ampoule and I know I've talked it to death. Would I repurchase? I already have another ready to go, but I also decided to try two different varieties from the same line. I've been using those instead and I like them so far.

Hera Age Away Intensive Eye Cream: This was part of a sample box that I was trying to get through. I think I may have posted a moisturizer from the same set a few empties back. I'm trying to downsize some things before we move and I have far too many eye creams, so I started with the smallest ones. Would I repurchase? It took too long to use this up, so probably not. I have enough skincare now and I know what works for me. Hera is also a bit out of my price range.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Eye Cream: I think this was a sample or a gift with purchase from Nordstrom. This is just another eye cream that I was trying to get through because it's been sitting in my cabinet for a few months. I didn't really care for this one as it tends to get this weird clumpy texture under my eyes. Would I repurchase? Nope. Not my favorite eye cream and definitely not something I love from Clinique.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara: This was a sample that I received from Sephora when I made an order around my birthday in September. I finally got around to using it a couple months ago and I hated it, so I tossed it in an old makeup bag and it dried out. I think I hated it less the more it dried up, but it still isn't a mascara I would ever buy. I have another sample from Ipsy and I'm considering just tossing it or giving away because I'm sure that one sucks too. Would I repurchase? Hell no. This is an expensive mascara and probably the worst I've ever used.

MAC Sheer Select Pressed Powder in NC5: I feel like I hit pan on this ages ago. I moved with this powder last year and we've been through a lot. After I had a bit of pan showing, I dropped it outside and the whole powder loosened around the edges. It took a couple more months of use for the entire powder to break apart. After that, I just tossed the crumbly mess and saved the compact so I can Back To MAC for a lipstick. Would I repurchase? I probably will. I had purchased a different MAC powder to replace this one back in September, but it isn't the same type of powder.

My Beauty Diary Pearl Powder Sheet Mask: This is one of those weird looking sheet masks that I use when my face needs a little extra moisture. I feel like I always forget to save the packaging for these, but I use them often enough. Would I repurchase? I went nuts and bought a ton of boxes of ten with SaSa had a huge sale last year. I don't actually need to buy any more of these.

Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-ageing Anti-wrinkle Eye Cream: I bought this as a small add on when I made an order through All Cosmetics Wholesale at the end of the summer. It was okay. Just another eye cream that I needed to use up. I do like the tube packaging that it comes in. Would I repurchase? This was a cheap eye cream, but I feel like there are others that I like better that I would rather spend a few more dollars on instead.

Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme in Pomegranate and Hot Tamale: This is another thing that I always throw away. I usually use Garnier when I dye my hair and these are from the last two times that I dyed my hair. I was cleaning my bathroom and these two boxes were kicking around. Would I repurchase? I used to use Hot Tamale a long time ago and Pomegranate is a color that I usually use. This time around, I'm planning on using something different. I will eventually go back to my Garnier colors though.

Empties #3 | Products I've Used Up + Mini Review

Wow! It's been forever since I've done an empties post. I think I may even have a couple more things that I missed, but I can't find them. I know I have a few more things on the way out, so maybe I'll motivate myself to do another empties post sooner next time.

Mizon Collagen 100 Ampoule: After Missha discontinued the ampoule that I used during the day, I turned to Mizon for this one. I definitely don't like it as much as the Missha one, but this was okay. It's a little thin and can be high maintenance if I don't let my toner dry down a bit. Would I repurchase? No. I've tried another Mizon ampoule and that one was better, but I've found my new Holy Grail daily ampoule so I won't be buying any other Mizon ones.

Secret Key Multi Cell Night Repair Ampoule: This was the ampoule I decided to try for nighttime when I was running low on my Missha one. I do really like this as a cheaper alternative, but as long as I have the Missha one, I won't be reaching for this one. It's a good thing I used it up or the bottle would just be sitting there. Would I repurchase? Sure I would. But not until I can't get Missha Time Revolution on sale or at all.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule: This is an actual Holy Grail product of mine. I'm on my third bottle and I have a fourth ready to go when that's gone. I use this every night and I'm so glad I bought two during the last sale. Would I repurchase? I feel like this is a no brainer. Of course. I'll be so sad if this is ever discontinued.

PDC Naturina Aloe Essence Toner: I was in the market to try out some new toners, so I ordered a bunch a few months back from SaSa. I did end up using this mainly to take off my cleansing oils in the end because this was nothing special. It was cheap, so there's that. Would I repurchase? I might. This was pretty cheap when I bought it, so it was a good toner to just use with cleansing oils to take off my makeup. It is currently not for sale on SaSa right now, though.

Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 90% Toner: I did really like this toner. I go through a lot of toner because I use it a few times a day. This one was cheap on SaSa and I like Nature Republic as a brand. Would I repurchase? Maybe. I still have a ton of toners to use up right now.

Hera Age Away Intensive Cream: This cream is from a set of sample size products from Hera that I ordered on eBay. I liked this cream for nighttime, but it's definitely not something worth the price point. ($103 from KoreaDepart) Would I repurchase? Hera isn't my favorite luxury Korean brand and this cream definitely isn't worth that much money to me. I probably wouldn't even buy a small size again on eBay.

Etude House Collagen Moistfull Firming Eye Cream: This is the eye cream version of the cream from my last empties post. This was a nice cream, but I feel like I have better eye creams with more benefits. Would I repurchase? No. I have eye creams that I like more than this one.

Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ: This is just my nightly retinol treatment. Nothing fancy to see here. I do like this, but I feel like other retinols that I've used almost sting my skin so I feel like they work better. Would I repurchase? I'm almost out of another tube, which I think is my third or fourth from this brand. I may switch back to Roc, Neutrogena, or StriVection, but I haven't decided yet.

Skinfood Peach Sake Silky Finish Powder: I feel like I've been using this powder forever and I thought I would never run out. The container is large for a loose powder, especially when you compare it to the Innisfree one that is next to it. I really liked this for all over my face, especially under my eyes. This just made my face feel so smooth and nice. Would I repurchase? I probably will at some point, but I've been really loving my Innisfree powder right now and I don't need both.

Paintbox Soapworks Avast! Sorbetto: I feel like this sucker lasted for a long time, but I did lose it after vacation. This is my favorite scent from Paintbox Soapworks, so I'm always bummed that it is only available in the summer. I love the Sorbetto scrubs. They're the best. Would I repurchase? Yes. I'll always repurchase this scent and I'll definitely keep buying the scrubs.

Cocoa Pink Coco Mango Body Butter in Hearts on Fire Gelato: This was the first body butter from Cocoa Pink that I ever used. My first purchase totally won me over this company, which is why I own so many body butters. This is just one of the best smelling lotions I've ever used. It's a hazelnut gelato scent that has a touch of espresso in it. Would I repurchase? This is one of those things where I want to say yes, but I do have so many body butters that I need to use up more of them before I repurchase certain scents. I wouldn't be opposed to buying a conditioner in this particular scent though.

Cocoa Pink Argan Therapy Creme in Black Cherry Upside Down Cake: I never remember if I like the Argan Therapy Creme or Shine Sweetie better. Both conditioners are pretty nice. This scent was sampled to me in a past order and I liked it so much that I ordered conditioner and shampoo in the same scent. Would I repurchase? I grew tired of the scent, so no on that. I also decided that I like the Junkett Creme Conditioner better, so also no.

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder: This is my favorite translucent setting powder at the moment. I'd really have to think about whether I like it better than my Skinfood one, but they both do the job. This powder is finely milled and has a really scent to it. Would I repurchase? Yes. I'm already on a new jar.

My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Amino Acid Cleanser: This used to be my favorite cleanser and I would use it every morning. It smells so nice and I really liked that it has small exfoliating beads in it. The only downside is that it's in a tub and that it doesn't lather well with my Clarisonic. Would I repurchase: I want to say yes, but I don't think I'll end up buying this again. I have so many cleansers to use up and I've found others that I like better.

Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle: I feel like I go through this product quite a bit. I know there was another tube in my last empties post. I had been using this chemical exfoliator twice a day, but my skin is a bit drier now that it's winter. I've been using it just at night right now. Would I repurchase? Absolutely. I'm actually trying to figure out which online retainer to order my next tube from.

Benton High Content Steam Cream: I love this cream so much. It makes me a little oily in the warmer weather, but it's perfect for winter. I used to pair it with all my other Benton products, but I've been out of a few of those for some time now. I'm just getting around to reordering all my favorites. Would I repurchase? There's already a tube of this on the way to me as I type this.

MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1: I think you already know that this foundation has been my favorites for months. This is also the first foundation that I've ever completely used up. Enough said. Would I repurchase? There's already another bottle in my makeup cabinet, but I won't be using it until my skin is less dry.

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara: This was such a nice mascara. I was totally suckered in by the brush and I fell in love. I feel like this might be the best high end mascara that I've used so far. Would I repurchase? I know I said that I would never buy this, but a small tube is $12 and I think I can swing that. I do want to use up a few more mini mascaras first.

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu: I don't like getting perfume samples. I have a ton of them from online orders and I hardly ever smell them, never mind use them. Well, Shaun was going to buy me perfume for Christmas and I didn't have an accurate answer for him on what I might like, so I broke into my sample drawer. This was the only one that I liked and I used the hell out of it this past month. Would I repurchase? I went back and forth on that answer when I decided that I liked it. A full 3oz bottle is a whopping $110 on Sephora and department stores, but I did find a really good deal through Overstock.com. Spoiler alert. I bought it.

My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks in Strawberry Yogurt and Pearl Powder: I should use these masks more. My skin really needs the extra moisture in the winter and I love putting on sheet masks. It's like marinating your face in serum. Would I repurchase? I have a box each of these masks and a two more boxes of different ones. I won't need to buy more any time soon.

Tony Moly Egg Pore Nose Pack: I just really felt the need to use a pore strip at one point. I know there's a couple more empty packages somewhere, but I may have thrown those away. I got this one in one my eBay orders, but I have other brands that work just the same. Would I repurchase? Maybe. I have a billion different pore strips and don't need to buy any right now.

Empties #2! Products I've Used Up + Review

I've been hoarding my trash for way too long and I have even more empties than last time. I've been working through quite a few of these for some time now and I'm surprised it took me so long to finish off some of these products. Again, most of the products I have are skincare because it's easier to plow through those than a blush or powder.

Tony Moly Latte Art Milk-Cacao Pore Pack: I think this was actually one of my first Korean skincare purchases. As you can see, it's a cup! The little spoon sticking out of the top is actually a spatula and this smells so so good. It's one of those hardening masks and it makes your pores look smaller. Would I repurchase? I actually already had a backup ready and waiting that I haven't cracked into yet because I bought the Queen Helene mask.

My Beauty Diary Aloe Amino Acid Cleanser: I bought this cleanser thinking it was just like the Strawberry Yogurt one from the same brand. It is similar, but it lacks the exfoliating property that the Strawberry Yogurt one has. It was moisturising and I did like using this, but it fell to the back burner most of the time because it wasn't my favorite. Would I repurchase? Nah. I'll buy the Strawberry Yogurt one over and over. I'm already on my second tub of that and I prefer it hands down to the Aloe one.

Baviphat White Grape Lifting Yogurt Cleansing Foam: I raved about this in my favorites post, so I feel like there's not a whole lot more to say about this cleanser. It's creamy and it foams up nicely and I really liked pairing it with my Clarisonic. Would I repurchase? I absolutely will in the future, if I can find it. I had to buy this from a Korean seller on eBay and I'm taking a break from eBay for right now. I also just bought a bunch of cleansers and I want to use them up first.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel: I got this in a gift with purchase package from Nordstrom a few months ago. I took this with me on vacation because I didn't want to bring a large cleanser like my Baviphat one. I liked this, but it really threw me off that it doesn't foam or anything. It also doesn't remove makeup. Would I repurchase? I have two other Mario Badescu cleansers that I like better and I've recently purchased other cleansers, so I probably wouldn't repurchase.

Etude House Collagen Moistfull Enriched Cream: This came in the Collagen Moistfull set with a few other pieces that I've yet to use up. I did like the texture of this cream and it was easy to use it up. This was just something that I would put on my face at night when I had time to add other products into my routine. Would I repurchase? I don't think I'll get a full size because it's on the pricey side. I might consider getting another set after I use up the rest of the products.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief: I also talked about this in my past favorites post. I use this as my last moisturizer in the morning and it helps everything else sink into my skin and doesn't leave me greasy, so I can put on primer quickly if I need to get ready. Would I repurchase? I recently bought the 2oz size when Nordstrom had a bunch of products 10% off. I'll probably never need to buy this again.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron Honey & Coriander Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy: This was another thing I got in a gift with purchase from Nordstrom. It was also the lotion that got me to buy a six scent variety box of the Hand Therapy lotions. These are nice and small and fit in my makeup bag and are also moisturising. Would I repurchase? I have six more tubes, just not in this scent, so I won't be buying anymore in the near future, but I would consider it.

Cocoa Pink Junket Creme Conditioner in Vanille Apricot: I got this conditioner in my last Cocoa Pink order and it was before we moved, so it got lost in a box. I was so excited to find this and use it finally. This is probably one of the best deep conditioners that I've ever used. The scent was nice, but it wasn't something I would personally pick out. Would I repurchase? I just bought a full size during the Cocoa Pink sale in a fall scent. I can't wait to finally get my order and use it!

Paintbox Soapworks Little Paper Umbrellas Hand & Body Lotion: I've had this little lotion for over a year. I made it a small goal to start using up some of my half empty lotions so I can buy more. This was a summer scent and I really love it. I have this scent in a scrub that I can start using when I'm done with the one that's in my shower. This is the smaller size for the lotion, so it's nice for travel. I wish I got my other scents in this size because it's so difficult to use up a big lotion. Would I repurchase? Probably, if the scent comes back again next year. I won't be buying any lotions any time soon because I have all the winter scents I need.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser: I got this in my October Birchbox and it was such a tiny sample that I used it up after three times. I liked it, but it smelled too lemony so I felt like I was washing my face with lemon scented Damn kitchen soap. It was nice and scrubby, though. Would I repurchase? Maybe, but I think it was like $30, so I think that's a general deal breaker. Too much for a scrub when I love my Paintbox Soapworks one.

Epically Epic Soap Co. Mango Lychee Lip Balm: I've also been trying to work through my huge collection of lip balms. I really like the Epically Epic balms because they're so creamy and moisturizing. This scent is really nice too. Would I repurchase? No. I have too many lip balms and I can't buy any more! I have four or five more Epically Epic ones to use up first anyway!

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash: I bought this in I think June, so this really needed to retire. I pretty much stopped using it in October when I realized how old this mascara was. This was seriously a great mascara and I really liked it, despite the fact that I don't usually like MAC mascaras. Would I repurchase? Not any time soon because I have I think four or five mascara samples I need to go through first. But I would consider it.

Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Cream: I don't remember much about this cream other than I was sad to see it go and ever sadder to see how much money it cost for a full size. Would I repurchase? Probably not. It's too much money for something I'm not sure I'll completely love.

NARS Radiance Enhancing Pro-Prime Light Optimizing Primer: I like NARS products, but I'm not too sure about this primer. It isn't the texture I prefer in a primer. I definitely like the Smashbox one better because it's a silicone based primer. Would I repurchase? No. Too much money for a primer and I don't like the texture.

Inglot Under Makeup Base: I found this while cleaning up some makeup things and remembered that I really liked it once upon a time. I ended up using it twice and not liking it as much as I thought, but that could be because this sample has been hanging around for a long time. Would I repurchase? I don't think so. I like the Smashbox one best right now, so I think I'll stick with it.

Caudalíe Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting: I got this in my September Birchbox, I think. This was such a tiny sample, but it ended up lasting a decent amount of time. I did like it, but I didn't have enough in the sample to see if it really made a difference. Would I repurchase? Nope! This costs like $50, maybe more. I already have serums that I like so I can't warrant the purchase.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Retinol Wrinkle Corrector: This has been hanging around since the last Missha holiday sale. It was almost gone when I rediscovered it while I waiting for my normal retinol to come in the mail. I do like it, but it was such a pain to get out of the tube from the get-go. Would I repurchase? Probably not. It was a pain to get out of the tube and I already have a retinol that I usually use nightly.

October Monthly Favorites

Favorites post! I feel like I had a lot of favorites again this month, and some of them are repeats because I haven't stopped using them. I'm sure I'll have a few different ones next month because I've used up a few products in this post. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque - I've only been using this for two weeks, but I love it so much that I had to include it in my favorites. Two weeks is long enough, don't you think? I've used this four or five times and have also used this as an overnight spot treatment. It smells so minty and awesome and I bought it on sale for less than $4. The best part is that my nose just looks so clean. I can't think of any other way to describe it. 

Baviphat White Grape Lifting Yogurt Cleansing Foam - I thought I was going to kill this cleanser because it was running low in the beginning of the month. I've used this pretty much every day and night and there's still a teeny bit left in the tube. I'll probably cut the top off to get the remaining at some point. This is just the creamiest cleanser and I love using it with my Clarisonic.

Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 90% Toner - I bought this a couple months back in a SaSa order where I purchased a ton of toners. I replaced last month's favorite toner with this for no particular reason. I had just noticed it was sitting in my travel makeup bag from vacation in August and I left it on the side of the sink so I could use it. It's probably my most moisturising toner and I love it.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - Yep. Another toner. I was having some skin issues earlier in the month and I swear by tea tree for clearing up my skin. I used to hate this toner because I was spoiled by my holy grail tea tree toner by Lush. I wouldn't use this all the time because it has the tendency to dry my skin and I always follow it up with another toner.

Baviphat Lemon Whitening Sleeping Pack - I use this every night before I go to bed. Sleeping pack is just a Korean name for an overnight mask. It has the consistency of a thin lotion and it smells like lemon. The whole purpose of this product is to lighten the darker spots of the skin. Since I was breaking out near the time of the month during last month and this month, I've been consistently using this to lighten my darker scarred spots and I feel like it speeds up the healing.

Paintbox Soapworks Avast! Sorbetto - Sorbetto is a body scrub from Paintbox Soapworks and my favorite scent is Avast! The scent notes include coconut milk, cardamom, coffee beans, and musk. This is a repeat purchase for me as I bought the entire scent line last year as well. This scent is from the summer seasonal offerings from Paintbox Soapworks, which is an indie brand that sells only on Etsy. I also have the soap, solid scent, and lotion in this scent. Sorbetto is my favorite type of scrub, indie, drugstore, or high end.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - I got two mini sizes of this gel lotion with a gift set last month. I've already finished one of the minis and I did purchase a larger size because I love it. I use this every morning after my SPF because I feel like it helps everything absorb into my skin better and my foundation primer doesn't pill up as much with this underneath it.

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer - This also appeared last month and I've yet to stop using it. This moisturizer is usually what I use after my AHA and retinol and before my sleeping pack if I'm really tired and don't have time to use a bunch of products. If I'm using other things, it's usually sandwiched in there somewhere. 

Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle 12% Glycholic Acid - I seriously credit this little product for turning around my skin. AHA is supposed to be really important in skincare and since I've added this, I've seen a difference. I always make sure I have enough on hand and it's the one thing I don't mind buying advance backups for because I know it will get used. I use this every morning and night and try to limit other acidic products because I like this the best.

Skinfood Black Raspberry Eye Cream - I usually use more than one eye cream just because. This is the cream I use after my Clinique eye cream because this is much more moisturizing. I like the herbal smell it has, which I suppose is weird because it's labeled as black raspberry. Skinfood has always made some nice skincare and I haven't found anything from the brand that I like more than this.

MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1 - Yes, this little baby is still going strong. It does provide lighter coverage than I need sometimes, which is why there are a couple other foundations sitting next to this one. It's perfect, really. I wish they still made the 3oz bottles because I'm going to need to repurchase this soon. I haven't found anything makes my skin have a nice finish like this one does. So worth the $27 because it contains more than all the other foundations I own.

Illamasqua Skin Base in 2 and 3.5 - I bought shade 2 to mix into my MAC Face and Body, but it's a bit lighter than what I was looking for, so I also bought shade 3.5 to mix in. I can use shade 3.5 by itself or mixed with Face and Body and the finish is really nice. I don't get the same effect as the Face and Body, but if I just mix in a little then it doesn't mess around with the finish. When I do a paler face in the winter, I'll probably add in more of shade 2, but I've mostly been using shade 3.5 and I love them so far.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - You can actually see how much of this I used from last month and it looks like a lot! I seriously haven't used anything else under my eyes and I love the way this blends out.

Clinique High Impact Mascara - I've had a love/hate relationship with my eyelash curler this month because the pad keeps coming out of the base. I actually don't mind my eyelashes with this mascara even if I don't curl them. That's saying a lot because I don't usually go without curling my lashes if I'm going to wear mascara.

Innisfree Mineral Stick Concealer - I seriously swear by this concealer stick. I don't even know why I stopped using it. I think when we moved that it somehow got lost in the packing and I magically discovered it. This just blends into my skin like magic and I love it more than my expensive concealers.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in El Dorado - I don't know what it is, but I've been really loving gold eyeliner on my lower lashline. I'll wear a black liner in my lower waterline and draw this around the tear duct and under the lashes and it just gives a little bit of shine without being super noticeable. The best part is that this fades gracefully after many hours and the shimmer doesn't get all over my face.

Noir Eyeliner in Black - Hands down, best black eyeliner that I've used. I pulled Urban Decay Perversion out of my makeup bag when I got this in my Birchbox. This liner seriously lasts all day on my waterline and clings to my lower lashline like nobody's business. The best part? I don't know where it goes! There's always a little less liner on my waterline when I get home, but it doesn't settle under my eyes like Perversion did. It's perfection.

Tarte Pin Up Girl Blush Palette - For the most part, when I was going to wear blush, this was what I reached for. The three colors that I wore the most were Embraced, Bashful, and Irreplaceable, which are the top two colors and the second to the bottom. I wore all the colors, but those were the ones that got the most use.

MAC Aphrodite's Shell Bronzer - I think at one point I said I stopped using this for another bronzer, but I couldn't go without it. You can see that my wave pattern is fading even more. I just really love this bronzer. It's the perfect color for me when I don't want to be too bronzed, and it is getting colder out and the time for pale skin is now.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess - This was the bronzer that I kept using in place of Aphrodite's Shell. I love this bronzer, but I think it's a little dark for the winter. I wish I had bought this sooner so I could have used it this summer. I've used it a lot this month, but I think it's shifting to the back of my organizer already because it's a little too dark at the moment.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed - The pattern on this blush is already starting to fade away, which is saying a lot. It takes a ton of uses to make that go away. I love this color. It's been the perfect fall nude cheek this month. I have accumulated a lot of other blushes recently, though, so this might fade away if I go for a brighter cheek.

Inglot Eyeshadow in Pearl 450 and DS 494 - Since dyeing my hair a darker burgundy color, I had to find something new to color in my brows. I love this little three pan palette because it holds my shadow colors that I used to shade in my eyebrows and a highlight shade that I barely use. I first go in with the purple, DS 494, and define the shape and then go over it with Pearl 450 to color match my hair. My brows last all day with these colors and always look nice.

MAC Studio Sculpt Powder in Light - There used to be a really defined pattern in the powder when I first bought it, but you can barely see it anymore. I use this to set my foundation in place so that when I use blush and bronzer that it won't move around underneath. I love this because it doesn't even look like I used a powder to begin with.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light - I've been trying to use this more because my powder has unglued itself from the pan and doesn't like to say in there. I do like this for a lighter makeup look and it sticks to the areas of blemishes that don't like to hold foundation. I just like it because it helps my makeup look more flawless.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade - This is probably one of my favorite highlighters ever. I had a couple other MAC ones, but I hardly ever use them unless I'm in a rush and grab the wrong one. It doesn't show up in the swirled colors, but rather just a nice glow. I love it.

Innisfree Pink Beam Mineral Pact - I'm sad to say that I dropped this a week or two after I got it, but the powder was soft enough that I was able to press it back into the pan for the most part. This is what I use to set my undereye concealer. It's meant to be used as a highlighter, but it doesn't show up too pink under my eyes and it just brightens them. If I'm running late, I'll also add it to my cheeks, but I like it mostly for a glow under my eyes,

Empties! Products I've Used Up + Review

I've been hoarding my trash for the past month or so and today I decided to clean. I really just wanted to ditch this empty containers and packets, so I figured it was time to do this post. All of these products are skin care because those are easier to for me to finish up than makeup items. Also included are some sample packets because I'm finally starting to crack into extras that Ulta and Nordstrom send when you make an order.

Haus of Gloi Lassi Pumpkin Butter: Haus of Gloi is an indie bath and body company from which I own many, many body butters. I've been starting to use up some body butters because it doesn't make sense to have so many. This is one of their spring scents, but I have so many autumn scents that I'm sure I'll have more of these in my next empties. Being a butter, this is on the heavier side so I prefer to use this type of lotion when it starts getting colder. Definitely one of my three favorite brands for lotion. Would I repurchase? Not this scent. I have a 4oz jar waiting for me! But this type of lotion, yes!

Cocoa Pink Voluptuous Body Butter in Pineapple Cilantro: Another of my favorite indie bath and body companies that makes some of my favorite lotions. I have this formula and the Coco Mango formula, which I've found that I prefer. I used this up sometime in the beginning of September when I really wanted a fresh scent. I'm trying to hold out on a sale to stock up on autumn geared scents because shipping is so expensive. I really love these lotions. Would I repurchase? Eh. I like to try different scents, so I probably won't. I'll also probably purchase all my fall scents in the Coco Mango formula.

Paintbox Soapworks Clean Slate Emulsifying Facial Scrub: I included this in my September monthly favorites, which was my new jar. Since a little goes a long way with this scrub and I only use it two to three times a week, I don't exactly plow through this product. I really love that it is the perfect combination of scrubiness and moisture without being overkill. Definitely one of my go to products. Would I repurchase? Yes, and I already have! 

Baviphat Paprika Moisture Hand Cream: This is my cute little bell pepper container up in the picture and it used to be a lotion. Baviphat is one of my favorite Korean brands. This lotion smelled so good, but it wasn't exactly as moisturizing as I hoped it would be. I'll probably depot some scrub or lotion into this cute container for when I travel. Would I repurchase? Nah. I have what I wanted, which is the cute packaging.

Tony Moly Peach Hand Cream: Tony Moly is also one of my favorite Korean brands. This hand cream definitely not even met, but exceeded my expectations. It was one of my first Tony Moly products and I was so in love. This little peach container is adorable and I definitely will reuse it and put like shampoo in it for travel since it's big enough for that. It actually smells like a real peach and it really moisturising. Would I repurchase? I already had a backup waiting for me!

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge: I was getting my trash together when I realized I couldn't remember the last time I changed out my sponge. I do try to toss this every month or so because I don't want bacteria to collect. I also wash this every other time I use it, but the sponge just isn't as good after a certain period of time. I really love this for my foundation and I don't even use a brush anymore for foundation. Would I repurchase? I already have two backups and I try to buy them two at a time just in case they're out of stock.

Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream: I use retinol every night just because. It's easier to prevent than cure, I guess. I've just been using retinol for years. This just happened to be the one I was using and then forgot about and I figured I should use it up because I didn't want to waste it. It's comparable to everything else I've used, but nothing I would do cartwheels over. Would I repurchase? Maybe. It depends. I try to switch around retinols because I don't want my skin to get too accustomed to one concentration.

Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle 12% Glycholic Acid: I use this every morning and night after toner, so it's no surprise that this is here. AHA supports cell turnover and works hand and hand with retinol. It's a chemical exfoliant. This is the only brand I've ever used and I think I'll stick with it. Would I repurchase? I'm already using another tube and I'd probably get even another one at some point.

Clinque All About Eyes Rich: This was my first high end eye cream and it was sort of on the pricey side. I did like it and I was sad to see it go. I love Clinique as a brand, so it's no wonder that I liked this eye cream. It was very moisturizing, but I don't know if I'd go back to it. Would I repurchase? I have so many eye creams I need to use that I can't even think about buying this again. I do already have another Clinique eye cream and a smaller jar of this one if that's any indication.

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner: This is a toner. I liked it. Like every other Korean toner, it's more moisturizing than American ones that strip your skin. I have so many other toners that are comparable, though. This was a sample size one that I got in a set with the cleanser. Would I repurchase? Maybe. I really like the cleanser, so if I can get them together I will.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar: I got this from Nordstom in a sample beauty bag for spending a certain amount of money when there was a more recent MAC collection that I purchased along with some skincare. This was just okay. I liked it more in the beginning. By the last use, I squeezed the tube and some milky liquid shot out, so I'm just calling it empty. It also had one of those strange smells skincare can have sometimes. Would I repurchase? Heck no. For something I wasn't super impressed with, this is wicked expensive. No thanks.

Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream: I absolutely love Sulwhasoo products, but they're so expensive. My favorite cream from them is the Ginseng Renewing one that costs a whopping $220 for a 2oz jar! Thankfully, whenever I make any Korean beauty order, sellers throw in a bunch of samples. This is another cream that I like now, which is a double edged sword because I like this one too. This one is only $90 for 2.5oz, but that's still a lot of money! I do have a few more samples of this and it's cheaper to buy the one or two use sample packets on eBay. Would I repurchase? Never the full size unless I hit the lottery, but I'd probably buy one of the sample sets on eBay because you can get 20 packets for cheaper.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme: I got this in my first Birchbox late last month. I'm still not sure what to think about this, especially because it's supposed to be soap and not lotion. I don't feel clean after using it though, so I ended up washing with soap after this. I guess it's moisturizing? I also don't really like the packaging, although I'm sure the full size is packed better. This was in a weird cardboard sample sachet that basically melted in my shower caddy. Would I repurchase? No. And I'm not sure I'd even use my second sample either.

NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream: This is yet again another sample courtesy of Nordstrom. I really like this eye cream, which I hate to admit. It's $55 for a tube, which I think is ridiculously expensive. I think I'll stick to my combination of Clinique and Korean brands for eye creams. This was my first experience with Nars in general, not just their skincare, so I guess I'm pretty impressed. Would I repurchase? Probably not, unless the price goes down or the packaging changes.

Sephora Instant Moisturizer: I think it's funny that I have this sample from buying a lipstick from someone on Facebook and not directly from Sephora. That said, holy jesus I love this stuff. I even cut the sample packet up to scrape the rest of it out of the foil. It's super moisturizing and it worked so well in conjunction with my Clinique night cream. I actually don't know what I'm going to do without it now that it's gone. This was a huge sample and I got at least a week's worth out of the packet. Would I repurchase? I think I'm going to when I make another Sephora order. When I ordered my Tarte blush palette this past week, I rushed to check out and didn't even think about buying this cream. It's only $22 and I like it, so why not?

My Beauty Diary Chocolate Truffle and Strawberry Yogurt Sheet Masks: This is a brand from Taiwan that I discovered on Sasa when shopping for Korean brands. I bought the Strawberry Yogurt one after using the cleanser and the Chocolate Truffle one because why not? I love sheet masks, but I seriously can't do them when anyone is home because they look so weird and someone likes to make me laugh when I have one on and then I have to readjust the mask. My skin always feels nice and soft after wearing one because there's a lot of serum in these packets. Would I repurchase? I have a few different varieties of masks, including a box that I didn't buy too long ago. I'll definitely buy more, but I won't need to any time soon.

September Monthly Favorites

I have no idea if this is a lot of products for the month because I've never really done a favorites post before, but these are all the things I've loved this month. There are a few more things I wanted to include, but since I just started using them within the last week or so, I didn't think it was fair. If I continue to like those things then they'll definitely be included next month.

First up, I have blushes and bronzers. 

MAC Aphrodite's Shell - I've used this bronzer almost every day this month. This was something I regretted not picking up from the Alluring Aquatic collection...and then I bought it for $10 less on a buy and sell group on facebook. This is by far one of the better bronzers that I've used and I've kind of gotten the hang of bronzing thanks to this.

MAC Sea Me, Hear Me - Once again, something I regretted not buying from Alluring Aquatic and then purchasing elsewhere. I used this the beginning of September and most of August. I love the color and sheen of this blush. It does have to share the spotlight since I have enough blushes to not use the same one every day.

MAC Pink Sprinkles - I bought this Simpsons blush after Sideshow You and ended up using it more than Sideshow You. Even though I did love both the Simpsons blushes, I feel like this one was a better color for the month. I love all my blushes, so it's hard to pick favorites since they can't all be in a post.

Estée Lauder Peach Nuance - Admittedly, I didn't use this too much this month but I love it so much. I loved it the minute I opened the package. Is love at first sight a thing for a blush? I realize I've only owned this for like, 2 weeks, so I'm completely jumping the gun on this one. But it needed to be here. Because it's fabulous.

Sigma F50 Stippling Brush - I'll be frank about this one. I got this brush for free. Sigma sent me it as a free when I ordered three eyeliners that I dislike so much and can only locate the most hated one. I don't own any other Sigma brushes, but I've always wanted to buy some. Anyway, this is the most perfect blush brush in my life. I had been using an angled blush brush, but I decided to go back to this one when using a super pigmented blush. It's great at diffusing out the color so that it's perfect. I want to buy a million or another one, but it's $26 so...no. I'll just wash this a bunch. It doesn't hold color since the hairs are so wispy.

MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1 - Let me first say this: I have not used another foundation since buying this. I've tried mixing it with other foundations and BB Creams, but I haven't used anything else. It's not heavy on the skin and it gives a nice, natural finish. Everything else I've use makes my face look like I have makeup on and it breaks up at some point during the day. I've currently been mixing in Illamasqua Skin Base, but I can't consider that I favorite since I've only used it three times. The only downside to this foundation is that I think I'm going to plow through it. It's on the watery side so I have to use a bit more to cover my face. But you get 1.7oz and the standard foundation is usually 1oz, so I think that will balance out.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - This is the pink brightening shade. Sometimes I'll use this alone and other times I'll dab it over another under eye concealer. I don't think it really covers up, but it does a good job concealing darkness and brightening. It doesn't settle in my eye creases and if I'm feeling brave, I don't have to set it with powder. I also like the foam applicator. It's supposed to be antimicrobial and I prefer this to the brush style clicky pens. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - This is what foundation dreams are made of. I also have a Maybelline version of this primer, but I feel like this is just better. The Maybelline one will pill up on my skin a little bit if I use it too close to when I applied moisturizer, but this one doesn't. I'll probably buy another or a larger size when I run out, but it seems like it's going to last a long time. I just love that it makes my face feel smooth and that smoothness translates into my foundation also feeling smooth.

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Goodbye Dark Eye Corrector - This isn't a concealer, although I thought it was when I purchased it online. It's a white lotion based primer, similar to the feeling of MAC's Prep+Prime. I do like using this under my eyes for a little more slip and moisture during the under eye concealer process. I feel like my concealer holds up better when I use this.

Innisfree Mineral Stick Concealer - This is something I rediscovered when I was going through my makeup organizer. I was starting to fall in love with MAC's Studio Finish concealer when I found this and I like it better. It's a perfect match for my skin and it covers dark spots really well. It's also less messy than a liquid concealer or a cream concealer. I also love this to carve out my uneven bottom lip when I wear a dark lipstick. 

It's Skin Babyface Soft Bright Eye Stick - This is another concealer I rediscovered by accident. I was rushing to pull my Innisfree stick from the organizer I have my concealers standing it and this one came out instead. I didn't really have time to look for the other one, so I just used this. It also covers up dark spots well and I think it's neck and neck with my Innisfree one because I can also use this to brighten. It isn't straight pink like the Maybelline, but it's just pink enough to match my skin.

MAC Dirty Blonde Brow Gelcreme - This is basically the only thing that I put on my brows every day. I'll comb my brows into shape with a spoolie, apply this with light strokes with my 208 or 266, and then comb out the extra product. Sometimes I'll top this with a red powder if my hair is really bright or with a tinted brow gel if I just need a little more hold. This is excellent. I'm surprised I hated it at first, but now I'm in love.

Baviphat White Grape Lifting Yogurt Cleansing Foam - I was going through a box of skincare when I rediscovered this cleanser. I really like using this with my Clarisonic because it's nice and creamy. I'll sometimes mix this with a light salicylic cleanser, but I mostly just use it on its own. I'm sad that it's almost gone, but I have so many cleansers I need to use up that I can't repurchase right now.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - This is seriously my knight and shining armor. I just dab this on any breakouts I have at night and they're usually reduced in the morning. The only downside is that this is pink, like calamine lotion, so it's definitely not discrete at all. It also isn't a miracle worker, but it does help. 

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer - I've used this every night since getting it and I love how moisturizing it is. I'm also wondering if this is what cleared my skin up this month since I haven't really been using any acne products, but I don't think that's what the purpose of this moisturizer is.

Paintbox Soapworks Clean Slate Emulsifying Facial Scrub - I only use this in the shower a couple times a week because it's a little rough and I don't like taking it off with a washcloth because of the sugar grains. It's basically a polish for your face and it leaves my skin nice and soft after I use it. It also has really great ingredients like tea tree, and I love tea tree.

Anosa Tea Tree Herbal Toner - Speaking of tea tree, here's another. I use toner twice a day and I prefer and recommend Asian style toners. American toners are drying and strip your skin. These toners just add that little bit of extra moisture and don't dry out my skin.

What's In My Makeup Bag!

I feel like I'm one of those people who's makeup bag becomes a catch all for the crap they need to carry on a daily basis. That said, I did myself the honor of removing a few thngs that don't belong, such as my bottle opener key chain, my wine key, and a handful of Jolly Ranchers.

I don't even attempt to close my makeup bag any more, thanks to that red brush handle sticking out. On days when I drag all my face makeup to work, there's even less space and a second bag.

This is the first handful of stuff.

• Inglot Brow Powder in 561
• Inglot Eye Shadow in Matte 366
• MAC 266 brush
• MAC 208 brush
• Urban Decay mini 24/7 eyeliners in Sabbath, Perversion, and Smoke
• MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
• MAC Prep+Prime Lip
• MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Red Chestnut

And this is the second handful of stuff. Ignore my Bud Light coozie and the other junk in the background. That definitely doesn't fit in my makeup bag.

• One Hand Washes the Other (OHWTO) perfume oil in Besos Del Sol
• Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki brush
• MAC Lipsticks in Toying Around, Speak Louder, and Lady at Play
• MAC Brow Gel Creme in Dirty Blonde
• Paintbox Soapworks Solid Scent Balm in Avast!
• Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy in Citron
• MAC Sheer Select Powder in NC5
• Generic brow spoolie
• Missha lash curler

I guess for the most part these are the standard items in my bag. I usually switch out my perfume oil, lotion, and lipsticks. These are just the lipsticks I wore the last few days and I just took then out of my bag and added two different ones. 

I doubt she has one, but I want Jessica to post what's in her bag whenever she does start using one!